Abstract
Diabetes and obesity are major global health problems with a well-established link between them. Over the past two decades, research has increasingly recognized obesity as a major risk factor for insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. Diabetes, marked by hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin action or secretion, is often complicated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Natural products like caffeic acid (CA), a polyphenolic compound in plants and coffee, have demonstrated antioxidant properties. Similarly, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have gained attention for their ability to penetrate cells and interact with biomolecules, offering potential in treating diseases like diabetes.
This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Zinc Oxide-Caffeic Acid Nanoparticle Conjugates (ZnO-CA NPs) in a rat model of obesity-induced diabetes. Rats were divided into groups based on diet and treated with ZnO-NPs, CA, ZnO-CA NPs, or metformin. The study found that the high-fat diet led to elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, adipokines such as adiponectin and leptin, and oxidative stress. Treatments with ZnO-NPs, CA, and especially ZnO-CA NPs significantly improved these parameters. ZnO-CA NPs normalized these parameters, suggesting they may offer a promising therapy for obesity-related diabetes. This study suggests ZnO-CA NPs as a promising treatment for obesity and diabetes.