Antioxidative role of selenium on some tissues of (Cd2+), Cr3+)-induced rainbow trout

Chemical toxic pollutants (especially heavy metals) are important sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems. Membrane phospholipids of aerobic organisms are continually subjected to oxidant challenges from endogenous and exogenous sources, while peroxidized membranes and lipid peroxidation products represent constant threats to aerobic cells. The primary antioxidant protection against free radical and ROS is provided by the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), respectively. The trace element selenium has been implicated in chemo-prevention and drug-resistance through reduction of oxidative stress. Selenium could prevent damage to the unsaturated fatty acid of subcellular membranes by lipid peroxidation induced by free radicals. The results reported here show that sodium selenite has an important contribution to antioxidative defense for the spleen and heart of rainbow trout. The ability of sodium selenite to prevent the oxidative stress induced by heavy metals (Cd(2+), Cr(3+)) in fish was rationalized.