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The Protective Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles Against Metal Toxicity.
Anatoly V Skalny1,2, Michael Aschner3, Tatiana V Korobeinikova1
1Center of Bioelementology and Human Ecology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119146, Russia.
Biological Trace Element Research
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) effectively protect against heavy metal toxicity by reducing metal accumulation and inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. SeNPs show greater efficacy than other selenium species, though human trials are pending.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Metal toxicity poses significant health risks, affecting multiple organs.
- Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are emerging as potential therapeutic agents.
- Understanding SeNPs' protective mechanisms against metal toxicity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the protective effects of SeNPs against various metal toxicities.
- To compare the efficacy of SeNPs with other selenium species.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SeNP-mediated protection.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro studies were analyzed.
- Effects of SeNPs on metal accumulation and toxicity were assessed.
- Mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy were investigated.
Main Results:
- SeNPs mitigate toxicity from heavy metals, metal nanoparticles, and cisplatin in organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys.
- SeNPs reduce metal accumulation, enhance selenoprotein synthesis, and activate Nrf2 signaling.
- SeNPs exhibit anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB and MAPK inhibition and PI3K/Akt activation.
- SeNPs alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress, improve autophagy, and provide neuroprotection.
- SeNPs demonstrate superior protective effects compared to sodium selenite and organoselenium compounds.
- Combined administration and surface modifications enhance SeNP efficacy.
Conclusions:
- SeNPs offer robust protection against metal toxicity through diverse mechanisms.
- SeNPs show significant potential for mitigating metal-induced cellular damage.
- Further research is needed to determine the clinical efficacy of SeNPs in humans.
