Chemistry and Biochemistry: Research Progress Vol. 11

Nanomedicine has recently played a crucial role in addressing numerous human ailments and complications. Monodora myristica, also known as African nutmeg, is a rich source of bioactive phytonutrients that can act as reducing agents in the synthesis of metal-based nanoparticles. This study aimed to assess the effects of biogenic magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles from Monodora myristica (Mg(OH)₂NP-Mm) on antioxidant parameters, lipid dysfunction-related indices, and the mRNA expression of Akt, Nrf2, and insulin genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Mg(OH)₂NP-Mm was biosynthesised and characterised using EDX, FTIR, SEM, and UV analyses. To induce diabetes, 48 adult male Wistar rats (150–250 g) were randomly assigned to eight groups of six and administered streptozotocin (55 mg/kg bw). Diabetic animals were treated with 50, 100, 150, or 200 mg/kg bw Mg(OH)₂NP-Mm for 21 days, with Mg(OH)₂NP-STD (150 mg/kg bw) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg bw) serving as control treatments. Biochemical analyses included antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, serum lipid profiles, and atherogenic indices. Molecular analyses involved RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, and the results were presented graphically using GraphPad Prism 8.5 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). Characterisation of Mg(OH)₂NP-Mm revealed a light-scattering capacity of 220–235 nm, particle sizes of 5–100 nm, morphology, probable functional groups, and elemental composition. The results indicated improvements in pancreatic antioxidant status and lipid profiles, with significant (p < 0.05) reductions in atherogenic and coronary risk indices. Mg(OH)₂NP-Mm treatment also upregulated the mRNA expression of Nrf2, Akt, and insulin genes. These findings suggest that the effects of Mg(OH)₂NP-Mm may be associated with its capacity to promote Akt/Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signalling and improve insulin secretion, both of which are relevant to the management of diabetes mellitus and related complications.