The Effect of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Allium cepa Extracts on Triton X-100 Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats

The rise in hyperlipidemia cases is still alarming, worldwide. This study determined the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on hyperlipidemia in experimental rats. Rats were assigned to six equal groups of five rats. Hyperlipidemia was induced by 7 days intraperitoneal injection of Triton X-100. Group 1 (Sham) received standard diet, Group 2 (Negative control) received 100 mg/kg Triton X-100, Group 3 (Standard) received 100 mg/ kg Triton X-100 and 10 mg/kg atorvastatin, Group 4 received 100 mg/kg Triton X-100 and 100 μg/kg ZnO NPs, Group 5 received 100 mg/kg Triton X-100 and 300 μg/kg ZnO NPs and Group 6 received 100 mg/kg Triton X-100 and 500 μg/kg ZnO NPs, orally. ZnO NPs displayed a light crystalline phase with fine peaks of ZnO wurtzite structure. ZnO showed lower antioxidant activity at concentrations of 60 and 100 μg/mL. A significant decrease in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL) levels and atherogenic index with a significant increase in high densitylipoproteins (HDL) level were noticed in groups received ZnO NPs in a dose dependent manner. There was a significant decrease in alanine transaminase (ALT) level, with no significant difference in aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels at the highest dose. There was a significant decrease in serum antioxidant enzymes and cardiovascular biomarkers. Histologically, there was a healing in cardiac tissue following administration of ZnO NPs. ZnO NPs were shown to have antihyperlipidemic and cardiovascular protective effects by regulating lipid metabolism-related biochemical parameters.