Nanoparticles of copper stimulate angiogenesis at systemic and molecular level

Abstract

Copper is a key element affecting blood vessel growth and muscle development. However, the ions released from Cu salts are toxic. Given their specific physicochemical properties, nanoparticles of Cu (NanoCu) may have different bioactivity and affect the development of blood vessel and muscles in a different manner than Cu salts. The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of NanoCu on embryo development and angiogenesis at the systemic and molecular level, in experiments using a chick embryo model. Fertilized chicken eggs were divided into a control group, and groups injected with a placebo, CuSO4 or NanoCu. Embryo development at the whole body level and molecular indices using an embryo chorioallantoic membrane model were measured during embryogenesis. The present study indicated for the first time that NanoCu have pro-angiogenic properties at the systemic level, to a greater degree than CuSO4 salt. The properties of NanoCu were confirmed at the molecular level, demonstrating significant effects on mRNA concentration and on mRNA gene expression of all pro-angiogenic and pro-proliferative genes measured herein.

Figure 1

Images of implants maintained on the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) for 2 days, soaked with: (1) control (not soaked); (2) control (PBS); (3) CuSO₄; (4) NanoCu, evaluated at day 12 of incubation. Scale bars, 2000 µm.

Figure 2

Transmission electron microscopic image of Cu nanoparticles.