Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Stimulate the Immune Response

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are increasingly used in industry sectors. Moreover, the medical application of CuO NPs as antimicrobials also contributes to human exposure. Their toxicity, including toxicity to the immune system and blood, raises concerns, while information on their immunotoxicity is still very limited. Our work aimed to evaluate the effects of CuO NPs (number concentration 1.40×106 particles/cm3, geometric mean diameter 20.4 nm) on immune/inflammatory response and antioxidant defense in mice exposed to 32.5 µg CuO/m3 continuously for six weeks. After six weeks of CuO NP inhalation, the content of copper in the lungs and liver was significantly increased, while in kidneys, spleen, brain, and blood, it was similar in exposed and control mice. Inhalation of CuO NPs caused a significant increase in the proliferative response of T-lymphocytes after mitogenic stimulation and basal proliferative activity of splenocytes. CuO NPs significantly induced the production of IL-12p70, Th1-cytokine IFN-γ, and Th2-cytokines IL-4, IL-5. Levels of TNF-α and IL-6 remained unchanged. Immune assays showed significantly suppressed phagocytic activity of granulocytes and slightly decreased respiratory bursts. No significant differences in phagocytosis of monocytes were recorded. The percentage of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, and CD3-CD19+ cell subsets in the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes did not differ between exposed and control animals. No changes in hematological parameters were found between the CuO NP exposed and control groups. The evaluation of GSH and GSSG concentrations in blood samples expressed the overall antioxidant protection status of the organism. The experimental group exposed to CuO NPs showed a significant decrease in GSH concentration compared to the control group. In summary, our results indicate that the sub-chronic inhalation of CuO NPs can cause undesired modulation of the immune response. The activation of proliferation and secretion functions of lymphocytes indicated stimulation of adaptive immunity. CuO NPs elicited a pro-activation state of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes in exposed mice. Innate immunity was affected by the impaired phagocytic activity of granulocytes. Reduced glutathione was significantly decreased in mice exposed to CuO NPs. If you are looking for high quality, high purity, and cost-effective copper oxide, or if you require the latest price of copper oxide, please feel free to email contact mis-asia.