Nephrotoxicity Evaluation of Green and Chemically Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Rats: A Biochemical and Genotoxic Approach.

introductionThis study aimed to synthesize and characterize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Rhus punjabensis extract and chemical methodologies. The comparative nephrotoxicity of greensynthesized CuO NPs (G-CuO-NPs) and chemically synthesized CuO NPs (C-CuO NPs) were examined in Sprague-Dawley rats and their offspring following oral administration during pregnancy and lactation.

methodsFourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were employed to examine the morphology, dimensions, and functional groups of the fabricated CuO NPs. To assess the relative nephrotoxicity of G-CuO-NPs and C-CuO-NPs at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, twenty-five rats were randomly allocated to five groups (designated as G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5), with each group comprising one male and four female animals for mating purposes. Nephrotoxicity of both parental and offspring animals was evaluated by examining their antioxidant status, total protein content, lipid peroxidation, genotoxicity, serum biochemistry, and histopathology.

resultsFT-IR confirmed the synthesis of CuO NPs, while TEM and SEM revealed that G-CuO NPs were spherical and C-CuO NPs were oval. The XRD analysis showed that both NPs had a monoclinic structure. The crystalline dimensions of G-CuO NPs were 36.6 nm, and 32.85 nm for C-CuO NPs. C-CuO NPs showed dose-dependent toxicity in both parents and pups, causing a disturbance in the antioxidant balance, reducing protein content, and inducing lipid peroxidation and genotoxicity in the renal tissues. The morphological architecture of the parents' kidneys and renal function were evaluated. G-CuO NPs, on the other hand, showed mild toxicity only in the parents. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate that G-CuO NPs exhibit biocompatibility and are suitable for biological applications. This study underscores the compatibility of plant-derived metallic nanoparticles with living systems and paves the way for investigating their potential applications in contexts where toxicity limits the use of nanoparticles.

conclusionBased on these findings, the biocompatibility of green-synthesized CuO NPs was determined, and they did not induce nephrotoxicity in both parents and their offspring. In contrast, chemically synthesized CuO NPs, when administered at higher concentrations, were found to cause nephrotoxicity, which may also be transmitted to the offspring through lactation.