This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Nano-Zinc (N-Zn) and Zinc (Zn) against copper (Cu) toxicosis in rats. Sixty male albino rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10); control group, Cu-treated group: orally received CuSo4 (100 mg/kg bwt/day ), N-Zn-treated group: intraperitoneally (IP) injected with N-ZnO (5 mg/kg bwt/day), Zn-treated group: IP injected with ZnO (5 mg/kg bwt/day), Cu+N-Zn - and Cu+Zn -treated groups received the same previous doses and routes. All the experimental treatments were given 3 times / week and continued for eight weeks. Results showed that Cu- treated group caused a significant decrease in body weight and a significant increase in relative liver and kidney weights. Also, Cu caused a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelets count with a significant increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) without any changes in leukocytic count. Biochemical analysis showed a significant elevation in serum liver enzymes, total and indirect bilirubin with a significant decrease in serum levels of total proteins and albumin. Also, there was a significant elevation in serum urea and creatinine levels. Cu induced a significant increase in renal and hepatic malondialdhyde (MDA) and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH). Histopathologically, Cu revealed severe degenerative and necrotic lesions in the livers and kidneys. N-Zn and Zn- treatments attenuated Cu-induced oxidative damage, alterations in the liver and kidney function tests and histopathology. Moreover, Zn treatment showed better protection against Cu-induced toxicity as compared to N-Zn.
Key words: Copper, zinc, nano-zinc, rats.
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