Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Alter Serum Biochemical Indices, Induce Histopathological Alterations, and Modulate Transcription of Cytokines, <i>HSP70</i>, and Oxidative Stress Genes in <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>

Abstract

In the present study, fish were exposed to sub-lethal doses of CuONPs (68.92 ± 3.49 nm) (10 mg/L, 20 mg/L, and 50 mg/L) for a long exposure period (25 days). Compared to the control group (0.0 mg/L CuONPs), a significant dose-dependent elevation in blood urea and creatinine values, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities were evident in CuONPs-exposed groups (p p < 0.05). Moreover, varying histopathological injuries were noticed in the hepatopancreatic tissues, posterior kidneys, and gills of fish groups correlated to the tested exposure dose of CuONPs. In summary, our results provide new insights and helpful information for better understanding the mechanisms of CuONPs toxicity in Nile tilapia at hematological, molecular levels, and tissue levels.

Keywords

• Nile tilapia
• CuONPs
• histopathology
• gene transcription
• toxicity