Sustained release of nano-encapsulated glimepiride drug with chitosan nanoparticles: A novel approach to control type 2 diabetes in streptozotocin-induced Wistar albino rats.

The objective of the present study was to encapsulate the effective antidiabetic glimepiride (GLM) drug with biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) in order to reduce the risk of side effects, regulate and improve alternatives to therapy for people with type 2 Diabetes mellitus. The characterizations of the encapsulated EGLM-CS NPs were published in a previous paper. In continuation of the past study, here we report the in vitro and in vivo activities of EGLM-CS NPs in streptozotocin-induced diabetes Wistar albino rats orally treated for 28 days. Based on our results, the in vitro 3 T3-L1 cell lines observed that the highest concentration of 500 μg/mL exhibited 91.48 % cell viability after 24 h of treatment. The in vivo results of the EGLM-CS NPs treated rats group showed gradual control of the blood glucose level at 90 and 120 min compared to other groups because the drug showed a sustained release mechanism. A significant difference was observed in serum lipid profiles between diabetic treated and control rats. It is believed that the CS NPs served as a carrier system for the GLM drug, protected it from degradation, and enhanced its solubility as well as bioavailability. After 28 days of treatment, all the animal groups organs (pancreas, liver, and kidney) were dissected for histopathological analysis. The EGLM-CS NPs treated group displayed regeneration cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and normal cellular size with hyperplasia. The therapeutic potential was observed by the liver and kidney from rats reveals few tubule necrosis, improved bioavailability as compared to pure GLM drug treated rats. Hence, our formulated NPs are safe, no toxic effect on the vital organs, which will be helpful to improve the lives of diabetic patients and contribute to the overall health of the individuals.