Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A025
Published online: 22 April 2026
Does dietary fibre modulate the immune effects of copper nanoparticles in rats?
Aleksandra Marzec1*, Bartosz Fotschki2, Ewelina Cholewińska1, Wojciech Dworzański2, Jerzy Juśkiewicz2, Radosław Smagieł1 and Katarzyna Ognik1
1 Department of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
2 Division of Food Science, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 18 Trylińskiego St., 10-683 Olsztyn, Poland
* Corresponding author: aleksandra.marzec@up.edu.pl
Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are increasingly considered a highly bioavailable alternative to conventional copper sources in animal nutrition. However, their enhanced biological activity may also be associated with adverse immunological effects. It has been hypothesized that dietary fibre, due to its modulatory impact on gut physiology and immune responses, may mitigate these effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether different types of dietary fibre (cellulose, inulin, pectin, and psyllium) can modulate selected immune parameters in rats receiving diets supplemented with CuNPs at recommended (6.5 mg/kg) or elevated (13 mg/kg) levels.
The experiment was conducted on Wistar rats fed for 6 weeks with diets differing in copper source and fibre type. Hematological and immunological parameters, including white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte (LYM) count, immunoglobulins, and cytokines, were analyzed.
The results demonstrated that the type of dietary fibre significantly influenced immune responses. Replacement of cellulose with fermentable fibres, particularly inulin and pectin, resulted in a reduction in WBC and LYM counts, indicating attenuation of systemic immune activation. In addition, inulin and psyllium supplementation led to decreased plasma IL-6 levels. Furthermore, the combination of CuNPs with inulin or psyllium reduced the levels of key inflammatory markers, including IgM, IL-6, and TNF-α. These findings suggest that while CuNPs may exert pro-inflammatory effects, their impact on the immune system is strongly dependent on the dietary context. Functional fibres, especially inulin, appear to exert protective, immunomodulatory effects, likely through mechanisms associated with gut microbiota activity and short-chain fatty acid production.In conclusion, the combination of CuNPs with selected dietary fibres may represent a promising nutritional strategy to modulate immune responses and reduce potential adverse effects associated with nanoparticle supplementation.
This research was funded by the National Science Center in Poland, Grant No. 2021/41/B/NZ9/01104.
Keywords: copper nanoparticles; fibre; immune system; rats
How to cite
Marzec A., Fotschki B., Cholewińska E., Dworzański W., Juśkiewicz J., Smagieł R., Ognik K., 2026. Does dietary fibre modulate the immune effects of copper nanoparticles in rats?. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A025