Biological activity of nanoscale colloidal selenium

Abstract

Several studies have shown that elements (metals and nonmetals) in the nanoscale form are much less toxic and do not accumulate in the body, as they are assimilated as trace elements in the process of metab� olism. Thus, the active ingredients of drugs and feed additives in the form of nanoscale elements are com� plexes of nanoparticles, which are characterized by a high surface activity and ability to penetrate into the cell and can actively influence the intracellular metab� olism by stimulating various processes. Selenium, one of the key trace elements essential for normal functioning of animals and humans, is of great theoretical and practical interest. Selenium is a compo� nent of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which is required to scavenge peroxides during metabolism. Selenium is also involved in the regulation of the per� meability of cell membranes, prevention of stomach and heart myopathy, and pancreas fibrous degenera� tion. However, the inclusion of selenium in the diet should be strict standardized. Selenium deficiency results in a reduced weight gain, deterioration of plum� age, muscular dystrophy, and development of exudative diathesis. An excess of selenium in the feed leads to the development of chronic toxicosis and disruption of cal� cium and sulfur metabolism. Disturbances in the syn� thesis of keratin in feathers and bones lead to the devel� opment of enteritis and degeneration of kidneys. Acute selenium poisoning causes hemorrhagic intestine inflammation, blocks oxidation and, as a result, leads to pulmonary edema and bleeding of the liver [1]. At present, a wide range of selenium and selenium� containing feed additives are used. Inorganic (such as selenite and sodium selenate) organic (such as sele�