Effect of Nano- and Microzinc Supplementation on the Mineral Composition of Bones of Rats with Induced Mammary Gland Cancer

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine changes in the mineral composition of the bones of rats with chemically induced mammary gland cancer and to attempt to establish whether a specific diet modification involving the inclusion of zinc ions in two forms—nano and micro—will affect the mineral composition of the bones. Methods: Female Sprague–Dawley rats were used for the research. The animals were randomly assigned to three experimental groups. All animals were fed a standard diet (Labofeed H), and selected groups additionally received zinc nanoparticles or microparticles in the amount of 4.6 mg/mL. To induce mammary cancer, the animals were given 7,12-dimethyl-1,2-benz[a]anthracene. The content of Ag, As, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, and V was determined using ICP-MS, while that of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and Zn was determined using FAAS. Results: The use of a diet enriched with zinc nano- or microparticles significantly influenced the content of the elements tested. In the bones of rats fed a diet with zinc nanoparticles, changes were found in the content of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cd, U, V, and Tl, while in the case of the diet supplemented with zinc microparticles, there were differences in six elements—Ca, Mg, B, Cd, Ag, and Pb—compared to animals receiving an unsupplemented diet. Conclusions: The content of elements in the bone tissue of rats in the experimental model indicates disturbances of mineral metabolism in the tissue at an early stage of mammary cancer.

ZnO nanomaterials target mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways in cancer cells

“…41,44 Numerous studies have consistently reported that ZnO nanocomposites exhibit selectivity towards cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating 28-35 times higher cytotoxicity compared to normal cells. 45 In an acidic environment, the concentration of Zn2+ has been found to play a significant role in related Treatment with nanocomposite materials resulted in increased expression of Bax and p53, decreased expression of Ki-67 and Bcl-2, reduction in cell size, and the appearance of cytoplasmic vacuoles and chromatin pyknosis. 47 Another study utilized ZnO NPs to encapsulate a complex of low molecular weight heparin (LMHP) and doxorubicin (DOX) (LMHP-DOX) to prepare ZnO LD NPs for controllable pH-triggered DOX release at the target site.…”