Comparative effects of organic and mineral selenium on mercury chloride‐induced oxidative stress and liver tissue damages in juvenile yellowfin seabream ( Acanthopagrus latus )

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to assess the protective ability of sodium selenite and selenium nanoparticles against mercuric chloride-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in yellowfin seabream, Acanthopagrus latus. First, fish fed with sodium selenite (1 and 1.5mg/kg) and selenium nanoparticles (1 and 1.5mg/kg) for six weeks and then exposed to 80 µg/L of mercury chloride for more than two weeks. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased and albumin serum level decreased in fish received mercury alone and those pretreated by 1.5mg/kg sodium selenite. The lipid peroxidation significantly increased and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities significantly decreased in liver tissue of fish received mercury alone and those pretreated by 1.5mg/kg sodium selenite. Mercury chloride exposure also resulted in tissue changes in these groups. Supplementation of sodium selenite (1mg/kg) and selenium nanoparticles (1 and 1.5mg/kg) provided acceptable protection against the toxic effects of mercury on antioxidant parameters and liver tissue structure and function. In conclusion, the results showed that mercury, even at low concentrations, is capable to induce toxic effects in A. latus and selenium pretreatment able to restore the antioxidant parameters and liver tissue structure and function in mercury-exposed fish, suggesting protective effects against mercury toxicity.