Toxic Effects of Nano Zinc on Hematologic Parameters in Rats

Objectives: Nano Zinc is a relatively new product that is utilized in many commercial products including cosmetics, personal hygiene products, antibacterial agents and sunscreen. It has also been used as a food/feed additives in human and livestock because Zinc can stimulate immune systems and has anti-inflammatory properties. Nanomaterials are theoretically expected to be more potent than their bulk equivalents due to their greater surface reactivity and the ability to penetrate into cells and organisms.Materials Methods: In this present research, nano Zn (15-20 nm) at the dose of 5, 20, 120 mg/Kg was orally administrated to 3 rat groups (n=7) for 14 days. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), white blood cell (WBC) count and differentiation and RBC osmotic fragility tests was performed. Results Conclusion: APTTsignificantly reduced in all treated compared to controls (P≤0.05). WBC count showed immunosuppressive effects of nano Zn in all treated groups especially in 20 mg/kg treated group (P≤0.05). The RBC osmotic fragility also increased obvious significantly (P≤0.05) in blood samples of nano zinc treated. This assay showed hematotoxic effects and immunosuppressive effects of nano Zn. Health hazard concern should well-considered in risk assessment of nano Zn.,