In vitro assessment of the effect of magnetic fields on efficacy of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles by Alborzia kermanshahica.

Cyanobacteria represent a rich resource of a wide array of unique bioactive compounds that are proving to be potent sources of anticancer drugs. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have shown an increasing potential as major therapeutic platforms and led to the production of higher levels of ROS that can present desirable anticancer properties. Chitosan-SeNPs have also presented antitumor properties against hepatic cancer cell lines, especially the Cht-NP (Chitosan-NPs), promoting ROS generation and mitochondria dysfunction. It is proposed that magnetic fields can add new dimensions to nanoparticle applications. Hence, in this study, the biosynthesis of SeNPs using Alborzia kermanshahica and chitosan (CS) as stabilizers has been developed. The SeNPs synthesis was performed at different cyanobacterial cultivation conditions, including control (without magnetic field) and magnetic fields of 30 mT and 60 mT. The SeNPs were characterized by uv-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and TEM. In addition, the antibacterial activity, inhibition of bacterial growth, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), as well as the antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of SeNPs, were performed. The results of uv-visible spectrometry, DLS, and zeta potential showed that 60 mT had the highest value regarding the adsorption, size, and stabilization in compared to the control. FTIR spectroscopy results showed consistent spectra, but the increased intensity of peaks indicates an increase in bond number after exposure to 30 mT and 60 mT. The results of the antibacterial activity and the inhibition zone diameter of synthesized nanoparticles showed that Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive to nanoparticles produced under 60 mT. Se-NPs produced by Alborzia kermanshahica cultured under a 60 mT magnetic field exhibit potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties, making them a promising natural agent for use in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.

Utilizing transcriptomics and proteomics to unravel key genes and proteins of Oryza sativa seedlings mediated by selenium in response to cadmium stress.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) pollution has declined crop yields and quality. Selenium (Se) is a beneficial mineral element that protects plants from oxidative damage, thereby improving crop tolerance to heavy metals. The molecular mechanism of Se-induced Cd tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa) is not yet understood. This study aimed to elucidate the beneficial mechanism of Se (1 mg/kg) in alleviating Cd toxicity in rice seedlings. RESULTS: Exogenous selenium addition significantly improved the toxic effect of cadmium stress on rice seedlings, increasing plant height and fresh weight by 20.53% and 34.48%, respectively, and increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid content by 16.68% and 15.26%, respectively. Moreover, the MDA, ·OH, and protein carbonyl levels induced by cadmium stress were reduced by 47.65%, 67.57%, and 56.43%, respectively. Cell wall metabolism, energy cycling, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems in rice seedlings were significantly enhanced. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expressions of key functional genes psbQ, psbO, psaG, psaD, atpG, and PetH were significantly up-regulated under low-concentration Se treatment, which enhanced the energy metabolism process of photosystem I and photosystem II in rice seedlings. At the same time, the up-regulation of LHCA, LHCB family, and C4H1, PRX, and atp6 functional genes improved the ability of photon capture and heavy metal ion binding in plants. Combined with proteome analysis, the expression of functional proteins OsGSTF1, OsGSTU11, OsG6PDH4, OsDHAB1, CP29, and CabE was significantly up-regulated under Se, which enhanced photosynthesis and anti-oxidative stress mechanism in rice seedlings. At the same time, it regulates the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. It up-regulates the expression response process of IAA, ABA, and JAZ to activate the synergistic effect between each cell rapidly and jointly maintain the homeostasis balance. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed the regulation process of Se-mediated critical metabolic pathways, functional genes, and proteins in rice under cadmium stress. They provided insights into the expression rules and dynamic response process of the Se-mediated plant resistance mechanism. This study provided the theoretical basis and technical support for crop safety in cropland ecosystems and cadmium-contaminated areas.

Nano-Selenium Alleviates Cd-Induced Chronic Colitis through Intestinal Flora.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant that poses risks to human and animal health. Selenium (Se), a beneficial element, alleviates the detrimental consequences of colitis and Cd toxicity. Se is found in food products as both inorganic Se (sodium selenite) and organic Se (typically Se-enriched yeast). Nano-selenium (nano-Se; a novel form of Se produced through the bioreduction of Se species) has recently garnered considerable interest, although its effects against Cd-induced enterotoxicity are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of nano-selenium on mitigating cadmium toxicity and safeguarding the integrity of the intestinal barrier. METHODS: For a total of two cycles, we subjected 6-week-old C57 mice to chronic colitis by exposing them to Cd and nano-selenium for two weeks, followed by DSS water for one week. RESULTS: The application of nano-selenium mitigated the intensity of colitis and alleviated inflammation in the colon. Nano-selenium enhanced the diversity of the intestinal flora, elevated the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces, and improved the integrity of the intestinal barrier. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, nano-Se may reduce intestinal inflammation by regulating the growth of intestinal microorganisms and protecting the intestinal barrier.

Impact of different forms of selenium supplementation on growth and physiological performance of New Zealand white rabbits.

Forty-eight weaned male New Zealand White rabbits aged 6 weeks with an initial body weight of (709.67 ± 13 g) were randomly divided into six experimental groups (8 rabbits each) for 6-14 weeks of age experimental periods. The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of using different forms of Selenium element (inorganic, nanoparticles and organic) as dietary supplementation on productive performance of rabbits. Six experimental groups in completely randomized design were used. The first group (G1, control) was fed the basal diet to cover maintenance and production allowances. Rabbits in the other groups G2, G3, G4 and G5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with Nano- Se at 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 mg/kg diet, respectively. The 6th group (G6) was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1 mg/kg diet of salinized yeast (Se-yeast) as organic form. The results indicated that the highest values of nitrogen free extract (NFE) and crude fiber (CF) digestibility, live body weight, daily weight gain, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were observed with those supplemented with Nano-Se at all levels compared with other treatments. However, feed conversion, net revenue and economic efficiency values were improved with Nano-Se groups followed by organic Se group in comparisons with the control group. Conclusively, the Nano-Se in rabbit's diet has a positive effect in improving rabbit's performance and economic efficiency compared to the inorganic Selenium.

Nutritional Support: The Use of Antioxidants in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The problem of treating inflammatory bowel disease continues to be a topic of great interest for researchers. Despite the complexity surrounding their treatment and strategies to prolong periods of remission, there is a promising exploration of various compounds that have potential in combating inflammation and alleviating symptoms. Selenium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron are among these compounds, offering a glimpse of hope in the treatment of IBD. These essential minerals not only hold the promise of reducing inflammation in these diseases, but also show the potential to enhance immune function and possibly influence the balance of intestinal microflora. By potentially modulating the gut microbiota, they may help support overall immune health. Furthermore, these compounds could play a crucial role in mitigating inflammation and minimising complications in patients with IBD. Furthermore, the protective effect of these compounds against mucosal damage in IBD and the protective effect of calcium itself against osteoporosis in this group of patients are notable.

Copper selenide nanosheets with photothermal therapy-related properties and multienzyme activity for highly effective eradication of drug resistance.

Bacterial infections are among the most significant causes of death in humans. Chronic misuse or uncontrolled use of antibiotics promotes the emergence of multidrug-resistant superbugs that threaten public health through the food chain and cause environmental pollution. Based on the above considerations, copper selenide nanosheets (CuSe NSs) with photothermal therapy (PTT)- and photodynamic therapy (PDT)-related properties have been fabricated. These CuSe NSs possess enhanced PDT-related properties and can convert O2 into highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause significant oxidative stress and damage to bacteria. In addition, CuSe NSs can efficiently consume glutathione (GSH) at bacterial infection sites, thus further enhancing their sterilization efficacy. In vitro antibacterial experiments with near-infrared (NIR) irradiation have shown that CuSe NSs have excellent photothermal bactericidal properties. These experiments also showed that CuSe NSs exerted excellent bactericidal effects on wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and significantly promoted the healing of infected wounds. Because of their superior biological safety, CuSe NSs are novel copper-based antimicrobial agents that are expected to enter clinical trials, serving as a modern approach to the major problem of treating bacterially infected wounds.

Ameliorative effects of berberine and selenium against paracetamol-induced hepatic toxicity in rats.

Background: Paracetamol (PCM) overdosing induces hepatotoxicity, which can result in death if the dose is high enough and the patients are not given N-acetyl cysteine. Berberine (BBR) has a variety of biological proprieties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Aim: Assessment of the potential effect of BBR and selenium when used alone or together on the PCM-induced acute hepatic toxicity in rats. Methods: This research involved 40 clinically healthy mature adult male albino rats, their weights ranged from 150 to 200 g and housed in standard conditions. Our study involved evaluating the potential effect of BBR and selenium when used alone or together on the PCM-induced acute hepatic toxicity via estimation of the liver function tests, determination of the antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation markers, immune-modulatory effects, liver histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. Results: Co-treatment of BBR (150 mg/kg BW) with selenium (5 mg/kg BW) showed significant improvement in the liver function parameters, the antioxidant enzyme activities, reduction in the nitric oxide (NO), lysozyme, malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α, and TGF-ß1 levels, and marked elevation in the IgM levels. Conclusion: Altogether, BBR, selenium, or both augment antioxidant activity and alleviate PCM-induced hepatic toxicity.

Lrp8 knockout mice fed a selenium-replete diet display subtle deficits in their spatial learning and memory function.

Selenium is an essential trace element that is delivered to the brain by the selenium transport protein selenoprotein P (SEPP1), primarily by binding to its receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8 (LRP8), also known as apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), at the blood-brain barrier. Selenium transport is required for several important brain functions, with transgenic deletion of either Sepp1 or Lrp8 resulting in severe neurological dysfunction and death in mice fed a selenium-deficient diet. Previous studies have reported that although feeding a standard chow diet can prevent these severe deficits, some motor coordination and cognitive dysfunction remain. Importantly, no single study has directly compared the motor and cognitive performance of the Sepp1 and Lrp8 knockout (KO) lines. Here, we report the results of a comprehensive parallel analysis of the motor and spatial learning and memory function of Sepp1 and Lrp8 knockout mice fed a standard mouse chow diet. Our results revealed that Sepp1 knockout mice raised on a selenium-replete diet displayed motor and cognitive function that was indistinguishable from their wild-type littermates. In contrast, we found that although Lrp8-knockout mice fed a selenium-replete diet had normal motor function, their spatial learning and memory showed subtle deficits. We also found that the deficit in baseline adult hippocampal neurogenesis exhibited by Lrp8-deficit mice could not be rescued by dietary selenium supplementation. Taken together, these findings further highlight the importance of selenium transport in maintaining healthy brain function. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exposure of Caralluma tuberculata to biogenic selenium nanoparticles as in vitro rooting agent: Stimulates morpho-physiological and antioxidant defense system.

The commercial-scale production of Caralluma tuberculata faces significant challenges due to lower seed viability and sluggish rate of root growth in natural conditions. To overcome these obstacles, using phyto-mediated selenium nanomaterials as an in vitro rooting agent in plant in vitro cultures is a promising approach to facilitate rapid propagation and enhance the production of valuable therapeutic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the impact of phytosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the morphological growth attributes, physiological status, and secondary metabolite fabrication in in vitro propagated Caralluma tuberculata. The results demonstrated that a lower dose of SeNPs (100 µg/L) along with plant growth regulators (IBA 1 mg/L) had an affirmative effect on growth parameters and promoted earliest root initiation (4.6±0.98 days), highest rooting frequency (68.21±5.12%), number of roots (6.3±1.8), maximum fresh weight (710±6.01 mg) and dry weight (549.89±6.77 mg). However, higher levels of SeNPs (200 and 400 µg/L) in the growth media proved detrimental to growth and development. Further, stress caused by SeNPs at 100 µg/L along with PGRs (IBA 1 mg/L) produced a higher level of total chlorophyll contents (32.66± 4.36 µg/ml), while cultures exposed to 200 µg/L SeNPs alone exhibited the maximum amount of proline contents (10.5± 1.32 µg/ml). Interestingly, exposure to 400 µg/L SeNPs induced a stress response in the cultures, leading to increased levels of total phenolic content (3.4 ± 0.052), total flavonoid content (1.8 ± 0.034), and antioxidant activity 82 ± 4.8%). Furthermore, the combination of 100 µg/L SeNPs and plant growth regulators (1 mg/L IBA) led to accelerated enzymatic antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD = 4.4 ± 0.067 U/mg), peroxidase dismutase (POD = 3.3 ± 0.043 U/mg), catalase (CAT = 2.8 ± 0.048 U/mg), and ascorbate peroxidase (APx = 1.6 ± 0.082 U/mg). This is the first report that highlights the efficacy of SeNPs in culture media and presents a promising approach for the commercial propagation of C. tuberculata with a strong antioxidant defense system in vitro.

Alleviation potential of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles for cadmium stress in Solanum lycopersicum L: modulation of secondary metabolites and physiochemical attributes.

KEY MESSAGE: Selenium nanoparticles reduce cadmium absorption in tomato roots, mitigating heavy metal effects. SeNPs can efficiently help to enhance growth, yield, and biomolecule markers in cadmium-stressed tomato plants. In the present study, the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were investigated on the tomato plants grown in cadmium-contaminated soil. Nanoparticles were synthesized using water extract of Nigella sativa and were characterized for their size and shape. Two application methods (foliar spray and soil drench) with nanoparticle concentrations of 0, 100, and 300 mg/L were used to observe their effects on cadmium-stressed plants. Growth, yield, biochemical, and stress parameters were studied. Results showed that SeNPs positively affected plant growth, mitigating the negative effects of cadmium stress. Shoot length (SL), root length (RL), number of branches (NB), number of leaves per plant (NL), and leaf area (LA) were significantly reduced by cadmium stress but enhanced by 45, 51, 506, 208, and 82%, respectively, by soil drench treatment of SeNPs. Similarly, SeNPs increased the fruit yield (> 100%) and fruit weight (> 100%), and decreased the days to fruit initiation in tomato plants. Pigments were also positively affected by the SeNPs, particularly in foliar treatment. Lycopene content was also enhanced by the addition of NPs (75%). Furthermore, the addition of SeNPs improved the ascorbic acid, protein, phenolic, flavonoid, and proline contents of the tomato plants under cadmium stress, whereas stress enzymes also showed enhanced activities under cadmium stress. It is concluded from the present study that the addition of selenium nanoparticles enhanced the growth and yield of Cd-stressed plants by reducing the absorption of cadmium and increasing the stress management of plants.

Effects of Selenium on the Lignin Deposition Pattern and Stem Mechanical Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

Lignin provides structural support to plants; however, it reduces their utilization rate. According to our previous studies, selenium (Se) reduces lignin accumulation in alfalfa, but the specific mechanism involved remains unclear. Therefore, at the seedling stage, four root irrigation treatments using 2.5, 50, and 5 µmol/L sodium selenite (S-RI), selenomethionine (SS-RI), Se nanoparticles (SSS-RI), and deionized water (CK-RI) were performed. At the branching stage, four treatments of foliar spraying with the three Se fertilizers described above at a concentration of 0.5 mmol/L (S-FS, SS-FS, and SSS-FS) and deionized water (CK-FS) were administered. The results revealed that all Se treatments chiefly reduced the level of deposition of syringyl (S) lignin in the first internode of alfalfa stems. SS-FS and SSS-FS treatments mainly reduced the deposition of S and guaiacyl (G) lignins in the sixth internode of alfalfa stems, respectively, while S-FS treatment only slightly reduced the deposition of G lignin. S, SS, and SSS-RI treatments reduced the level of deposition of S and G lignins in the sixth internode of alfalfa stems. Se application increased plant height, stem diameter, epidermis (cortex) thickness, primary xylem vessel number (diameter), and pith diameter of alfalfa but decreased primary xylem area and pith parenchyma cell wall thickness of the first internode, and SS(SSS)-FS treatment reduced the mechanical strength of alfalfa stems. Therefore, Se application could decrease lignin accumulation by regulating the organizational structure parameters of alfalfa stems and the deposition pattern of the lignin monomers.

Brazil nut consumption reduces DNA damage in overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disease, which occurs largely due to unhealthy lifestyle. As oxidative stress is believed to promote T2D, by inducing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, appropriate dietary interventions seem critical to prevent, manage, and even reverse this condition. Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) are nature's richest source of selenium, a mineral that has shown several health benefits. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of selenium consumption, through Brazil nuts, on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, and genomic instability in T2D patients. We recruited 133 patients with T2D, registered in the Integrated Clinics of the University of Southern Santa Catarina (Brazil). Participants consumed one Brazil nut a day for six months. Blood samples and exfoliated buccal cells were collected at the beginning and the end of the intervention. The glycemic profile, lipid profile, renal profile and hepatic profile, DNA damage and selenium content were evaluated. A total of 74 participants completed the intervention. Brazil nut consumption increased selenium and GSH levels, GPx, and CAT activity while DCF and nitrites levels decreased. Total thiols increased, and protein carbonyl and MDA levels decreased. Levels of baseline and oxidative DNA damage in T2D patients were significantly decreased, as well as the frequency of micronuclei and nuclear buds. The fasting glucose levels, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and GGT levels that increased significantly in patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly reduced with nut consumption. Our results show an increase in antioxidant activity, along with reductions of protein and lipid oxidation as well as DNA damage, suggesting that Brazil nut consumption could be an ally in reducing oxidative stress and modulating the genomic instability in T2D patients.

Targeting histone demethylases JMJD3 and UTX: selenium as a potential therapeutic agent for cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: The intriguing connection between selenium and cancer resembles a captivating puzzle that keeps researchers engaged and curious. While selenium has shown promise in reducing cancer risks through supplementation, its interaction with epigenetics in cervical cancer remains a fascinating yet largely unexplored realm. Unraveling the intricacies of selenium's role and its interaction with epigenetic factors could unlock valuable insights in the battle against this complex disease. RESULT: Selenium has shown remarkable inhibitory effects on cervical cancer cells in various ways. In in vitro studies, it effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells, while promoting apoptosis. Selenium also demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on human cervical cancer-derived organoids. Furthermore, in an in vivo study, the administration of selenium dioxide solution effectively suppresses the growth of cervical cancer tumors in mice. One of the mechanisms behind selenium's inhibitory effects is its ability to inhibit histone demethylases, specifically JMJD3 and UTX. This inhibition is observed both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, when JMJD3 and UTX are inhibited with GSK-J4, similar biological effects are observed in both in vitro and in vivo models, effectively inhibiting organoid models derived from cervical cancer patients. Inhibiting JMJD3 and UTX also induces G2/M phase arrest, promotes cellular apoptosis, and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). ChIP-qPCR analysis confirms that JMJD3 and UTX inhibition increases the recruitment of a specific histone modification, H3K27me3, to the transcription start sites (TSS) of target genes in cervical cancer cells (HeLa and SiHa cells). Furthermore, the expressions of JMJD3 and UTX are found to be significantly higher in cervical cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal cervical tissues, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the significant inhibitory effects of selenium on the growth, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells, promoting apoptosis and displaying promising potential as a therapeutic agent. We identified the histone demethylases JMJD3 and UTX as specific targets of selenium, and their inhibition replicates the observed effects on cancer cell behavior. These findings suggest that JMJD3 and UTX could be valuable targets for selenium-based treatments of cervical cancer.

Injectable, anti-collapse, adhesive, plastic and bioactive bone graft substitute promotes bone regeneration by moderating oxidative stress in osteoporotic bone defect.

The treatment of osteoporotic bone defect remains a big clinical challenge because osteoporosis (OP) is associated with oxidative stress and high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a condition detrimental for bone formation. Anti-oxidative nanomaterials such as selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have positive effect on osteogenesis owing to their pleiotropic pharmacological activity which can exert anti-oxidative stress functions to prevent bone loss and facilitate bone regeneration in OP. In the current study a strategy of one-pot method by introducing Poly (lactic acid-carbonate) (PDT) and ß-Tricalcium Phosphate (ß-TCP) with SeNPs, is developed to prepare an injectable, anti-collapse, shape-adaptive and adhesive bone graft substitute material (PDT-TCP-SE). The PDT-TCP-SE bone graft substitute exhibits sufficient adhesion in biological microenvironments and osteoinductive activity, angiogenic effect and anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidative effect in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the PDT-TCP-SE can protect BMSCs from erastin-induced ferroptosis through the Sirt1/Nrf2/GPX4 antioxidant pathway, which, in together, demonstrated the bone graft substitute material as an emerging biomaterial with potential clinical application for the future treatment of osteoporotic bone defect. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Injectable, anti-collapse, adhesive, plastic and bioactive bone graft substitute was successfully synthesized. Incorporation of SeNPs with PDT into ß-TCP regenerated new bone in-situ by moderating oxidative stress in osteoporotic bone defects area. The PDT-TCP-SE bone graft substitute reduced high ROS levels in osteoporotic bone defect microenvironment. The bone graft substitute could also moderate oxidative stress and inhibit ferroptosis via Sirt1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway in vitro. Moreover, the PDT-TCP-SE bone graft substitute could alleviate the inflammatory environment and promote bone regeneration in osteoporotic bone defect in vivo. This biomaterial has the advantages of simple synthesis, biocompatibility, anti-collapse, injectable, and regulation of oxidative stress level, which has potential application value in bone tissue engineering.

Effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatchability of broiler breeder hen eggs and resulting chick physiology and performance.

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential mineral for poultry. The conflicting reports about its in ovo injection are the justification for the more detailed investigation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatching traits of broiler chickens and their performance. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty eggs of Ross 308 strain with an average weight of 65 g and 160 chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (each with 8 replicates of 10 eggs each for hatching parameters and 4 replicates of 10 chicks for broiler farming parameters): negative control (no injection), positive control (in ovo injection of 0.272 mL of normal saline solution) and 2 selenium treatments (in ovo injection of 2.72 or 5.44 µg of organic selenium). Injection was into the amniotic sac on the 10th day of incubation. Effects of in ovo injection on hatching and performance traits, blood parameters, immune responses, carcass characteristics, meat fatty acid profile, cecal microbial population and selenium consternation in the tibia were measured. RESULTS: Fewer chicks from the injected treatments hatched than from the negative control group (p < 0.01). However, the injection of selenium increased feed intake and the final weight of the birds (p < 0.01). Blood parameters were also affected. Glucose and cholesterol in experimental treatment chicks was lower than those of the controls (p < 0.01), whereas blood lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL and HDL) and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL was significantly increased in the treatments injected with selenium (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the immune response or microbial population between the experimental groups, but carcass components, such as thigh, breast, wing and abdominal fat weight, were significantly greater in the selenium treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-egg injection of organic selenium produced favourable effects on performance of broiler chickens, although it had no effect on immune response or microbial population. However, the negative effect on hatching of chickens needs to be prevented to result in an acceptable economic return for the producer.

Selenium maintains intestinal epithelial cells to activate M2 macrophages against deoxynivalenol injury.

Selenium (Se) is indispensable in alleviating various types of intestinal injuries. Here, we thoroughly investigated the protective effect of Se on the regulation of the epithelial cell-M2 macrophages pathway in deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced intestinal damage. In the present study, Se has positive impacts on gut health by improving gut barrier function and reducing the levels of serum DON in vivo. Furthermore, our study revealed that Se supplementation increased the abundances of GPX4, p-PI3K, and AKT, decreased the levels of 4-HNE and inhibited ferroptosis. Moreover, when mice were treated with DON and Fer-1(ferroptosis inhibitor), ferroptosis was suppressed and PI3K/AKT pathway was activated. These results indicated that GPX4-PI3K/AKT-ferroptosis was a predominant pathway in DON-induced intestinal inflammation. Interestingly, we discovered that both the number of M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages and the levels of CSF-1 decreased while the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 increased in the intestine and MODE-K cells supernatant. Therefore, Se supplementation activated the CSF-1-M2 macrophages axis, resulting in a decrease in IL-6 expression and an enhancement of the intestinal anti-inflammatory capacity. This study provides novel insights into how intestinal epithelial cells regulate the CSF-1-M2 macrophage pathway, which is essential in maintaining intestinal homeostasis confer to environmental hazardous stimuli.

Impact of seed priming with Selenium nanoparticles on germination and seedlings growth of tomato.

Poor germination and seedlings growth can lead to significant economic losses for farmers, therefore, sustainable agricultural strategies to improve germination and early growth of crops are urgently needed. The objective of this work was to evaluate selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) as nanopriming agents for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds germinated without stress conditions in both trays and Petri dishes. Germination quality, seedlings growth, synergism-antagonism of Se with other elements, and fate of Se NPs, were determined as function of different Se NPs concentrations (1, 10 and 50 ppm). Results indicated that the germination rate in Petri dishes improved with 10 ppm, while germination trays presented the best results at 1 ppm, increasing by 10 and 32.5%, respectively. Therefore, seedlings growth was measured only in germination trays. Proline content decreased up to 22.19% with 10 ppm, while for same treatment, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total chlorophyll content increased up to 38.97% and 21.28%, respectively. Antagonisms between Se with Mg, K, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mo in the seed were confirmed. In the case of seedlings, the N content decreased as the Se content increased. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging confirmed that Se NPs surrounded the plastids of the seed cells. By this finding, it can be inferred that Se NPs can reach the embryo, which is supported by the antagonism of Se with important nutrients involved in embryogenesis, such as K, Mg and Fe, and resulted in a better germination quality. Moreover, the positive effect of Se NPs on total chlorophyll and TAC, and the negative correlation with proline content with Se content in the seed, can be explained by Se NPs interactions with proplastids and other organelles within the cells, resulting with the highest length and fresh weight when seeds were exposed to 1 ppm.

Txnrd2 Attenuates Early Brain Injury by Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Trx2/Prx3 Pathway after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats.

Thioredoxin-reductase 2 (Txnrd2) belongs to the thioredoxin-reductase family of selenoproteins and is a key antioxidant enzyme in mammalian cells to regulate redox homeostasis. Here, we reported that Txnrd2 exerted a major influence in brain damage caused by Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress oxidative stress and via Trx2/Prx3 pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pharmacological selenium (Se) rescued the brain damage after ICH by enhancing Txnrd2 expression. Primarily, expression and localization of Txnrd2, Trx2 and Prx3 were determined in collagenase IV-induced ICH model. Txnrd2 was then knocked down using siRNA interference in rats which were found to develop more severe encephaledema and neurological deficits. Mechanistically, we observed that loss of Txnrd2 leads to increased lipid peroxidation levels and ER stress protein expression in neurons and astrocytes. Additionally, it was revealed that Se effectively restored the expression of Txnrd2 in brain and inhibited both the activity of ER stress protein activity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by promoting Trx2/Prx3 kilter when administrating sodium selenite in lateral ventricle. This study shed light on the effect of Txnrd2 in regulating oxidative stress and ER stress via Trx2/Prx3 pathway upon ICH and its promising potential as an ICH therapeutic target.