The protective effects of vitamin E against selenium-induced oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Selenium is a trace element which can be toxic when consumed at high levels. The study was conducted to assess the possible protective role of vitamin E against selenosis in rats. Selenium was applied at different single doses (4.5, 9 and 18 mg/kg b.wt.). Vitamin E (200 mg/kg b.wt.) was given to the rats one hour before treatment with the higher selenium dose. In selenium-treated rats, selenosis was evident from the elevated level of malondialdehyde. Oxidative stress was induced from the significant altered activity levels of CAT, SOD and GPx. Furthermore, selenium-induced hepatotoxicity was developed, where the activity levels of AST, ALT and GGT were significantly increased. Hepatotoxicity was also manifested histologically. Pretreatment with vitamin E significantly alleviated the affected levels of the investigated parameters, and counteracted the hepatic histopathological changes. The results demonstrate that vitamin E supplementation provides an effective protection against oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity induced by selenosis.