Integrated multiomics analysis reveals the effect of glucose selenol improves rat immunity

This study aimed to investigate the effects of glucose selenol (SeGlu) on the immune function of rats, with a particular focus on the spleen. Rats were randomly divided into CK (deionized water, oral), Se0.15 group (0.15 mg/L SeGlu, oral), and Se0.4 group (0.4 mg/L SeGlu, oral) for 30 days continuously. 0.15 mg/L SeGlu significantly increased the serum antioxidant levels and the levels of IgM and IgG. The Se0.4 group upregulated the inflammatory factor levels of IL-2 and IL-6, and both concentrations significantly reduced the serum TNF-α level. Transcriptome analysis indicated that the supplementation of SeGlu could affect three types of proteins: peptidases, tumor necrosis factor receptors, and transmembrane transport proteins. KEGG enrichment discovered pathway annotations directly or indirectly related to the immune process, especially phagosomes, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and nod-like receptor signaling pathways. We identified 59 SeGlu target differentially expressed genes and 8 (NEG) and 20 (POS) co-expressed differentially expressed metabolites. Immunoglobulin-related DEGs were concentrated in the transcription factor family V-set, and were identified on chromosome 6. In addition, metagenome sequencing showed that SeGlu treatment increased abundance of Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Eubacterium, Coprobacillus, and Intestinimonas at the genus level. Spearman correlation analysis results showed that the modulatory effects of SeGlu on d-proline were related to the regulation of Roseburia, Clostridium, Eubacterium Coprobacillus, Butyricimonas, and Muribaculum. Overall, the analyses of rat physiology, transcriptome, metabolome, and metagenome offer new insights into Se on rat immunity. SeGlu provides beneficial immune protection and is a promising organic selenium enrichment additive.