Doses Of Se Research Articles

Effects of Selenium Application on Fermentation Quality, Chemical Composition, and Bacterial Community of Hybrid Pennisetum Silage

The primary objective of this study is to facilitate the conversion of inorganic selenium (Se) into organic Se within plants via assimilation, subsequently feeding it to livestock and poultry to enhance healthy animal production and yield Se-enriched livestock and poultry products. Therefore, it is imperative to first investigate the impact of varying Se doses on the agronomic traits of plants as well as their forage storage and processing. This experiment investigated the effect of Se fertilizer application on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and bacterial community of Pennisetum americanum × Pennisetum purpureum cv Minmu 7 (HPM7). There were nine Se fertilizer dissolution levels of HPM7 treated, which were 0 mg/kg (Se0), 0.50 mg/kg (Se1), 1.00 mg/kg (Se2), 2.00 mg/kg (Se3), 5.00 mg/kg (Se4), 10.00 mg/kg (Se5), 20.00 mg/kg (Se6), 30.00 mg/kg (Se7), 40.00 mg/kg (Se8), and 50.00 mg/kg (Se9). The results showed that after silage, the water-soluble carbohydrates of Se1, Se2, and Se3 were lower than Se0, and the pH of Se3, Se4, and Se6 were lower than the Se0. The number of OTUs in the nine groups was sequentially Se1 > Se2 > Se3 > Se8 > Se6 > Se5 > Se7 > Se4 > Se0. The dominant bacterial phyla in silage samples were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Compared with Se0, Bacterial Shannon index in Se1 and Se2 were higher, while Chao1 and ACE indices of Se1, Se2, Se3, Se5, and Se6 were higher. A beta diversity analysis indicated that the Se1 exhibited the highest number of significant biomarkers. Escherichia coli between Se0 and Se3 and Clostridium sardiniense and Clostridium perfringens between Se0 and Se1 exhibited significant differences at a species level. The most abundant pathways for metabolism were membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, translation, replication, repair, and amino acid metabolism. The correlation analysis indicated that the dry matter content was negatively correlated with Bacillus (p < 0.01), Lactobacillus (p < 0.05), Pediococcus (p < 0.05), and Hirschia (p < 0.05); the contents of neutral detergent fiber and hemi-cellulose were positively correlated with Lactobacillus (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The protein content was negatively correlated with proteus (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the application of Se fertilizer could enhance the Se content in HPM7. The optimal fertilization concentration was found to range from 0.50 to 2.00 mg/kg, which facilitates the metabolism of soluble carbohydrates and enhances both the fermentation quality and microbial relative abundance of HPM7 silage.

Selenium Improves Arsenic-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction by Regulating H3K14ac Level.

Arsenic exposure has been known to be associated with male reproduction injury. Exploring the antidote of arsenic and ascertaining proper dose of antidote are important for detoxifying the male reproductive toxicity of arsenic. Selenium, which is essential for the male reproduction and spermatogenesis, can alleviate the toxicity of many environmental toxins, such as metals, and fluoride (F). Selenium relieves arsenic-induced reductions in spermatogenesis index and testicular function marker enzymes via promoting the antioxidative ability of rats. Our previous study has found that arsenic can induce male reproductive toxicity by affecting the level of H3K14ac in the testis, so we further investigate whether selenium can antagonize arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity through the H3K14ac pathway and ascertain the appropriate dose of selenium. The results show that selenium intervention reduces the accumulation of arsenic in rat testis probably attributing to promote the excretion of arsenic from rat, then improves the testis injury induced by arsenic. Selenium intervention enhances sperm quality, testosterone level, and expression of steroidogenic genes by regulating H3K14ac level and expression of its associated enzymes (KAT2A, BAZ2A, and HDAC6), and thus alleviates the male reproductive toxicity of arsenic, and the proper dose of Se for mitigating arsenic male reproductive toxicity is 1mg/kg.

The effects of Selenium phytotoxicity on two wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars differing in Se tolerance and the role of antioxidant enzymes in the tolerance mechanism

Abstract Wheat seedlings were hydroponically grown in Hoagland solution containing various levels of Se. Tolerance response to Se toxicity was investigated by determining the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), proline and chlorophyll content, the growth parameters, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The toxic level of Se treatment significantly retarded the seedling growth. A substantial amount of proline accumulation was also observed in response to toxic Se concentration, but it was more pronounced in putative-sensitive cultivars. Chlorophyll content significantly decreased in Se-intoxicated seedlings and increased at the lowest Se dose in both cultivars. Severe and mild chlorosis was observed in putative-sensitive and tolerant cultivars at the highest Se level. Alterations in the activities of glutathione reductase (GR, 1.6.4.2), glutathione S transferase (GST, 2.5.1.18), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX, 1.11.1.7), catalase (CAT, 1.11.1.6), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX, 1.11.1.11) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) were determined. TBAR level did not significantly increase in putative tolerant cultivars as an indicator of membrane lipid peroxidation. However, a significant increase was observed in putative-sensitive cultivars in response to higher selenium concentrations. In higher Se treatment groups, CAT and GST activities significantly increased in putative Se tolerant cultivars. However, excluding SOD, the activity of all the studied enzymes was increased considerably in putative-sensitive cultivars in a dose-dependent manner. Higher antioxidant enzyme activities and a substantial amount of proline accumulation did not significantly contribute to overcoming Se phytotoxicity in wheat seedlings grown in media supplemented with toxic selenium levels.

PSXIII-8 Determining the effects of selenium content of high-selenium forages on weight gain in growing lambs

Abstract High selenium (Se) forages grow on seleniferous soils in many parts of the world and upon Se-contaminated rangelands such as in the Western Phosphate Resource Area in the western United States. When consumed in large enough amounts or for extended durations, animals can be poisoned, developing acute or chronic selenosis. Naïve livestock will indiscriminately consume forage with increased concentrations of Se if available. However, most animals upon ingesting a sublethal Se dose will become averted to Se-rich plants and select forages with decreased Se concentrations. The purpose of this study was to determine Se concentrations in feed that cause reduced feed intake and decreased body weight (BW) gain in growing lambs (6 to 8 mo of age). Lambs (n = 5) were randomly divided into four groups and were fed a control pellet (< 1 ppm Se) at 1.5% of their BW and had free choice to a custom Se alfalfa pellet containing < 1 (control), 10, 20, or 40 ppm Se for 8 wk. During the 8 wk period the lambs gained 32.9 ± 4.1, 27.8 ± 1.8, 18.9 ± 9.2, and 7.4 ± 2.8% (mean ±SD) of their initial BW in the < 1 (control), 10, 20, or 40 ppm Se groups, respectively. After the 8 wk were completed, the lambs were fed only the custom Se alfalfa pellets, with < 1 (control), 10, 20, or 40 ppm Se, free choice for four additional weeks. As Se concentration in the pellets fed increased, the feed intake and BW gains significantly decreased. Lambs in the control and 10 ppm Se groups ate approximately 2-fold more than the lambs in the 40 ppm Se group, which lost over 3% of their initial BW. Understanding the concentration of Se in forages and how it affects appetite and BW gain allows range managers to better manage seleniferous or Se-contaminated ranges to safely use sheep on these types of rangelands. Additional work is needed to better understand the management of other livestock species grazing on high Se-containing ranges and pastures.

Foliar Sprays of Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer Containing Selenium Produce Functional Tomato Fruits with Higher Shelf Life.

Selenium (Se) is a nutrient whose daily intake is often below the recommended levels in people. Biofortification with Se is a method to increase this intake by raising the Se concentration in tomato fruits, an effect dependent on sources and modes of application. Additionally, Se application can promote the enhancement of other compounds in tomato fruits, altering their metabolism, which may increase the fruit's shelf life. This study aimed to determine how different strategies of applying a multi-nutrient fertilizer containing Se (SeMNF) can increase the Se content and other bioactive compounds and enhance the shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits. Different foliar fertilization strategies involving the use of SeMNF were evaluated in field trials conducted on commercial tomato crops. Indeterminate-growth tomatoes were used, and different Se doses and application strategies were tested. Harvesting was conducted in three phases according to fruit ripening. Each harvested fruit was assessed for the Se content, macro and micronutrients, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, pH, total titratable acidity, and total soluble solids in tomato fruits. Doses of 15 g ha-1 of Se, split into three applications, increased the Se content in the fruits at 1 and 2 harvests. The application of SeMNF at Se doses above 10 g of Se ha-1 increased firmness, days of ripening, and the nutritional quality of the tomatoes (higher contents of carotenoids (+39%), lycopene (+33%), antioxidant activity (+16%), total phenolic compounds (+38%), and vitamin C (+14%) in a dose-dependent effect of the application strategy used. These results contributed to an increase in the shelf life of tomatoes, consequently reducing food waste.

Morphometric and functional changes in the kidney of rats induced by inorganic selenium.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element. Depending on concentration, Se can manifest both beneficial and harmful effects on the cell and can have both oxidative and antioxidant effects. Because the therapeutic index for Se is very narrow and it can depend on the form of Se used, we aimed to investigate the potential safety and side effects of inorganic Se on kidney function and structure in rats. After 8 days of treatment, no detectable signs of microscopic changes or oxidative stress in kidney tissue were observed. We detected a moderate increase in urea and creatinine levels in the blood as a sign of a slight decrease in kidney function. The most notable changes in our study were morphometric alterations in proximal tubules and glomeruli, both of which were considerably enlarged. The short-term application of inorganic Se to rats in a supratherapeutic dose induced mild functional and ultrastructural changes in the kidneys. The dose of inorganic Se used could be considered relatively safe for short-term application in situations where Se could be beneficial to the organism, such as the usage of known nephrotoxicants or high levels of oxidative stress in the body.

Effects of Selenate Application on Growth, Nutrient Bioaccumulation, and Bioactive Compounds in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.)

The biofortification of edible crops with selenium (Se) is a common and effective strategy to address inadequate Se intake, which is suffered by millions of people worldwide. However, there is little information regarding the effects of this practice on crops belonging to the important Brassica family. To evaluate the efficacy of foliar Se application on broccoli, four treatments with varying Se concentrations were tested: 0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% (w/v), applied as sodium selenate during the early flowering stage. Although no overall effects on growth and biomass parameters were observed, the results indicate that the lowest Se dose (0.05-Se) was sufficient to notably increase Se concentration in the florets, even after boiling. Based on the increase to 14.2 mg Se kg−1 of dry matter in this broccoli fraction, it was estimated that consuming a 100-gram portion of boiled florets biofortified with 0.05% Se would provide approximately 140 µg of Se, which could be sufficient to potentially improve human selenium status, as previously documented. Moreover, the results obtained underscore how the application of this small dose was also adequate to reduce phytate concentration in the florets and to increase antioxidant and polyphenol concentrations, thereby improving the concentration and bioavailability of other essential nutrients, including Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn, along with improving its quality as an antioxidant food.

Uncovering the Role of Selenite and Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) in Adolescent Rat Adipose Tissue beyond Oxidative Balance: Transcriptomic Analysis.

Studies on adolescent rats, when body composition is changing deeply, reveal that the administration of sodium selenite and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), at the same dose, have opposite effects on adipogenesis in white adipose tissue (WAT). To investigate the mechanisms involved in these contrasting effects by means of transcriptomic analysis, three groups of male adolescent rats (n = 18) were used: control (C), selenite supplemented (S), and SeNPs supplemented (NS). Both treated groups received a twofold increase in Se dose compared to the control group through water intake for three weeks. Following treatment, WAT was removed and frozen at -80 °C until subsequent use for RNA extraction, endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activities determination, and quantification of H2O2 and malondialdehyde. NS rats displayed a larger number of differentially expressed genes and cellular processes impacted than S rats. Remarkably, these changes involved upregulation of gene expression associated with the immune system, catabolism, mitochondrial function, and oxidative balance. NS rats presented an increase in antioxidant enzymes activity, alongside an accumulation of H2O2 and malondialdehyde levels. The expression level of 81 genes related to oxidative stress was significantly affected in NS rats. Analyzing the KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that NS rats exhibited increased activity in key catabolic pathways and decreased activity in crucial growth signaling processes. These changes contribute to the mass decrease in WAT found in NS rats. These results suggest a possible application of SeNPs in WAT reduction and induction of the immune response during adolescence.

Selenium inorganic sources applied to soil: Effects on gas exchange and anatomical changes of radishes

Selenium (Se), in low doses, provides several beneficial effects, such as plant resistance to various abiotic stresses (e.g. drought stress and low/high temperatures). However, Se excess causes toxicity, with harmful impacts such as a decline in yield. Here, we studied the effects of fertilization with different Se sources and doses applied via soil on Se accumulation, toxicity, as well as on gas exchange, and anatomy of leaves and roots of radish plants. A randomized experimental design was adopted with three replications in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement: two Se sources (sodium selenate – Na2SeO4 and sodium selenite – Na2SeO3·5H2O), three Se doses applied on soil (0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg dm−3), and one control treatment (without Se application). Each experimental unit consisted of one pot containing six radish plants. Selenate at 1.8 mg Se dm−3 increased the Se accumulation and radish dry matter. Selenite generally caused significant changes in the anatomical part, mainly in the conductive tissues of the leaves. In leaves with selenite fertilization, it was estimated that the maximum Se accumulation would be 5.9 µg plant−1 with a rate of 2.0 mg Se dm−3. However, it was impossible to estimate the maximum Se accumulation with selenate fertilization because as the dose increased, there were also increases in accumulation, thus presenting a linear regression. The maximum Se accumulation in radishes would be 10.7 µg Se plant −1 with 1.2 mg Se dm−3 by selenite and 45.8 µg Se plant−1 with 5.0 mg Se dm−3 by selenate. Although the highest dry mass production occurred with the 1.8 mg Se dm−3 through selenite, it is recommended to use smaller doses to provide adequate Se consumption selenate. The gas exchange and the anatomy of the plants changed due to Se fertilization through selenate and selenite.

Enhancement of Nutritional Substance, Trace Elements, and Pigments in Waxy Maize Grains through Foliar Application of Selenite.

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient known for its essential role in human health and plant metabolism. Waxy maize (Zea mays L. sinensis kulesh)-known for its high nutritional quality and distinctive flavor-holds significant consumer appeal. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of foliar Se spraying on the nutritional quality of waxy maize grains, with a focus on identifying varietal differences and determining optimal Se dosage levels for maximizing nutritional benefits. We employed a two-factor split-plot design to assess the nutritional quality, trace elements, and pigment content of jinnuo20 (J20) and caitiannuo1965 (C1965) at the milk stage after being subjected to varying Se doses sprayed on five leaves. Our findings indicate superior nutrient content in J20 compared to C1965, with both varieties exhibiting optimal quality under Se3 treatment, falling within the safe range of Se-enriched agricultural products. JS3 (0.793) demonstrated the highest overall quality, followed by JS2 (0.606), JS4 (0.411), and JS1 (0.265), while CS0 had the lowest (-0.894). These results underscore the potential of foliar biofortification to enhance the functional component contents of waxy maize grains.

Effects of Selenium on DNA Methylation and Genomic Instability Induced by Drought Stress in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The main purpose of the study was to clarify the effect of selenium (Se) on DNA damage and DNA methylation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants exposed to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress under in vitro tissue culture. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and coupled restriction enzyme digestion-random amplification (CRED-RA) were utilized to explain the DNA damage grade and variations in DNA methylation patterns, respectively. The outcomes indicate that drought stress gives rise to a rise in RAPD profile variations (as DNA damage) and a decrease in genomic template stability (GTS) rate and DNA methylation changes. According to the RAPD data, the greatest GTS value was computed at 56.9% (5% PEG 6000), and the lowest GTS value was 41.2% (15% PEG 6000), demonstrating the adverse effects of PEG 6000. However, DNA damage can be reduced by treatment with sodium selenate (2, 4, and 6 µM of Na2SeO4) together with PEG (5%, 10%, and 15% PEG 6000)-induced water deficits. Moreover, according to CRED-RA analysis, PEG-induced DNA methylation rates were changed after treating different doses of Se. These data demonstrate that Se dose-dependently modulates both DNA damage and methylation alterations induced by drought in wheat.

Selênio como um bioestimulante inorgânico em cebola cultivada em clima semiárido

ABSTRACT The common climatic characteristics in semi-arid regions can cause abiotic stress and be a limiting factor for crops. Under these conditions, the use of beneficial elements such as selenium (Se) is an alternative to mitigate the harmful effects of abiotic stresses and increase yield. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of onion grown in a semi-arid region under the application of Se. A field experiment was performed in a randomized block design, where five doses of Se (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 g ha-1), by foliar application, were tested on two onion hybrids (Andrômeda and Rio das Antas). Growth, nutritional and yield variables were analyzed. Se increased the height and accumulation of dry mass in onion plants, with a maximum at the 60 g ha-1 dose of Se, the same dose at which the highest commercial (78.15 t ha-1) and total (86.03 t ha-1) bulb yields were obtained in Rio das Antas; however, for Andrômeda, there was no effect of Se on yield. Applied Se doses also increased the content of this element in the bulbs. Despite increasing bulb yields only in the Rio das Antas hybrid, 60 g ha-1 of Se is recommended for onions due to its effects on plant growth and the biofortification of bulbs with Se.

The role of selenium in autoimmune thyroiditis

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of fundamental importance for human health. Se is incorporated into selenoproteins (SPs) which are endowed with pleiotropic effects including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and active production of thyroid hormones. It has also been suggested that Se plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. The therapeutic effects of supplementation with Se have already been described in various thyroid diseases. However, there are still conflicting results regarding the optimal dose of Se to administer and the duration of treatment, efficacy, and safety. The highly beneficial effects of supplementation with Se have been observed in subjects with thyroid disease in the hyperthyroid phase. In line with these observations, clinical studies have shown that in patients with Basedow's disease (BD) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), treatment with a combination of antithyroid drugs and Se restores the euthyroid state faster than administration of antithyroid drugs alone. However, the efficacy of this therapeutic approach remains to be better evaluated.

Growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs fed diets supplemented with antioxidants and organic acids in late summer

Context Heat stress compromises growth performance and meat quality and results in economic losses in pork production. Aims We investigated the effects of supranutritional levels of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VitE), along with organic acid blends, on the growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs over a period of weeks during late summer to early autumn in Westbrook, Queensland, Australia. Methods A total of 264 crossbred pigs (25.8 ± 2.4 kg, mean ± s.d.) at 11 weeks of age were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two aging times (2 or 5 days) nested within each pig. The factors included antioxidants (Se/E, with recommended or supranutritional doses of Se and VitE), an organic acids (OA) blend added to drinking water (control vs supplemented), and sex (female vs male). Key results Between 16 and 18 weeks of age, high Se/E decreased daily feed intake (P = 0.010) but had no effects on average daily gain or feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Male pigs grew faster (P = 0.040) and had a higher FCE than females (P = 0.050). Supplementation with OA increased FCE in males but not females (OA × Sex interaction, P = 0.035). Between Weeks 16 and 20, male pigs grew faster (P < 0.001), tended to eat more (P = 0.057), and had higher FCE (P = 0.002) than females (P < 0.001). There were no main effects of Se/E or OA on meat quality, except protein oxidation was reduced by high Se/E (P = 0.047). Sex impacted only Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), with male pigs having lower WBSF than females (P = 0.053). Meat aging decreased WBSF (P < 0.001), but it increased cooking loss (P = 0.036), myofibrillar fragmentation index (P < 0.001), lipid oxidation (P < 0.001) and colour parameters (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusions Supplementation with Se/E for up to 10 weeks and OA for 5 weeks did not influence production parameters or pork quality in late summer, except that high Se/E decreased protein oxidation, and significant heat stress conditions were not experienced as expected. Implications Supplementation with Se/E and OA may be effective when environmental temperatures are higher.

New insights into Hg[sbnd]Se antagonism: Minor impact on inorganic Hg mobility while potential impacts on microorganisms

Selenium (Se) is a crucial antagonistic factor of mercury (Hg) methylation in soil, with the transformation of inorganic Hg (IHg) to inert mercury selenide (HgSe) being the key mechanism. However, little evidence has been provided of the reduced Hg mobility at environmentally relevant doses of Hg and Se, and the potential impacts of Se on the activities of microbial methylators have been largely ignored. This knowledge gap hinders effective mitigation for methylmercury (MeHg) risks, considering that Hg supply and microbial methylators serve as materials and workers for MeHg production in soils. By monitoring the mobility of IHg and microbial activities after Se spike, we reported that 1) active methylation might be the premise of HgSe antagonism, as higher decreases in MeHg net production were found in soils with higher constants of Hg methylation rate; 2) IHg mobility did not significantly change upon Se addition in soils with high DOC concentrations, challenging the long-held view of Hg immobilization by Se; and 3) the activities of iron-reducing bacteria (FeRB), an important group of microbial methylators, might be potentially regulated by Se addition at a dose of 4 mg/kg. These findings provide empirical evidence that IHg mobility may not be the limiting factor under Se amendment and suggest the potential impacts of Se on microbial activities.

Silicon-Selenium Interplay Imparts Cadmium Resistance in Wheat through an Up-Regulating Antioxidant System.

Cadmium (Cd), being a highly toxic heavy metal, significantly impacts plant growth and development by altering nutrient uptake and causing oxidative and structural damage, resulting in reduced yield. To combat Cd toxicity and accumulation in wheat, it was hypothesized that co-application of Selenium (Se) and Silicon (Si) can reduce the adverse effect of Cd and regulate Cd resistance while improving Se fortification in wheat. Therefore, this study evaluated the comparative effect of Se and Si on the growth and antioxidant defense systems of wheat plants grown in a hydroponic setup. Briefly, the plants were acclimatized to the hydroponic solution for 1 week and then exposed to 10 µmol Cd. Afterwards, the treatments, including 0.2 mmol Si and 1.5 µmol Se, were applied as a root and foliar application, respectively. Plants supplemented with both Se and Si showed improved biomass and other physiological growth attributes, and this response was associated with improved activity/contents of antioxidants, including glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT), with related lowering of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde content, and structural damages. Moreover, by Se + Si supplementation, a decrease in total S levels in plant tissues was observed, whereas an increase in total protein concentration and GSH indicated a different and novel mechanism of Cd tolerance and S homeostasis in the plant. It was observed that Si was more involved in significantly reducing Cd translocation by stabilizing Cd in the root and reducing its content in the soluble fraction in both the root and shoot. Whereas Se was found to play the main role in reducing the oxidative damage caused by Cd, and the effect was more profound in the shoot. In addition, this study also observed a positive correlation between Si and Se for relative uptake, which had not been reported earlier. Our findings show that the Se and Si doses together benefit growth regulation and nutrient uptake; additionally, their combinations support the Cd resistance mechanism in wheat through upregulation of the antioxidant system and control of Cd translocation and subcellular distribution, ultimately contributing to the nutritional quality of wheat produced. Thus, it is concluded that the co-application of Se and Si has improved the nutritional quality while reducing the Cd risk in wheat and therefore needs to be employed as a potential strategy to ensure food safety in a Cd-contaminated environment.

Optimum Doses and Forms of Selenium Maintaining Reproductive Health via Regulating Homeostasis of Gut Microbiota and Testicular Redox, Inflammation, Cell Proliferation, and Apoptosis in Roosters

BackgroundThere is a U-shaped relationship between dietary selenium (Se) ingestion and optimal sperm quality. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the optimal dietary dose and forms of Se for sperm quality of breeder roosters and the relevant mechanisms. MethodsIn experiment 1, 18-wk-old Jingbai laying breeder roosters were fed a Se-deficient base diet (BD, 0.06 mg Se/kg), or the BD + 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, or 1.0 mg Se/kg for 9 wk. In experiment 2, the roosters were fed the BD or the BD + sodium selenite (SeNa), seleno-yeast (SeY), or Se-nanoparticles (SeNPs) at 0.2 mg Se/kg for 9 wk. ResultsIn experiment 1, added dietary 0.2 and 0.3 mg Se/kg led to higher sperm motility and lower sperm mortality than the other groups at weeks 5, 7, and/or 9. Furthermore, added dietary 0.2–0.4 mg Se/kg produced better testicular histology and/or lower testicular 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine than the other groups. Moreover, integrated testicular transcriptomic and cecal microbiomic analysis revealed that inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis-related genes and bacteria were dysregulated by Se deficiency or excess. In experiment 2, compared with SeNa, SeNPs slightly increased sperm motility throughout the experiment, whereas SeNPs slightly reduced sperm mortality compared with SeY at week 9. Both SeY and SeNPs decreased malondialdehyde in the serum than those of SeNa, and SeNPs led to higher glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and thioredoxin reductase activities and GPX1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 protein concentrations in the testis compared with SeY and SeNa. ConclusionsThe optimal dietary Se dose for reproductive health of breeder roosters is 0.25–0.35 mg Se/kg, and SeNPs displayed better effects on reproductive health than SeNa and SeY in laying breeder roosters. The optimal doses and forms of Se maintain reproductive health of roosters associated with regulation intestinal microbiota homeostasis and/or testicular redox balance, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.

Selenium biofortification improves bioactive composition and antioxidant status in Plantago ovata Forsk., a medicinal plant

BackgroundSelenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, but its deficiency as well as toxicity affects large number of people worldwide. Plantago ovata, a commercially important medicinal plant, is mainly cultivated in western regions of India, where elevated levels of Se have been found in soil. Thus, we evaluated the potential of Se biofortification in P. ovata via phytoremediation and its effect on the bioactive composition.ResultsThe results showed a significant alteration in various morphological and physiological parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The 10 µM Se dose improved seedling height, biomass and total chlorophyll content. There was a gradual increase in total Se content, with highest accumulation of 457.65 µg/g FW at 500 µM Se treatment. Se positively affected the antioxidative metabolism which was measured from the change in total antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity and Metallothionein 2 expression. Increasing levels of Se also affected the PAL activity, total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Caffeic acid, Coumaric acid and Rutin were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds.ConclusionsLow levels of selenium (below 50 µM) can successfully improve Se accumulation and elicit production of various polyphenols without hampering plant growth. Thus, Se fortification of P. ovata seedlings via phytoremediation appears to be a feasible and efficient way to enhance its nutraceutical value in dietary products.

Selenium reduces acrylamide-induced testicular toxicity in rats by regulating HSD17B1, StAR, and CYP17A1 expression, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA damage.

This study investigated the effects of Selenium (Se) on testis toxicity induced by Acrylamide (ACR) in rats. In our study, 50 male adult rats were used, and the rats were divided into five groups; control, ACR, Se0.5 + ACR, Se1 + ACR, and Se1. Se and ACR treatments were applied for 10 days. On the 11th day of the experimental study, intracardiac blood samples from the rats were taken under anesthesia and euthanized. Sperm motility and morphology were evaluated. Dihydrotestosterone, FSH, and LH levels in sera were analyzed with commercial ELISA kits. MDA, GSH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and SOD, GPx, and CAT, activities were measured to detect the level of oxidative stress and inflammation in rat testis tissues. Expression analysis of HSD17B1, StAR, CYP17A1, MAPk14, and P-53 as target mRNA levels were performed with Real Time-PCR System technology for each cDNA sample synthesized from rat testis RNA. Testicular tissues were evaluated by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent examinations. Serum dihydrotestosterone and FSH levels decreased significantly in the ACR group compared to the control group, while LH levels increased and a high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. A high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. ACR-induced testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, changes in the expression of reproductive enzymes, some changes in sperm motility and morphology, DNA, and tissue damage, and Se administration prevented these pathologies caused by ACR. As a result of this study, it was determined that Se prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA damage in testicular toxicity induced by ACR in rats.

Association between dietary selenium intake and the prevalence of osteoporosis and its role in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

BackgroundLong-term glucocorticoid therapy may lead to osteoporosis (OP). Selenium (Se) is an essential microelement for human health and bone health. This study evaluated the association between dietary Se intake and the prevalence of OP and further explored the potential therapeutic effect of Se on glucocorticoid-induced OP (GIOP) in vivo and in vitro.MethodsData were collected from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in our hospital. OP is diagnosed based on bone mineral density (BMD) measurements using compact radiographic absorptiometry. Dietary Se intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between dietary Se intake and OP prevalence was analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. In animal experiments, male Sprague–Dawley rats were intramuscularly injected with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) daily to induce GIOP, while different doses of Se were supplemented in rat drinking water for 60 d. BMD and biomechanical parameters of rat femur were measured. The histopathological changes of the femur were observed by HE staining, the number of osteoclasts was observed by TRAP staining, and OCN positive expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. OPG, RANKL, Runx2, and BMP2 in rat femur were detected by Western blot. Bone turnover markers and oxidative stress markers were measured using commercial kits. MC3T3-E1 cells were induced to osteogenic differentiation, stimulated with DXM (100 μM), and/or treated with Se at different doses. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. ALP activity was detected by ALP staining and cell mineralization was observed by alizarin red staining.ResultsParticipants with lower dietary Se intake had higher OP prevalence. Se supplementation improved BMD, biomechanical parameters, and histopathological changes of the femur in GIOP rats. Se supplementation also suppressed DXM-induced changes in bone turnover- and oxidative stress-related markers. Under DXM conditions, Se treatment induced MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, ALP activity, and mineralization.ConclusionLower Dietary Se intake is associated with OP prevalence. Moreover, Se takes a position in bone protection and anti-oxidative stress in GIOP models. Therefore, Se may be a complementary potential treatment for GIOP.