Role of selenium and glutathione peroxidase on development, growth, and oxidative balance in rat offspring

Abstract

Selenium (Se), an essential trace metal, is important in both growth and reproduction and is the constituent of different selenoproteins. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family is the most studied as it prevents oxidative stress. Liver oxidation is considered as another mechanism involved in low birth weight. Therefore, in order to ascertain whether GPx is related to the effects of Se on growth during gestation and lactation, three groups of rat pups were used: control, Se deficient (SD), and Se supplemented (SS). Morphological parameters and reproductive indices were evaluated. Hepatic Se levels were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption while spectrophotometry was used for activity of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers in liver and western blotting for expression of hepatic GPx1 and GPx4. The SD diet increased mortality at birth; decreased viability and survival indices; and stunted growth, length, and liver development in offspring, thus decreasing hepatic Se levels, GPx, glutathione reductase, and catalase activities, while increasing superoxide dismutase activity and protein oxidation. The SS diet counteracted all the above results. GPx1 expression was heavily regulated by Se dietary intake; however, although Se dietary deficiency reduced GPx4 expression, this decrease was not as pronounced. Therefore, it can be concluded that Se dietary intake is intimately related to growth, length, and directly regulating GPx activity primarily via GPx1 and secondly to GPx4, thus affecting liver oxidation and development. These results suggest that if risk of uterine growth retardation is suspected, or if a neonate with low birth weight presents with signs of liver oxidation, it may be beneficial to know about Se status.

A New Oxidative Stress Marker for Thiol-Disulphide Homeostasis in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

“…Chemical compounds that contain SH, such as selenium, alpha lipoic acid, and N-acetyl cysteine, may be used in new studies that concern SAR therapy. 29,30 …”

Low Folate and Selenium in the Mouse Maternal Diet Alters Liver Gene Expression Patterns in the Offspring after Weaning

“…Se also plays a role in reproduction, where it is essential for sperm production. In goats, maternal supplementation with Se during gestation and lactation influences the oxidative status and expression of apoptotic genes in the testes of offspring [ 17 ] while a recent rat study demonstrated that low Se levels were also associated with changes in intrauterine growth and liver metabolism [ 18 ].…”

“…In this study, we focus on liver and colon because earlier work has shown that low Se affects liver metabolism in utero [ 18 , 25 ], and Se levels have also been reported to affect both intestinal growth in the early life of the lamb, and to influence susceptibility to colorectal cancer in the adult human [ 12 , 28 , 29 ]. The liver is an important Se reservoir and dietary Se and folate treatment together have an important effect on liver function resulting in increased Se deposits and balanced Se bioavailability [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Gene chip analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana genomic DNA methylation and gene expression in response to carbendazim

“…Direct and indirect relationships between selenium and 40 common diseases have been reported (Nogales et al 2013;Hatfield et al 2012) may affect plant nitrogen metabolism and nutritional ingredients (Zhang et al 2012a;Taiwo and Oso 1997;Macedo et al2013;Masakapalli et al2013). Carbendazim treatment, therefore, may have a significant impact on the nutritional value of a crop and on the medicinal value of medicinal plants, resulting in unpredictable effects on the human body.…”