Evaluating and Comparing Genotoxicity Mechanism of Copper Nanoparticles and Copper Sulfate

Background and Copper is a trace element that is used in various industries. Copper nano-particles are being used in different skin care products, lubricants, oils, polymers, metal covers, plastics, inks, etc. Previous studies have shown that both copper sulfate and copper nano-particles can induce cellular genotoxicity and DNA damage. So, this study aimed at evaluating and comparing genotoxicity in copper nanoparticles and copper sulphate. Assessment of oxidative stress as a mechanism of toxicity was also done.
In this experimental study, blood samples were taken from healthy donors and lymphocytes were separated. Then, lymphocytes were divided into ten groups including control, cisplatin (12µM), different concentrations of copper sulphate (10, 25, 50, 100 nM), and copper nano-particles (10, 25, 50,100 nM). After 24 h incubation, genotoxicity was investigated by micronucleus and also oxidative stress markers including lipid peroxidation and glutathione.
Incubation of blood samples with copper sulfate and nano oxide copper increased the number of micronucleus in lymphocyte. In similar concentration, this increase was higher in nanoparticles group compared with that of the copper sulphate. Also, in both groups receiving copper sulfate and nano oxide copper, lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) and glutathione oxidation increased significantly (p The genotoxicity of copper nanoparticles was found to be higher than that of the copper sulphate. Also, oxidative stress plays a role in genotoxicity of copper sulphate and nano-particles.