Insight into the modulation of intestinal proteome of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) after dietary exposure to ZnO nanoparticles

- A proteomics approach was used to evaluate effects of dietary ZnO NPs on carp intestine.
- Two parts of intestine including intestinal fold and muscle parts were studied.
- Significant changes have been observed in the protein abundances of both layers.
- Results can be used to evaluate safety of ZnO NPs in food processing industry.

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in industrial and consumer products. Therefore understanding their interaction with biological systems is key to their safe application. Proteomics was applied to assess the sub-lethal effects of dietary ZnO NPs on two parts of carp intestine, the intestinal folds and the muscular parts. A commercial carp feed containing 500 mg kg− 1 of ZnO NPs was fed to fish for six weeks. The abundances of 32 proteins in the treated intestinal folds were significantly changed and in addition, 28 proteins were significantly changed in the muscular parts. Pathways analysis revealed downregulation of pathways attributed to protein synthesis in both parts of the treated intestine. Remodelling of actin cytoskeleton pathways were regulated positively and negatively in intestinal folds and muscular parts, respectively, albeit via different mechanisms. Apoptosis response was indicated in exposed intestinal folds, whereas elevated levels of protein associated with cancerous cell survival were observed in the muscular parts. Results showed that ZnO NPs affected the protein abundances associated with cell motility, immune system response, oxidative stress response, as well as cell metabolism. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD006867.

172