The possible role of vitamins E and C in reducing the toxicity of copper nanoparticles in the kidney and liver of the rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

This study aims to ascertain the extent of accumulation of copper in the tissue of kidneys and liver, in addition to elucidate the effects of toxic nanoparticles on the kidneys and liver’s functions. Also it aims to measure some of the standards of antioxidants. We randomly had divided 56 rats (Rattus norvegicus) weigh 120 g ± 10 g into seven treatment groups and one of them is a controller. Rats in treatment groups were given 100 mg/kg/day of copper nanoparticles and 250 mg/kg/day of vitamins E and C.The obtained results had indicated an accumulation of copper nanoparticles in the liver and kidneys of the rats in the treatment groups. We also found that the accumulation in the liver is significantly more than in the kidneys. Treatment also resulted in the increase of ALT, AST and GGT enzymes level and serum urea and creatinine in blood serum in the copper nanoparticles treated groups. Also there’s increase in level of lipid peroxide and decrease in the level of glutathione in the liver and the kidneys. When we made a comparison between the controlled group with the treated groups by nanoparticle and vitamins, the results had confirmed the effective role of vitamins as antioxidants that reduce the accumulation of nanoparticles in tissues, and returns the level of liver enzymes, Kidney function, lipid peroxide and glutathione to almost normal levels.