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Antioxidant role of selenium against maneb-induced cardiotoxicity in mice
Mediha Sefi1,2, Mariem Chaâbane3, Safa Bejaoui4
1Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Sciences Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia. essafimediha@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The current study was conducted to assess the beneficial effect of selenium (Se) on maneb-induced cardiotoxicity and fatty acid alterations in adult mice. Swiss albino male mice were assigned into four experimental groups. The first group consisted of negative controls. The second group represented the positive controls where mice received daily, via the diet, sodium selenite at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. For the third group, mice were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of maneb (30 mg/kg BW). The fourth group (MB+Se) received daily the same dose of maneb as group 3 along with sodium selenite at the same dose as group 2. Mice exposure to maneb caused cardiotoxicity as indicated by an increase in malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and protein carbonyl levels, and an alteration of the antioxidant defense system (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and vitamin C). Plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity and total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased. Results showed also a decrease in the amount of n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic acids. However, an increase in the levels of MUFA, cis-vaccenic, and palmitoleic acids was observed. Co-administration of Se restored the parameters indicated above to near control values. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results. Selenium could be a useful and efficient agent against maneb-induced cardiotoxicity.
Insights
Selenium (Se) supplementation effectively counteracted maneb-induced cardiotoxicity and harmful fatty acid changes in mice. This study highlights selenium
Area of Science:
- Toxicology and Pharmacology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Maneb, a widely used fungicide, poses risks of cardiotoxicity and metabolic disturbances.
- Oxidative stress and altered lipid profiles are key indicators of maneb-induced cardiac damage.
- Selenium's antioxidant properties suggest a potential protective role against xenobiotic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of selenium (Se) in mitigating cardiotoxicity induced by maneb exposure.
- To investigate the impact of selenium on fatty acid alterations in the context of maneb toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: control, selenium-only, maneb-only, and maneb + selenium.
- Maneb was administered via intraperitoneal injection, while sodium selenite was given orally.
- Biochemical markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant status, cardiac damage, lipid profile, and fatty acid composition were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Maneb exposure significantly increased markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, protein carbonyls) and cardiac damage (LDH, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C).
- Maneb altered antioxidant defense systems and induced unfavorable changes in fatty acid profiles, decreasing n-3 PUFAs and increasing MUFAs.
- Selenium co-administration normalized these biochemical parameters and reversed adverse fatty acid alterations, with histopathological findings supporting the protective effects.
Conclusions:
- Selenium demonstrates significant protective effects against maneb-induced cardiotoxicity and associated biochemical dysregulations in mice.
- Selenium supplementation can restore normal fatty acid metabolism and antioxidant capacity compromised by maneb exposure.
- Selenium is a promising therapeutic agent for preventing or treating maneb-related cardiovascular and metabolic damage.

