Veterinary Research Forum

Assessment of oxidative stress biomarkers in liver fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum following exposure to copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Morteza Ghanbari 1
Farnaz Malekifard 1
Bijan Esmaeilnejad 1
Mehdi Fakhar 2

1 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

2 Gastroenterology and Hepatology Disease Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2025.2055808.4699
Abstract
Dicrocoeliasis is a globally significant condition impacting both economic and public health. The lack of effective vaccines and emergence of drug-resistant flukes have prompted research into alternative treatments. Metallic nanoparticles have recently been studied for their potential as anthelmintic agents. This research examined the in vitro anthelmintic activity of copper oxide (CuO-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against Dicrocoelium dendriticum. Using adult motility inhibition tests and oxidative stress biomarkers, including glutathione peroxidase , glutathione S-transferase , superoxide dismutase , and malondialdehyde , this study evaluated the effects of CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs. Flukes were treated with various concentrations of nanoparticles (1.00, 4.00, 8.00, 12.00, and 16.00 ppm) for 24 hr. The CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent anthelmintic activity. Higher concentrations (12.00 and 16.00 ppm of CuO-NPs, and 16.00 ppm of ZnO-NPs) significantly inhibited worm motility compared to the controls. The nanoparticles induced oxidative stress in the flukes, with decreased superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and increased malondialdehyde levels. Based on these findings, CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs exhibit potential as therapeutic agents for controlling and treating D. dendriticum. However, further studies are necessary to assess their safety and efficacy in vivo for managing parasitic infections.

Keywords

Anthelmintic activity
Copper oxide nanoparticles
Dicrocoelium dendriticum
In vitro
Zinc oxide nanoparticles
Subjects
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 17, Issue 3
March 2026
Pages 199-205

  • Receive Date 05 April 2025
  • Revise Date 03 May 2025
  • Accept Date 20 May 2025

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