Serum biochemical status and morphological changes in mice ovary associated with copper oxide nanoparticles after thiamine therapy

Introduction: Nanoparticles (NPs) can induce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress and are also cytotoxic to the genital organs of animals after exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of copper oxide (CuO) and CuO NPs alone and in combination with thiamine on the ovaries of mice and on antioxidant enzymes. Methods: Sixty adult mice were randomly divided into five groups. Group A served as the control. Group B received CuO NPs and group C received CuO at 0.2 mL/kg intraperitoneally (IP). Mice in groups D and E respectively received CuO and CuO NPs along with thiamine (30 mg/L) therapy. The responses of the ovaries to the treatments were appraised by histopathology studies. The values for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation were determined after 20 days of treatment. Results: The degree of degeneration and apoptosis of the different zones within the ovaries were recorded in groups B and C. The decrease in CAT value and increase in SOD activity were significant for groups B and C at 20 days compared to the control group. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level in groups B, C and E were significantly higher at 20th day when compared with control group. The groups treated with thiamine showed histopathological and enzymatic results that were similar to those of the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest the combination of CuO NPs and CuO with thiamine improves serum enzyme activity and has positive effects on the ovary.