Synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid–loaded silver nanoparticles for improving endothelial dysfunctions in experimental diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in facilitating the incorporation of DHA in the cell membrane, improve cell membrane structure, and attenuate endothelial dysfunction in experimental diabetes. METHODS: DHA/AgNPs were prepared using a nanoprecipitation technique. Fifty male albino rats were used in this study; 10 of them were served as the control group and 40, as the experimental groups, were injected with streptozotocin. Then, the experimental groups were subdivided into diabetic, diabetic treated with DHA, diabetic treated with AgNPs, and diabetic treated with DHA/AgNPs groups. RESULTS: DHA/AgNPs have small spherical size as proved from ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscope techniques. Cell membrane cholesterol and triglycerides showed a significant elevation in the diabetic group compared to the control, but treatment with DHA and DHA/AgNPs caused a significant reduction in both. Treatment with AgNPs and DHA/AgNPs caused a significant improvement in asymmetric dimethylarginine and nitric oxide levels compared to the diabetic group. Cell membrane fatty acids showed that omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly elevated, while omega-3 PUFA were significantly reduced in the diabetic group compared to the control. There is a significant improvement in the levels of fatty acids in all groups after treatment with DHA, silver, or DHA/AgNPs. CONCLUSION: DHA/AgNPs are potent agents for the improvement of diabetic complication and endothelial dysfunction in experimental diabetes.