Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles: Potential Solution to Oxidative Stress Mediated Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Complications

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammation-mediated disorder having systematic complications. RA triggers a self-directed inflammatory and immunological cascade that culminates in joint destruction. Though a range of treatment options are available, none of them are without adverse effects and this has led researchers to search for alternative solutions. Nanomedicine has emerged as a powerful therapeutic alternative, and selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient trace element that has a crucial role in human health and disease. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) derived from biological sources, such as plants, bacteria, fungi, and proteins, have exhibited remarkable candidate properties and toxicological profiles, and hence have shown potential to be used as antirheumatic agents. The potential of SeNPs can be attributed to the effect of functional groups bound to them, concentration, and most importantly to their nano range size. The antirheumatic effect of SeNPs is considerable due to its potential in amelioration of oxidative stress-mediated inflammation via downregulation of radical and nonradical species, markers of inflammation, and upregulation of inherent antioxidant defenses. The size and concentration impact of SeNPs has been shown in the subsequent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the article emphasizes the role of these biogenic SeNPs as a notable option in the nanomedicine arena that needs to be further studied as a prospective remedial alternative to cure RA and medication-related adverse events.

Therapeutic Potential and Main Methods of Obtaining Selenium Nanoparticles

“…Thus, it has been shown that the effectiveness of chitosan as an antitumor and antioxidant compound strongly depends on the characteristics of SeNP [ 35 ]. The method of their production also affects the size and shape of SeNP, which can significantly determine their pharmacological properties [ 36 ]. Using biosynthesis or chemical synthesis, SeNP with a hexagonal ring structure and rod-like, spherical, or flower-like shapes can be produced.…”

“…RA is a common chronic inflammation-mediated and systematic autoimmune disorder. It is a long-lasting condition described as inflammation of diarthrodial joints leading to symmetrical polyarthritis and synovial hyperplasia (swelling) that results in the progressive destruction of cartilage and bones and the loss of articular function that leads to the eventual deformation of joints [ 36 ]. SeNP reverted the GPx1, CAT, and COX-2 mRNA expression and restored the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1 [ 199 ] and can be a promising method of RA therapy.…”

Thyroid Dysfunction and COVID-19: The Emerging Role of Selenium in This Intermingled Relationship

“…In this scenario, the innovative Se nanomedicine has also shown that the production of SeNPs could be employed in a number of applications. NPs are characterized by low toxicity, and significant and selective effects are obtainable with very small quantities, namely a substantially reduced risk of toxicity in the face of a high antiviral capacity [ 18 , 19 ]. Recent in vitro data have reported that treatment with the antiviral drug oseltamivir, in combination with SeNPs, can increase cell viability to prevent Enterovirus 71 infection and reduce apoptosis (via the Bax signaling pathway) [ 131 ].…”

“…Furthermore, innovative Se nanomedicine has shown that the production of Se nanoparticles (SeNPs), characterized by low toxicity and significant and selective effects obtainable with very small quantities (greatly reduced risk of toxicity in the face of high antiviral capability), may represent a promising opportunity [ 18 , 19 ]. In fact, SeNPs have been found able to reduce oxidative stress, promote apoptosis (killing cancer cells), modulate immune activity, and exert efficacious antimicrobial and antiviral activity, and as such, they may have potentially beneficial applications in the COVID-19 context [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles in Animal Nutrition: A Review

“…GPx and other selenoenzymes are the major Se-containing antioxidants in the body that help to neutralize ROS [54]. The expression of selenoproteins is specific to various tissues and depends on Se availability in feed [55]. Selenoproteins help animals resist oxidative stress, which can be caused by, heat, decreased productive performance, and various diseases (e.g., mastitis and intramammary infections in dairy cattle).…”