Protective effects of different concentrations of selenium nanoparticles on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) primary hepatocytes under heat stress

Abstract

Heat stress leads to altered expression of associated heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are critical molecular chaperones related to cellular function in living organisms. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), a nanocomposite form of Se, have a protective effect against heat stress-induced cellular damage. In this study, primary rainbow trout hepatocytes were isolated to identify the protective function of SeNPs in rainbow trout hepatocytes. Experiments were divided into five groups and SeNPs were added at concentrations of 0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 8.0 μg/mL and incubated at 18 ℃ for 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h respectively. Hepatocyte viability, GSH-Px and SOD activity were enhanced and MDA content was reduced following the addition of SeNPs. Expression of GSH-P1 and genes related to HSPs (including HSP70a, HSP60, HSP90β, HSP10 and HSP47) were significantly increased and the optimal concentration of SeNPs for adding to hepatocytes was identified as 5.0 µg/mL. Adding 5.0 µg/mL SeNPs following heat stress (24 ℃) increased hepatocyte viability, GSH-Px and SOD activity, while MDA levels first decreased and then increased. Expression of GSH-P1 and genes related to HSPs (including HSP70a, HSP60, HSP90β, HSP10 and HSP47) were significantly higher than controls. In summary, SeNPs and slight heat stress synergistically enhanced the expression of GSH-P1 and HSPs and protected hepatocytes from heat stress damage, suggesting that SeNPs is a potential hepatocyte protective therapeutic agent.