Long-term biodistribution and toxicity of curcumin capped iron oxide nanoparticles after single-dose administration in mice

Life Sci. 2019 Aug 1:230:76-83. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.048. Epub 2019 May 22.

Abstract

Aim: In this study, in vivo biodistribution, clearness and toxicity of curcumin capped iron oxide nanoparticles (Cur-IONPs) were addressed in different body organs.

Materials and methods: The physicochemical properties of the prepared Cur-IONPs were investigated. Long term (3 weeks) biodistribution, clearness and toxicity were assessed for a single-dose administration of Cur-IONPs (5 mg/kg). The iron content in liver, kidney, spleen and brain was quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum biochemical parameters were also measured.

Key findings: The integrated in vivo results demonstrated that Cur-IONPs was mostly taken up in the liver and spleen reaching its highest levels on days 1 and 2, respectively. In the brain, the results showed significant accumulation of Cur-IONPs between 1 h to 1-day post injection. This represented the successful penetration Cur-IONPs across the blood-brain barrier. Serum biochemical analysis demonstrated a temporal disturbance in the performance of body organs. Also, the body weights showed no alteration throughout the experiment.

Significance: It has been deduced that the promising green synthesized Cur-IONPs as an "All in One" nanoplatform is safe enough to be used in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Keywords: Biodistribution; Clearance; Curcumin capped iron oxide nanoparticles; Serum biochemical analysis; Toxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Curcumin / metabolism*
  • Curcumin / pharmacology*
  • Curcumin / toxicity
  • Ferric Compounds / metabolism
  • Ferric Compounds / pharmacology
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Male
  • Metal Nanoparticles / administration & dosage*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Spleen / drug effects
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • ferric oxide
  • Iron
  • Curcumin