Copper Nanoparticles Modify the Blood Plasma Antioxidant Status and Modulate the Vascular Mechanisms with Nitric Oxide and Prostanoids Involved in Wistar Rats

Background: We aimed to analyze whether a diet supplemented with a standard dose of copper (Cu) in the form of nanoparticles, as an alternative to carbonate, exerts beneficial effects within the vasculature and improves the blood antioxidant status.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed for 8 weeks with a diet supplemented with Cu (6.5 mg Cu/kg in the diet) either as nanoparticles (40 nm diameter) or carbonate - the control group. Moreover, a negative control was not supplemented with Cu. At 12 weeks of age, blood samples, internal organs and thoracic aorta were taken for further analysis. Blood antioxidant mechanism was measured together with Cu and Zn.

Results: Diet with Cu as nanoparticles resulted in an elevated catalase activity and ferric reducing ability of plasma, however decreased Cu (plasma), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) compared to carbonate. The participation of vasoconstrictor prostanoid was increased, as indomethacin did not modify the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced response. Arteries from Cu nanoparticle and carbonate rats exhibited a reduced maximal contraction to potassium chloride and an increased response to noradrenaline. The endothelium-dependent vasodilation to ACh was enhanced while exogenous NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, did not modify the vascular response. Down-regulation of BKCa channels influenced hyperpolarizing mechanism. The superoxide dismutase and HDL-cholesterol were decreased opposite to an increased lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, Cu (plasma and liver) and Cp.

Conclusion: Despite the increased antioxidant capacity in blood of Cu nanoparticle fed rats, vasoconstrictor prostanoids and NO are involved in vascular regulation.