Protective effect of selenomethionine on aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative stress in MDCK cells

Fahmida Parveen1, Zaheer Ahmed Nizamani, Fang Gan

  • 1Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.

Insights

Selenomethionine (SeMet) protects kidney cells from aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced oxidative damage. SeMet effectively reduced oxidative stress markers and improved cell viability, showing its potential as an antioxidant against AFB1 toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin that causes cytotoxicity by increasing oxidative damage in target organs, including the kidney.
  • Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are susceptible to AFB1-induced damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the protective effect of selenomethionine (SeMet) against AFB1-induced oxidative stress and cell damage in MDCK cells.
  • To determine the dose-dependent efficacy of SeMet in mitigating AFB1 toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • MTT assay was used to assess cell viability and toxicity.
  • Measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) activity and mRNA levels to evaluate oxidative stress.
  • Exposure of MDCK cells to AFB1 and varying concentrations of SeMet.

Main Results:

  • AFB1 exposure significantly increased oxidative stress markers (MDA, decreased GSH, reduced GPX1 activity/mRNA) and decreased cell viability in MDCK cells.
  • SeMet demonstrated a dose-dependent protective effect against AFB1-induced damage, with optimal protection observed between 1 and 4 μM.
  • SeMet treatment significantly reversed the effects of AFB1, decreasing MDA and increasing GSH levels, GPX1 activity, mRNA levels, and overall cell viability.

Conclusions:

  • Selenomethionine is a potent antioxidant capable of alleviating AFB1-induced oxidative stress and cellular damage in kidney cells.
  • SeMet shows promise as a therapeutic or preventative agent against mycotoxin-induced kidney injury.