Assessment of the general toxic effect of subchronic exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles in an in vivo experiment on rats

Introduction. Reduced emissions of hazardous pollutants into the ambient and workplace air registered at modern industrial enterprises is an additional positive effect of updating production facilities. The problem of exposure to nanoparticles, however, remains relevant, but the focus of world science is shifting towards the toxicity of lower doses.

The purpose of the study is to assess the general toxic effect of subchronic exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in an in vivo experiment on outbred male rats.

Material and methods. Stable suspensions of copper oxide nanoparticles were administered to male rats in a single dose of 1 mg/kg body weight thrice a week for six weeks. Health status of the experimental animals was then evaluated by certain criteria to establish the general toxic effect of the subchronic exposure. Student’s t-test was used to assess statistical significance of differences between the exposure and control groups.

Results. We found a decrease in the intensity of intracellular energy processes, morphological and functional changes in the liver, kidneys and spleen, including those associated with the activation of cellular immunity in the exposed animals.

Limitations. The study was limited to examining general toxicity in an experimental study of subchronic exposure of male rats to copper oxide nanoparticles using only one dose.

Conclusion. The severity of the changes observed suggests that, judging by the assessed parameters of general toxicity, the dose approximates the threshold one for rats.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the institutional Ethics Committee of the Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers (protocol No. 2 of April 20, 2021).

Аuthors сontribution:
Ryabova Yu.V. — data collection and analysis, draft manuscript preparation;
Sakhautdinova R.R. — data collection and analysis, draft manuscript preparation;
Minigalieva I.A. — study conception and design, draft manuscript preparation;
Sutunkova M.P. — study conception and design, editing.
All co-authors — approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Acknowledgment. The authors express their gratitude to the team of the Ural Multiple Access Center “Modern Nanotechnologies” of the Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin and personally to its director Vladimir Ya. Shur, Prof., Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.), for the synthesis of nanoparticle suspensions.

Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: December 25, 2023 / Accepted: March 10, 2024 / Published: April 27, 2024