Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aluminum (Al) or selenium (Se) on the “primary” antioxidant defense system enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) in cells of mouse brain and liver after long-term (8-week) exposure to drinking water supplemented with AlCl3 (50 mg or 100 mg Al/L in drinking water) or Na2SeO3 (0.2 mg or 0.4 mg Se/L in drinking water). Results have shown that a high dose of Se increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in mouse brain and liver. Exposure to a low dose of Se resulted in an increase in catalase activity in mouse brain, but did not show any statistically significant changes in superoxide dismutase activity in both organs. Meanwhile, the administration of both doses of Al caused no changes in activities of these enzymes in mouse brain and liver. The greatest sensitivity to the effect of Al or Se was exhibited by glutathione reductase. Exposure to both doses of Al or Se resulted in statistically significant increase in glutathione reductase activity in both brain and liver. It was concluded that 8-week exposure to Se caused a statistically significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities in mouse brain and/or liver, however, these changes were dependent on the used dose. The exposure to both Al doses caused a statistically significant increase only in glutathione reductase activity of both organs.
Highlights
Most chemical elements play a very important role in human life
In our previous experimental studies, we evaluated the effect of acute exposure to Al on oxidative stress and the capacity of the antioxidant system in mouse organs by using the Al intoxication model that involved the injection of AlCl3 solution into the abdominal cavity of the mouse [25,26,27,28]
The changes in the activity of the enzyme were observed when the animals received the high dose of Se (0.4 mg/L in drinking water); the activity of this enzyme increased in the brain
Summary
Most chemical elements play a very important role in human life. This is especially true for metals, which may have a major impact on human health [1]. Metals are naturally found in the Earth’s crust, whereas humans cause their dissemination into the biosphere. These elements are highly stable, water-soluble, can accumulate in soil, and may enter the human body with food, air, or through the skin. Aluminum (Al) is especially noteworthy, as it plays an exceptional role in modern life due to its wide use in both industrial and household contexts. Al compounds are used in water purification and as antacids, food additives, vaccine adjuvants, and antiperspirants.
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