A Selenium Nanocomposite Protects the Mouse Brain from Oxidative Injury Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common neurological crisis leading to high mortality and morbidity. Oxidative stress-induced secondary injury plays a critical role in neurological deterioration. Previously, we synthesized a porous Se@SiO₂ nanocomposite and identified their therapeutic role in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Whether this nanocomposite is neuroprotective remains to be elucidated.

A porous Se@SiO₂ nanocomposite was synthesized, and its biosafety was determined using a CCK-8 assay. The neuroprotective effect was evaluated by TUNEL staining, and intracellular ROS were detected with a DCFH-DA probe in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to hemin. Furthermore, the effect of the nanocomposite on cell apoptosis, brain edema and blood-brain barrier permeability were evaluated in a collagenase-induced ICH mouse model. The potential mechanism was also explored.

The results demonstrated that Se@SiO₂ treatment significantly improved neurological function, increased glutathione peroxidase activity and downregulated malonaldehyde levels. The proportion of apoptotic cells, brain edema and blood-brain barrier permeability were reduced significantly in ICH mice treated with Se@SiO₂ compared to vehicle-treated mice. In vitro, Se@SiO₂ protected SH-SY5Y cells from hemin-induced apoptosis by preventing intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation.

These results suggested that the porous Se@SiO₂ nanocomposite exerted neuroprotection by suppressing oxidative stress. Se@SiO₂ may be a potential candidate for the clinical treatment of ICH and oxidative stress-related brain injuries.