Neuro-biochemical changes induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are now widely used in various aspects of life, especially zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs) that used in mouth washing, cosmetics, sunscreens, toothpaste and root canal flings. This research aims to determine the impact of ZnNPs on healthy mice's brain tissue. ZnNPs have caused major changes in the brain monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin) and ions such as Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Zn²⁺. Concerning the histological picture, administration of ZnNPs caused some histopathological impairment in brain tissue. In addition, ZnNPs reduced the level of glutathione and catalase in brain tissue, although an increase in the level of nitrite / nitrate and ROS was observed, while the level of malondialdhyde was not significantly altered. Moreover, ZnNPs induced DNA fragmentation in brain of mice. Collectively, the obtained results revealed that ZnNPs affected the brain levels of investigated monamines, ions, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants thus they may have potential influence on central nervous system.