Biomedical Research

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are engineered nanoparticles used in many commercial products inclusive of cosmetics, paints, textiles, and sanitary products. ZnO NPs are potent in protecting the skin against UV radiation so, they are used as ingredients in sunscreen and moisturizing creams/lotions and hence the study of their toxicity is essential. On the one hand, nanoparticles, due to their small size occupy a significant place in cutting-edge applications in modern industry, while on the other hand; the small size of NPs may lead to their accumulation in the body leading to health hazards in human beings .The effect of ZnO NPs in different concentrations on Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), 1- α- fetoprotein (AFP), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) of male Wistar rats assigned in four groups, each consisting of 8 rat, was investigated. ZnO NPs was gavage-fed to groups 1, 2, and 3 with concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively for 10 days. A separate group of animals was assigned as the control group. Subsequent to the phase, tumor marker hormones AFP, CEA, and PSA concentrations were estimated. Results showed that ZnO NPs is toxic in the animal model. Thus, it is proposed that the NPs should be applied taking into consideration the health hazard that it might cause and a continuous monitoring of individuals’ health is essential.

Author(s): Habibollah Nazem and Zahra Arefian
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