Serum biochemical and histopathological changes in liver and kidney in lambs after zinc oxide nanoparticles administration

Abstract

Background: Zinc is an essential co-factor for many enzymatic activities and its deficiency may produce clinical signs of parakeratosis, loss and failure of growth of wool and hair in sheep. Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of zinc oxide nano-particles (instead conventional zinc oxide) on serum biochemical factors and histopathological changes in liver and kidney of lambs. Materials and Methods: One group of lamb (4 lambs each group) received zinc oxide nano-particles suspension daily for 25 day. Whole blood sample and serum were collected at the start and the end of study. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferas (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CR) were measured in serum of lambs. Sections of liver and kidney were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and examined by light microscopy. Results: Activity of ALP (p=0.011) was significantly decreased and creatinine level (p=0.002) was significantly increased by zinc oxide nano-particles. Cell swelling, eosinophilic necrosis of hepatocytes, and multifocal interstitial nephritis was observed during histopatological examination. Conclusion: Results of study suggest that zinc oxide nano-particles may be toxic for use in sheep in zinc deficiency status. [Vet World 2013; 6(8.000): 534-537

Nano zinc, an alternative to conventional zinc as animal feed supplement: A review

“…(2009a) 5 Sheep Reproduction High incidence of abortions and stillbirths in the ewes in ZnO NP deficient diets. Campbell and Mills, 1979 , Najafzadeh et al., 2013 6 Poultry Growth Improves growth performance and FCR. Hongfu, 2008 , Yang and Sun, 2006 ZnO NP = zinc oxide nanoparticles.…”

“…New application in animal production system is nanotube implanted under the skin to provide real time measurement of level of estradiol in the blood. Zn deficient diets are a cause of high incidence of abortions and stillbirths ( Campbell and Mills, 1979 , Najafzadeh et al., 2013 ). Supplementation in the form of nZn to animals can possibly eliminate these reproductive disturbances and thus may improve the economics of farming.…”

“…Liver, spleen, heart, pancreas and bone are the target organs of ZnO NP on oral exposure ( Wang et al., 2008 ). In the histopathological examination, ZnO NP have dose and time dependent cytotoxicity and its mechanism is carried by oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, cell membrane damage, and oxidative DNA damage ( Lin et al., 2009 , Najafzadeh et al., 2013 ). Zinc oxide nanoparticles induced toxicity in cells resulted in the production of free radicals causing oxidative injury, excitation of inflammation and cell death ( Xia et al., 2008 ).…”

“…At pharmacological doses in vivo , Zn has a protective effect against pro-oxidants and dietary Zn deficiency predisposes to oxidative damage in cells by protection of sulfhydryl groups and inhibits production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by transition metals. Bray and Bettger (1990) Ruminants Reproduction Higher incidence of abortions and stillbirths in Zn deficient ewes Campbell and Mills, 1979 , Najafzadeh et al., 2013 Poultry (Broilers) Growth, carcass traits and meat quality Increased ADFI, ADG, DM and intramuscular fat contents of the breast muscle, percentage of eviscerated yield, redness value in breast muscle and pH values in thigh muscle and decreased shear force in thigh muscle, drip loss in breast and thigh muscle. Liu et al.…”

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Ameliorate Aluminum Chloride-Induced Hepato-Renal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats

“…They were also used in genedelivery drugs and as a food additive due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties [9][10][11]. ZnO NPs were used for their antioxidant activities [12] but could also induce cytotoxic effects [13].…”