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DNA damage, apoptosis and C-myc, C-fos, and C-jun overexpression induced by selenium in rat hepatocytes

Ri-An Yu1, Cheng-Feng Yang, Xue-Min Chen

  • 1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China. yurian.tj@163.com

Biomedical and Environmental Sciences : BES
|September 2, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Selenium exposure in rats induced significant DNA damage and apoptosis in liver cells. This was associated with increased expression of oncogenes c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun, indicating potential cellular stress and proliferation signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Toxicology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Selenium is an essential trace element with complex biological roles.
  • High doses of selenium compounds can exhibit toxicity.
  • Understanding selenium's effects on cellular processes is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of sodium selenite on DNA damage in rat hepatocytes.
  • To evaluate the induction of apoptosis by selenium exposure.
  • To examine the expression of oncogenes c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun in response to selenium.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were administered varying doses of sodium selenite (5, 10, 20 micromol/kg).
  • DNA damage was assessed using the comet assay.
  • Apoptosis was quantified via TUNEL staining and flow cytometry.
  • Gene and protein expression of c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun were analyzed by Northern dot hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

  • Sodium selenite induced dose-dependent DNA damage, with comet cell rates reaching 91.40% at the highest dose (P<0.01).
  • Significant increases in hepatocyte apoptosis were observed, correlating with selenium dosage (P<0.01).
  • Overexpression of c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun genes and proteins was evident in selenium-treated hepatocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Selenium exposure at doses of 5-20 micromol/kg induces significant DNA damage and apoptosis in rat hepatocytes.
  • Selenium treatment leads to the overexpression of oncogenes c-myc, c-fos, and c-jun.
  • A strong correlation exists between DNA damage, apoptosis rates, and selenium dosage.

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