The Antagonistic Effect of Selenium on Cadmium-Induced Damage and mRNA Levels of Selenoprotein Genes and Inflammatory Factors in Chicken Kidney Tissue

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is a necessary trace mineral in the diet of humans and animals. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that can damage animal organs, especially the kidneys. Antagonistic interactions between Se and Cd have been reported in previous studies. However, little is known about the effects of Se against Cd toxicity and on the mRNA levels of 25 selenoprotein genes and inflammatory factors in chicken kidneys. In the current study, we fed chickens with a Se-treated, Cd-treated, or Se/Cd treated diet for 90 days. We then analyzed the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors (including prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)) and 25 selenoprotein genes (Gpx1, Gpx2, Gpx3, Gpx4, Txnrd1, Txnrd2, Txnrd3, Dio1, Dio2, Dio3, SPS2, Sepp1, SelPb, Sep15, Selh, Seli, Selm, Selo, Sels, Sepx1, Selu, Selk, Selw, Seln, Selt). The results demonstrated that Cd exposure increased the Cd content in the chicken kidneys, renal tubular epithelial cells underwent denaturation and necrosis, and the tubules became narrow or disappeared. However, Se supplementation reduced the Cd content in chicken kidneys and induced normal development of renal tubular epithelial cells. In addition, we also observed that Se alleviated the Cd-induced increase in the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors and ameliorated the Cd-induced downtrend in the mRNA levels of 25 selenoprotein genes in chicken kidneys.

A Summary of New Findings on the Biological Effects of Selenium in Selected Animal Species—A Critical Review

“…A protective effect of selenium was also reported against toxicity of other heavy metals, such as chromium (against chromium-induced oxidative and cellular damage in thyroid gland [ 162 ], chromium toxicity in the brain [ 163 ] and chromium-induced nephrotoxicity [ 164 ]), cadmium (the protection of jejunal epithelial cells from cadmium-induced DNA damage [ 165 ], an antagonistic effect of selenium on cadmium-induced damage of kidney [ 166 ], ameliorative effect against cadmium chloride-induced neuro- and nephrotoxicity [ 167 ]), and lead (against lead toxicity on the antioxidant system [ 168 ]), or also overabundance of iron. Selenium reduces the adverse impacts of excess iron intake.…”

Avian Stress-Related Transcriptome and Selenotranscriptome: Role during Exposure to Heavy Metals and Heat Stress

“…A study on Se/Cd treated chicks showed that Se co-administration with Cd alleviated the increase of COX-2, NF-κB, PTGES, and TNF-α mRNA levels caused by Cd in chicken kidneys. The mRNA levels of NF-κB and TNF-α slightly increased in Se/Cd treated group in relation to control group but PTGES and COX-2 mRNA levels were not influenced [28]. Cadmium toxicity also induced energy metabolism disorders and mitochondrial damage and Se supplementation reduced mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes ( Atg5, LC3-I, LC3-II, Beclin 1, dynein ) caused by Cd treatment [49].…”

“…Also, exposure to Cd could lead in renal dysfunction [26]. It has been showed that Cd, in sublethal concentration, has notably changed the levels of glycogen in kidneys of silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ) and triggered kidney damage [27,28].…”

“…It seemed that T lymphocytes are the most sensitive to the hazardous effects of Pb. Further, Pb interferes with the TH1/TH2 lymphocytes balance [34], causing immune dysfunction triggered by inflammation [28]. Additionally, Xing et al showed that Pb alters heat shock proteins (HSP) and cytokines mRNA expression and thus decreased immune function in chicken neutrophils [35].…”

Removal of Dyes and Cd2+ in Water by Kaolin/Calcium Alginate Filtration Membrane

“…However, when the environment is contaminated with cadmium, cadmium can enter the human body through the food chain and be enriched in the liver and kidneys, causing chronic poisoning [2]. Even if the contact time is short, symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal cramps, diarrhea, and even death may occur [3]. Cadmium (II) is one of ten chemicals that major public health concern considered by the World Health Organization [4].…”