Selenomethionine administration decreases the oxidative stress induced by post mortem ischemia in the heart, liver and kidneys of rats.

Selenium is an essential element in human and animal metabolism integrated into the catalytic site of glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), an antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress refers the imbalance between ROS and antioxidant defense systems. It generates alterations of DNA, proteins and lipid peroxidation. The imbalance occurs particularly during ischemia and lack of postmortem perfusion. This mechanism is of relevance in transplant organs, affecting their survival. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of seleno-methionine (SeMet) as a protective agent against postmortem ischemia injury in transplant organs. Wistar rats were orally administered with SeMet. After sacrifice, liver, heart and kidney samples were collected at different postmortem intervals (PMIs). SeMet administration produced a significant increase of Se concentration in the liver (65%, p < 0.001), heart (40%, p < 0.01) and kidneys (45%, p < 0.05). Levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly compared to control in the heart (0.21 ± 0.04 vs. 0.12 ± 0.02 mmol g-1) and kidneys (0.41 ± 0.02 vs. 0.24 ± 0.03 mmol g-1) in a PMI of 1-12 h (p < 0.01). After SeMet administration for 21 days, a significant increase in GPX1 activity was observed in the liver (80%, p < 0.001), kidneys (74%, p < 0.01) and heart (35%, p < 0.05). SeMet administration to rats significantly decreased the oxidative stress in the heart, liver and kidneys of rats generated by postmortem ischemia.