Investigation on effects of aluminium, copper and titanium nanoparticles on the antioxidant, osmoregulation and nerve systems of rats (Rattus norvegicus var. Albinos)

In this study, the effects of metal-oxide (Al2O3, CuO, TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in mammals were investigated. For this aim, Al2O3, CuO, TiO2 NPs with differing doses (0, 0.5, 5, 50 mg/kg/day) were orally administered to mature female rats (Rattus norvegicus var. albinos) for 14 days. The effects of NPs on the antioxidant system (in the liver), nerve system (in the brain) and osmoregulation system (in the small intestine and kidney) were investigated using organ specific biomarkers. Data showed that NPs were considerably effective on the antioxidant system parameters of rats. The activities of CAT, SOD, GPx, GR and GST in the liver of rats were altered at least by one NP. Similarly, glutathione levels that are non-enzymatic data (total, reduced, oxidized GSH) were also increased especially by Ti NP. However, GSH/GSSG rate which is the indication of oxidative stress increased only by Al and Cu NPs. TBARS levels in the liver increased by Cu NP, while it decreased by Ti NP. Most changes in ATPase activities were seen in total and Na,K-ATPase activities followed by Mg-ATPase activity. ATPases in the brain were found to be most sensitive ones. Similarly, all NPs caused significant decreases in AChE activity in the brain. The accumulation of NPs was shown by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) in all tissues.