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Selenium Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Lung Damage Induced by Aluminum Chloride in Adult Rats: Biochemical and Histological Approach

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Abstract

Our study pertains to the potential ability of selenium, used as a nutritional supplement, to alleviate oxidative stress induced by aluminum chloride in the lung tissue. Rats have received during 21 days either aluminum chloride (AlCl3) (400 ppm) via drinking water, AlCl3 associated with Na2SeO3 (0.5 mg/kg of diet), or only Na2SeO3. Exposure of rats to AlCl3 induced lung oxidative stress with an increase of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and protein carbonyls levels. An alteration of lactate dehydrogenase activities and antioxidant redox status, enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), and non-enzymatic (non-protein thiols, glutathione, metallothionein, and vitamin C) was also observed. These biochemical modifications were substantiated by histopathological data showing alveolar edema, a large number of hemosiderin-laden macrophages, and emphysema. Se supplementation attenuated the levels of oxidative stress by restoring antioxidant state and improved lung histological damage. Our results revealed that Se, a trace element with antioxidant properties, was effective in preventing lung damage.

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Acknowledgments

The present work was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Tunisia (DGRST grants, LR 11/ ES-53 Sciences Faculty of Sfax). The authors are indebted to Mr. Menaa Assili and Mr. Chedli Tmar for their skilful technical assistance.

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Correspondence to Imen Ghorbel.

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The general guidelines for the use and care of living animals in scientific investigations were followed (Council of European Communities: JO 86/609/CEE, 1986). The handling of the animals and the care and use of laboratory animals were approved by the Tunisian Ethical Committee of Sciences Faculty of Sfax.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Awatef Elwej and Mariem Chaabane contributed equally to this work.

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Ghorbel, I., Elwej, A., Chaabane, M. et al. Selenium Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Lung Damage Induced by Aluminum Chloride in Adult Rats: Biochemical and Histological Approach. Biol Trace Elem Res 176, 181–191 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-016-0818-9

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