Introduction: Factors affecting hatchability are mentioned as important indicators in breeder flocks’ performance, one of these elements is fertility. Roosters’ as half part of fertility have great role and aging reduces their fertility. The biologic system in live organisms such as animals is under permanent attack due to natural consequence of the body’s normal metabolic activity that produces free radicals. It has been revealed that phospholipid fraction of avian spermatozoa membranes has high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and it is the reason why the spermatozoa are susceptible to free radical attack. During evolution, to deal with Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), living organisms have developed specific antioxidant protective mechanisms. Therefore, as a major factor, presence of natural antioxidants in living organisms enables their survival in an oxygen-rich environment. To maintain sperm fertilizing ability, an antioxidant defense system is a crucial point. In avian semen the antioxidant system consists of natural antioxidants together with enzymes that have antioxidant characteristics such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and selenoprotein P (SEPP1) protects sperm against free radicals and their destructive metabolites. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium (Se) have remarkable roles in avian reproduction. To gain gross reproductive performances in commercial poultry, supplementation of antioxidant at an optimum level is thought to be necessary. By using additives such as selenium we can help delaying this reduction through antioxidant properties of Se. Replacing inorganic Se by new types of Se sources like the nano form in poultry diet improves fertility. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of Nano-Selenium (Nano-Se) in comparison with sodium selenite on serum selenoprotein p (SEPP1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) content in broiler breeder roosters.Material and Method: In the present study, a total of thirty Arbor Acres Broiler Breeder roosters (40 weeks old) were randomly divided into five experimental groups. Each of which included 3 replicates of 2 birds. Relevant catalog recommended distribution of 160 gr of diet per rooster per day for broiler breeder males. After one-week adaptation they were fed with the basal diet (T1) supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg Sodium Selenite (T2), 0.15 mg/kg nano-Se (T3), 0.3 mg/kg nano-Se (T4) and 0.6 mg/kg nano-Se (T5). The duration of feeding experiment was four weeks. At the end of adaptation week, blood samples were collected (2.5 ml) and after separating the serum, they were stored in -20°C refrigerator. Another sampling was two weeks later in the middle of experiment that again blood samples were collected and their serum were stored at -20°C. Four weeks after the treatment was done at the end of experiment, the roosters were humanely euthanized by cervical dislocation, the 3rd and last sampling was implemented at the end of experiment that as in the previous sampling was done, the blood samples were centrifuged and separated serum was stored in -20°C. Then serum concentration of the antioxidant “SEPP1” was measured by ELISA method and “GPx” was analyzed using a spectrophotometry kit.Results and discussion: The values of SEPP1 and GPx serum concentration obtained at the first time sampling showed no significant differences between all groups (P < 0.05). Serum SEPP1 concentration examination in the second sampling showed that roosters fed with both mineral and nano form of selenium supplements, had significantly higher concentrations of selenoprotein P in their serum, compared to the control group (P < 0.05) which the highest concentration was related to the treatment of 0.6 mg/kg nano-Se (T5) in their diet. Among the two groups of treatment 2 and treatment 3, which were fed 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite (T2) and 0.15 mg/kg nano-Se (T3), respectively, treatment 3 had higher concentration. The results of examining the SEPP1 serum concentration for the final time at the end of the study indicated that there is a process similar to the trend of changes in the serum concentration of selenoprotein P that was seen in the second sampling step. The only difference observed in serum concentration results of the second sampling compared to third time was that the difference between the T2 and T3 treatments was greater in the last sampling. Simultaneously with SEPP1 analysis, serum glutathione peroxidase concentration was measured in three sampling times. At the second time sampling of serum GPx concentration, evaluation of the serum concentration of glutathione peroxidase revealed that the serum concentrations of this selenoprotein in broiler breeder roosters in groups T5, T4, T3 and T2 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher relative to its concentration in control group (T1). The difference between serum concentration of control group and T3 treatment was not significant (P < 0.05), also the difference in serum concentration of this selenoprotein between treatments T4 and T5 was not significant (P < 0.05). At the end of the study, after the third sampling and evaluation, the results of GPx serum concentrations revealed that all treatments showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P < 0.05) and with increasing the amount of nano-Se in the diet from 0.15 mg/kg to 0.6 mg/kg nano-Se, serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase showed an increasing trend. Based on a consideration of all experiment indexes, in this research 0.6 mg/kg is suggested to be the best level of supplementation of nano-Se, and nano-Se showed higher contents of serum SEPP1 and GPx at the same amounts of nano-Se and sodium selenite supplementation. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of nano-Se was more effective than sodium selenite on serum SEPP1 and GPx concentration of tested selenoproteins in broiler breeder males.

In order to investigate the effect of inorganic selenium replacement with organic selenium from Spirulina algae on performance and breast meat quality of broilers, a total of 160 one-day-old chicks were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments, eight replicates and five birds per each replicate. The sources of selenium used included sodium selenite and organic selenium from Spirulina algae which were replaced at two levels of 50 and 100 percent. The organic selenium was produced by the culture of Spirulina algae and its enrichment with selenium. The selenium content of different treatments was measured by ICP-Mass method. In this experiment, the feed intake and body weight gain parameters were measured weekly and feed conversion ratio was calculated. At 42 day of age, one bird was slaughtered from each replicate and the weight of carcass ready to cook was measured. The breast meat was sampled for measurement of pH and selenium storage. The results showed that it was not observed any significant difference in performance traits and ready to cook carcass percentage among different treatments. There was no significant difference in breast muscle pH at 0 and 24 hours after slaughtering. The amount of selenium deposited in breast muscle of birds fed organic selenium had significant increase when compared with other treatments (P<0.05). Generally, the results of this study showed that 100% replacement of sodium selenite with organic selenium from Spirulina algae led to increase in breast muscle selenium deposition without reduction in bird performance.

Background and Objectives: Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world. Effect of some antioxidant on prevention of cataract progression was investigated. We investigate whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevents sodium-selenite induced cataract in Wistar rat eyes.Materials and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups. In each group were 10 rats. In group I (control) subcutaneous and intraperitoneal 0.3 ml saline normal were injected on postpartum day 10. In group 2, sodium selenite (20 nmol/g body weight) subcutaneously and 0.3 ml saline normal intraperitonealy were injected on postpartum day 10.In group 3, sodium selenite (20 nmol/gbw) subcutaneously and N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kgbw) intraperitonealy were injected postpartum day 10. Intraperitoneal N-acetylcysteine and subcutaneous saline normal were injected in group 4. The development of cataract was assessed weekly, and its density was graded by biomicroscopy and photography. Removed rat lenses were analyzed for glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (M.D.A, marker of lipid per oxidation), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX).Results: In group 3, all ofrats lenses were clear; however the Mean cataract stage in group 2 (sodium selenite) was 2.8±03 (p<0.05).The mean GSH, SOD and GPX level in group 2 was significantly lower than in groups 1, 3 and 4 (p<0.05),however the mean M.D.A level in group 2 was significantly higher than in groups 1, 3 and 4 (p<0.05).Conclusions: N-acetylcysteine effectively suppressed cataract formation. The protective effect was supported by lower GSH, SOD and GPX; and higher M.D.A levels in group 2 than in group 3, suggesting the antioxidant efficacy of this agent.

Objective: Osteoporosis is regarded as a silent disorder affecting bone slowly, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Lately, selenium has been found to be associated with the acquisition and maintenance of bone health by affecting the bone remodeling process. However, the mechanism of action of selenium on bone is poorly understood. Here, the objective of this study is to examine the protective effects and mechanism of sodium selenite on the differentiation process of osteoblasts as well as under oxidative stress-induced conditions by evaluating the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers in the sodium selenite and/or hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-treated MC3T3-E1 cell line. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we confirmed the inducible osteogenic effect of sodium selenite on MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, we investigated the recovery of expression levels of osteogenic markers of sodium selenite in H2 O2-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. Results: It was observed that sodium selenite could promote alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and collagen synthesis in pre-osteoblasts. Also, sodium selenite enhanced the mRNA expression levels of osteogenic transcriptional factors, like osterix (OSX) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). In addition, the terminal differentiation markers, such as osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen 1α (Col1α ) were also increased after the treatment of sodium selenite. Also treatment of sodium selenite recused the H2 O2-induced inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts cells via the WNT signaling pathway, implicating its antioxidant activity. Furthermore, sodium selenite restored the H2 O2 repressed β-catenin stability and axin-2 reporter activity in MC3T3-E1 cells. Conclusion: It may be concluded that sodium selenite can stimulate bone formation and rescue the oxidative repression of osteogenesis by activating WNT signaling pathways. Further detailed studies on the role of selenium and its ability to stimulate bone formation via the WNT signaling pathway may project it as a potential therapeutic intervention for osteoporosis.

Cataracts are characterized by the clouding of the eye lens, resulting from changes in lens metabolism that can lead to lens hydration (fluid accumulation), denaturation of lens proteins, or both. Autophagy is a subcellular process involving the recycling of damaged proteins or organelles by lysosomes. Inhibition of autophagy in lens cells can hinder cell differentiation, contributing to cataract formation. Understanding the functional role of autophagy in lens tissue is essential for considering it as a potential therapeutic strategy for cataract treatment. This study involved several statistical analysis tests, including descriptive statistics to calculate the mean and standard deviation (SD), data normality tests to assess data distribution, data homogeneity tests to examine data diversity, and the Homogeneity of Variance test. A t-test was conducted to assess significant differences between the two independent test groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. This study explored the role of the autophagy pathway in cataracts induced by oxidative stress, focusing on the expression of ROS, SOD, mTOR, LC3-II, p-62, IL-1β, Caspase-3, and lens tissue histology. Cataract formation was clinically examined in the eye lens of experimental animals. Immunohistochemical methods were used to analyze ROS, SOD, LC3-II, p-62, IL-1β, and Caspase-3. ROS, SOD, LC3-II, and p62 were collected from the anterior lens capsule, while IL-1β and Caspase-3 were collected from the eye lens. mTOR expression was collected from the lens capsule and determined by Western blot. The expression levels of mTOR, ROS, SOD, LC3-II, and caspase-3 in Wistar rats induced by the sodium selenite cataract model were lower than those in the control group. On the other hand, ROS expression and IL-1β expression in the sodium selenite-induced cataract model of Wistar rats were higher than those in the controls. The mechanism underlying cataract formation in Wistar rats induced by sodium selenite involves autophagy, as evidenced by the expression of ROS, LC3-II, IL-1β, and caspase-3.

Background: Diabetes-related dysfunctions are the major causes of mortality and morbidity for diabetic patients. Selenium is a potent antioxidant. In the present study, we examined antioxidative activities of sodium selenite and possible protective effect of it on serum, liver and kidney lipid peroxidation and glutathione in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 40 Sprage Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups randomly; group I as control, group II as sham treated with sodium selenite (1 mg/kg i.p. daily), group III as diabetic untreated, and group IV as diabetic treated with sodium selenite (1 mg/kg i.p. daily) after induce diabetes, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the 3rd and 4th groups by alloxan injection (s.c.). After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized, liver and kidney were then removed immediately and used fresh or kept frozen until analysis. Blood samples were also collected before killing of the rats to measure the lipid peroxidation and glutathione level.Results: Liver and kidney content of lipid peroxidation decreased in diabetic treated group compared with untreated group. Kidney content of glutathione significantly increased in diabetic treated group compared with untreated group. Serum level of glutathione and liver content of it slightly increased in diabetic treated group compared with untreated group.Conclusions: This study showed that sodium selenite might be a potent antioxidant and exert beneficial effects on the lipid peroxidation and glutathione in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Sodium selenite and ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) are well known for their anticancer properties and have been exploited as a new therapeutic approach. In this study، we are interested to evaluate if sodium selenite and G-Rh2 combination results in a synergistic anticancer effect that could contribute to lower systemic toxicity. METHODS: We observed the synergistic antitumor effect by combination of sodium selenite and G-Rh2 on HCT-116 human colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro. Cell growth، viability، cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis، Bax/Bcl2 ratio، caspase-3 expression، reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and autophagy were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that sodium selenite and G-Rh2 combination have a synergistic effect on cell growth inhibition (57%) compared with sodium selenite (25%) and G-Rh2 alone (28%) after 24hours of treatment. This combination also induced G1 and S phase arrest simultaneously and increased apoptosis rate. The results also indicated that Bax/Bcl2 ratio and caspase-3 expression، known as proapoptotic factors، were increased in the presence of sodium selenite and G-Rh2 alone. However، combined drug treatment results in a more significant increase in Bax/Bcl2 ratio and caspase-3 expression (P < 0. 05). In addition، this combination significantly induces a depletion of ROS production and autophagy، compared to control، sodium selenite and G-Rh2 alone (P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Sodium selenite and ginsenoside Rh2 combination may be a more effective treatment for human colorectal carcinoma and is a promising chemotherapeutic approach for malignant tumors.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is rising in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the possible protective effect of sodium selenite on serum lipid profile and atherogenic indexes in Alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: Forty Sprage-dawley male rats were divided into four groups randomly; group one, as control, group two, sham (control treated with sodium selenite (1mg/kg)), group three, diabetic untreated, and group four, treated with sodium selenite (1mg/kg), respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized, blood samples were also collected before killing to measure the blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, HDL and serum atherogenic indexes.Results: Sdium selenite inhibited a significant decrease of BG, TG, C, LDL and VLDL. HDL level. Sodium selenite inhibited significantly serum atherogenic indexes level.Conclusion: This study showed that sodium selenite exerts beneficial effects on the BG, lipid profile and atherogenic indexes in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.

Background: Antioxidant drugs may be useful in preventing morphine-induced dependency by suppressing oxidative stress. Vitamin E which has many essential roles in the body is a powerful antioxidant. On the other hand, selenium is an essential trace element that plays a strong role in various biochemical pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium selenite and vitamin E on morphine-induced dependency in mice. Methods: Ninety male mice, weighing 20 to 30 g, were randomly divided into 10 groups and were treated as follows: a) saline and b) morphine groups were pretreated (for 2 days) with normal saline (10 ml. kg-1. day-1, ip) then daily doses of normal saline (10 ml. kg-1. day-1, ip) and morphine (50 mg. kg-1. day-1) were added to the injections for the following 4 days, respectively. c, d, e) sodium selenite, f, g, h) vitamin E, i) vitamin E solvent (almond oil) and j) co-administration groups were pretreated (for 2 days) with sodium selenite (0. 25, 0. 5, 1 mg. kg-1. day-1, ip), vitamin E (20, 40, 60 IU. kg-1. day-1, ip), vitamin E solvent (10 ml. kg-1. day-1, ip) and combination of the drugs respectively, then morphine doses (50 mg. kg-1. day-1, ip) were added to the injections for the following 4 days. Withdrawal symptoms were evaluated after injecting naloxone (4 mg/kg/ day). Biochemical evaluations were also performed. Results: The results showed that co-administration of sodium selenite and vitamin E (at low doses) significantly reduced morphine dependency (p < 0. 05). Conclusion: The synergistic effect of sodium selenite and vitamin E can be a suitable and efficient approach to reduce dependency.

Objectives: Intraperitoneal injection of ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) to laboratory animals leads to oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and tissue injuries. However, recent reports indicate that selenium can inhibit oxidative stress, and delays the benign tumor conversion into malignant carcinoma. In this study we showed that selenium can inhibit the harmful effects of Fe- NTA in mice kidneys. Methods: Female albino swiss mice were divided into 11 groups. Group-I received saline normal and served as control. Different doses of selenium (0.5, 1, 1.5 mg /kg) were injected before and after Fe-NTA treatment. Also the groups of animals received either selenium (0.5, 1, 1.5 mg/kg) or Fe-NTA (9 mg Fe/kg) alone. The selenium was injected daily for a period of 21 days. All the animals were killed and the kidneys were taken out. The biochemical estimation such as protein and LPO were carried out on the kidney tissue. Results: selenium at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg inhibits the LPO induction-induced by Fe-NTA. Other doses of selenium (1 and 1.5 mg/kg) were not effective on the inhibition of LPO. Our data indicate that selenium is more effective before Fe-NTA treatment. Conclusion: The results indicated that the inhibitory effect of selenium may act through different mechanisms and involvement of selenium in the diminishment of LPO may be due to inhibition and scavenging harmful free radicals.