The effect of the source and dosage of dietary Cu on redox status in rat tissues

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether the amount of Cu added to the diet of rats can be reduced without adversely affecting the antioxidant status of tissues and growth, and whether copper nanoparticles can be used for this purpose. For four weeks, four experimental groups of rats were fed diets with two dosages of added Cu (standard—6.5 or 3.25 mg/kg) in two forms (standard—CuCO3 or copper nanoparticles). Replacing the CuCO3 supplement with CuNPs resulted in a decreased lung weight and an increased Cu content in brain, kidney and lung, intensification of lipid peroxidation processes, and weakened antioxidant defence in the lungs and kidneys. This treatment also reduced the Cu content in heart, level of lipid oxidation in the liver and testes and improved antioxidant defence in the brain. Reducing the addition of Cu to the diet from 6.5 to 3.25 mg/kg reduced lung weight and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart and lungs, and also weakened antioxidant defence in the lungs and testes. This treatment also weakened the lipid peroxidation process in the spleen, small intestine and brain and strengthened the antioxidant defence of the brain and kidneys. In conclusion, replacing CuCO3 with CuNPs and reducing the level of Cu in the diet of rats has a particularly unfavourable effect on the respiratory system, causing adverse changes in the lungs. However, these treatments have a clearly positive effect on the redox status of the liver and brain.

The Effect of Copper Nanoparticles and a Different Source of Dietary Fibre in the Diet on the Integrity of the Small Intestine in the Rat

“…Nevertheless, others indicated that the application of CuNPs in animal nutrition, apart from the benefits, may carry a significant risk due to the potential toxicity of CuNPs [ 11 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Our results are partly consistent with these reports, as we proved an increase in Cu accumulation in the brain, kidneys and lungs, as well as an intensification of lipid peroxidation or impairment of antioxidant defence [ 18 ]. Due to such a broad physiological effect of CuNPs in the body, indicating positive and negative effects, it may be important to regulate the area of their reactivity.…”

“…Copper nanoparticles (99.9% purity powder, 40–60 nm size, 12 m 2 /g specific surface area (SSA), spherical morphology, 0.19 g/cm 3 bulk density, 8.9 g/cm 3 true density) were obtained from Sky Spring Nanomaterials Inc. (Houston, TX, USA). CuNPs with the same properties were also used in our previous studies [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 18 , 31 ]. α-Cellulose was used as a control dietary fibre source (Sigma, Poznań, Poland).…”

The Interaction of Dietary Pectin, Inulin, and Psyllium with Copper Nanoparticle Induced Changes to the Cardiovascular System

“…However, metal NPs carry a possible risk that outstate the benefits of ionic forms due to the potential toxicity of NPs themselves. Only a few recent studies are partly consistent with safety reports, in contrast to many others which point towards the intensification of lipid peroxidation and impairment of antioxidant defense mechanisms [ 4 ].…”

Effect of Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Nanoparticles Added to Low- or High-Fat Diets on Chromium Biodistribution and the Blood Level of Selected Minerals in Rats

“…accumulated in the kidneys of chickens fed diets containing potassium chromate. In our previous study on Wistar rats subjected to dietary treatments with nano-copper, those small nanoparticles were accumulated in the brain tissue, while such an effect was not observed in the case of CuCO 3 added to a mineral mixture [Ognik et al, 2020]. An interesting observation was made by Staniek [2019] in female rats fed diets containing low (1 mg/kg), medium (50 mg/kg) and high (500 mg/kg) contents of chromium(III) without (recommended level 45 mg/kg) or with dietary excess (180 mg/kg) of iron.…”