The influence of ketoprofen and zinc oxide nanoparticles on serum copper level in rats.

Abstract

Copper is a trace element, both with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity. The role of copper in anti-inflammatory response includes several mechanisms. Antagonism between zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) and proper balance between the two elements in the organism may affect the course of inflammatory diseases. Copper is a component of Zn/Cu superoxide dismutase (Zn/Cu SOD) and other enzymes involved in the anti-inflammatory response of the organism. To investigate the serum copper level during inflammation and diseases, numerous researches were conducted. Copper deficiency or copper intoxication may lead to biological consequences. Copper deficiency may be caused by various factors, one of them is excessive zinc supplementation. Antagonism between zinc and copper and proper balance between the two elements in the organism may affect the course of inflammatory diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the alterations in the serum copper level after 2-week zinc oxide nanoparticle (NPs-ZnO) administration. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were administered in the following doses: 7 or 14 mg/kg, per os(p.o.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.). The second aim was to investigate serum copper level alterations after 2-week NPs-ZnO and single ketoprofen administration in the following three doses: 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, p.o. The inflammatory state was induced in each group by the carrageenan injection at the 15th day of the experiment. The results indicate for the decrease in serum copper level in group receiving NPs-ZnO in a dose 14 mg/kg i.p., compared to control. Moreover, in groups receiving NPs-ZnO in the doses 14 mg/kg i.p., 7 and 14 mg/kg p.o. as well as ketoprofen in a dose 20 mg/kg p.o., a decrease in serum copper level was observed. In case of p.o. administration of NPs-ZnO, no significant differences in serum copper level were observed, compared to control. We may conclude that NPs-ZnO administration and also ketoprofen administration acts as anti-inflammatory agents and may induce a decrease in serum copper level.