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

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.