Cardioprotective and Hypolipidemic Effect of Cardamom Oil-Loaded Lipid Carrier Nanoparticles in a Rat Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of poorly managed diabetes. Inflammation, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and other factors all play a role in DCM pathogenesis. Objective: To investigate the cardioprotective effects of cardamom oil-loaded lipid carrier nanoparticles (CEO-LC NPs) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Methods: Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each. STZ (50 mg/kg) caused diabetes in all groups but the negative control. The diabetic control group (G1) received a normal saline solution. For 28 days, group G2 received CEO-LC NPs (600 mg/kg), group G3 received empagliflozin (10 mg/kg), and group G4 (no diabetes) received normal saline as a negative control. On day 29, blood samples were taken to determine blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels, as well as oxidative stress markers. Additionally, atherogenic indices were calculated. Heart tissue was sent for histopathological examination. Results: In diabetic rats treated with CEO-LC NPs, serum glucose, cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced, while HDL levels increased. The CEO-LC NP treatment also reduced oxidative stress by increasing total antioxidant capacity while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, diabetic rats treated with CEO-LC NP had significantly lower AIP, CRI-I, and CRI-II ratios. Conclusions: CEO-LC NPs improve cardioprotection in STZ-induced diabetic rats by lowering plasma lipid levels and oxidative stress.