Selenium reduces hemoglobin-induced epithelial damage to intestinal mucosa

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Toxicology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Modified hemoglobins, such as diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DBBF-Hb), are investigated as potential blood substitutes.
• Epithelial damage is a concern with blood substitute administration.
• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if DBBF-Hb causes intestinal epithelial damage.
• To determine if selenium (Se) supplementation mitigates DBBF-Hb-induced epithelial damage.
• To investigate the role of mast cell degranulation in this process.

Main Methods:

• Anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were administered DBBF-Hb or control solution (HBS-BSA) after a 3-week selenium (Se) or no-Se pre-treatment.
• Intestinal tissue was examined using light and electron microscopy to assess epithelial integrity (E.I.).
• Mast cell degranulation per villus (MCD) was quantified microscopically.

Main Results:

• DBBF-Hb significantly compromised intestinal epithelial integrity in non-Se rats compared to controls.
• Selenium (Se) pre-treatment prevented DBBF-Hb-induced epithelial damage.
• DBBF-Hb increased mast cell degranulation (MCD) in non-Se rats, but Se supplementation did not reduce this effect and, in fact, increased MCD in both DBBF-Hb and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DBBF-Hb) can induce intestinal epithelial damage.
• Selenium (Se) protects the intestinal mucosal epithelium from DBBF-Hb toxicity.
• The protective mechanism of selenium (Se) against DBBF-Hb-induced damage appears independent of mast cell degranulation.