Biological effects of exposure to copper nanoparticles: markers of exposure

Abstract

Introduction. Aerosol nanoparticles at operating metallurgical plants are potent of the significant risk factor that needs to be studied.
 The purpose of the work was to study biological effects of exposure to copper nanoparticles compared to microparticles and identify potential markers of the exposure.
 Materials and methods. Two experimental groups of rats, twelve animals each, were subchronically exposed to copper-containing nanoparticles and microparticles injected intraperitoneally. Changes in their biochemical parameters, tissues, and organs were then compared to those in the control rats administered with deionized water. During periodic medical examinations of workers occupationally exposed to copper-containing aerosols with different particle size distribution, additional laboratory and instrumental methods of testing were used to identify possible exposure effects to health manifested by changes in biochemical parameters.
 Results. The experimental study showed that in liver, the exposure to copper nanoparticles, compared to microparticles, induced a more significant inhibition of replication of hepatocytes in regeneration, as demonstrated by the number of binuclear cells, and an increase in the number of Kupffer cells (tissue macrophages), while in kidney, it caused a more pronounced convoluted tubule brush border loss. The exposure to both micro- and nano-sized copper particles was found to induce pathological changes in neurons of the ganglionic layer of the cortex and basal nuclei. Test results showed a significant increase in the blood concentration of ceruloplasmin in the core personnel of the metallurgical plant following the exposure to copper aerosols rich in nanoparticles.
 Limitations. The assessment of the results of the impact of copper nanoparticles in the composition of the aerosol on the health of 224 employees of the enterprise and the results of the experiment obtained on 36 animals corresponded to the current social and ethical standards and norms.
 Conclusion. Specifics of the exposure to nanoparticles require a revision of approaches to regulating aerosols with account for particle size distribution.