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κ-Selenocarrageenan prevents microcystin-LR-induced hepatotoxicity in BALB/c mice
Jing Wang1, Shouyi Yu, Shouhai Jiao
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China. avaecn@gmail.com
Abstract:
Microcystins (MCs) are a family of cyclic heptapeptides that are produced by blooming algae Microcystis. MCs have been implicated in the development of liver cancer, necrosis and even intrahepatic bleeding. Effective prophylactic approaches and complete removal of MCs are urgently needed. Accumulating evidence suggests that microcystin-LR (MC-LR)-induced damage is accompanied by oxidative stress. Supplementation of Se can enhance resistance to oxidative stress. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the protective effects of κ-Selenocarrageenan (Se-Car), a kind of organic Se compound, in Balb/c mice exposed to MC-LR. Our results proved that Se-Car could significantly ameliorate the hepatic damage induced by MC-LR, including serum markers of liver dysfunction, oxidative damages and histological alterations. Furthermore, Se-Car could significantly alleviate the up-regulation of the molecular targets indicating mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by MC-LR. In conclusion, Se-Car showed clear protection against toxicity induced by MC-LR. Thus, Se-Car could be useful as a new category of anti-MC-LR toxicity reagent.
Insights
Organic selenium compound, κ-Selenocarrageenan (Se-Car), protects against microcystin-LR (MC-LR) liver damage. Se-Car alleviates oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, offering a potential treatment for MC-LR toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microcystins (MCs), cyclic heptapeptides from Microcystis blooms, are potent hepatotoxins linked to liver cancer and necrosis.
- Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) exposure induces significant liver damage, characterized by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
- Effective countermeasures against MC-LR toxicity are crucial due to its public health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of κ-Selenocarrageenan (Se-Car), an organic selenium compound, against MC-LR-induced hepatotoxicity in Balb/c mice.
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying Se-Car's protective action, focusing on oxidative stress and cellular stress pathways.
Main Methods:
- Balb/c mice were exposed to MC-LR, with some groups co-administered Se-Car.
- Hepatic damage was assessed through serum liver function markers, oxidative stress indicators, and histological examination.
- Molecular targets associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Se-Car administration significantly ameliorated MC-LR-induced liver injury, evidenced by normalized serum markers and reduced histological damage.
- Se-Car treatment effectively counteracted MC-LR-induced oxidative stress.
- The compound alleviated the upregulation of molecular targets linked to mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Conclusions:
- κ-Selenocarrageenan (Se-Car) demonstrates significant protective effects against microcystin-LR (MC-LR) hepatotoxicity.
- Se-Car mitigates liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and cellular stress responses.
- Se-Car presents a promising new therapeutic agent for combating MC-LR toxicity.