Comparison of the Histopathological Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles and Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles in Cadmium-intoxicated Rabbits

Abstract

This study compared the effects of selenium nanoparticles and cerium oxide nanoparticles on biochemical and histopathological changes of cadmium-intoxicated rabbits. Forty white New Zealand rabbits were equally distributed into four groups. The Control group received saline orally while the negative control group received six-week oral administrations of cadmium 5 mg/kg. The third group received oral administration of selenium nanoparticles (0.8 mg/kg) and cadmium (5mg/kg). The fourth group received cerium oxide nanoparticles (0.8 mg/kg) and cadmium (5mg/kg). After six weeks, serum was obtained by the conventional methods, and then rabbits were sacrificed to obtain liver, kidney, and testis tissues for histopathological examinations. The oral administrations of Cadmium 5 mg/kg caused significant elevations in serum liver enzyme levels, serum BUN, serum creatinine, and lipid peroxidation levels (P<0.05). The histopathological investigations showed necrosis and inflammations in the liver, kidney, and testis of rabbits. Selenium nanoparticles oral administrations at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg significantly reduced liver enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and histopathological changes. The cadmium intoxicated rats treated with Cerium oxide nanoparticles showed normal biochemical and histopathological parameters (P<0.05). The current study proved the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of selenium nanoparticles and cerium oxide nanoparticles in cadmium intoxicated rabbits; however, cerium oxide nanoparticles were more effective.