Protective effect of Arthrospira platensis against liver injury induced by copper nanoparticles

Although copper oxide nanoparticles (nano-CuO) are one of widely used engineered nanoparticles, their human and animal exposure led to particular structural changes in tissues and organs. The present study was undertaken to examine the protective effects of the blue-green microalga Arthrospira platensis against nano-CuO-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Results showed that nano-CuO injection led to significant reduction in serum albumin level with a significant increase in alanine transaminases (ALT) and aspartate transaminases (AST) activities after 24 h of administration. In addition, nano-CuO administration resulted in significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and catalase (CAT) activity, with a significant reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) level. Administration of A. platensis alone did not significantly alter the normal levels of aminotransferase enzymes, antioxidants or oxidative stress marker. However, pretreatment with A. platensis prior to nano-CuO intoxication attenuated the levels of ALT, AST (liver function markers) and MDA (lipid peroxidation marker). It also normalized the levels of both hepatic enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (CAT and GSH, respectively). In conclusion, the present study confirmed the hepatotoxicity of nano-CuO at 10 mg kg−1 administration dose. However, administration of A. platensis could represent a significant protective mechanism against hepatotoxicity.