Comparative Effects of Zinc and Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Simvastatin in Hyperlipidemic Albino Rats

Background: Dyslipidemia is a major metabolic abnormality commonly present in diabetes mellitus and is associated with cardiovascular diseases, with high chances of morbidity and mortality. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc have been reported to possess lipid-lowering and antioxidant properties, while simvastatin remains one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Objective: To compare the effects of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids with simvastatin on lipid profile in hyperlipidemic albino rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, M. Islam Medical College, Gujranwala. Twenty albino rats were divided into four groups containing five animals each. Hyperlipidemia was induced using a high-fat diet, while diabetes was induced through intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. Group 1 received zinc, Group 2 received omega-3 fatty acids, Group 3 received a combination of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, and Group 4 received simvastatin. Serum lipid profiles were assessed at baseline and after 30 days of treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 30. Results: All treatment groups demonstrated improvement in lipid profile parameters. The combination therapy group showed greater reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels compared with individual therapies. The effects observed in the combination group were comparable to those of simvastatin. Conclusion: Combined administration of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids produced significant improvement in lipid parameters and may serve as a potential alternative therapeutic approach for the management of hyperlipidemia.