[Preliminary studies on protective effects of selenium on human fetal hepatocyte in vitro injured by lipid...

A selenium protection model of human fetal hepatocyte in vitro injured by lipid peroxidation was established. It was found that survival rate and secretion of albumin of the injured cells decreased, and release of alanine transaminase (ALT) and its activities in the cells increased, as compared with those in controls, with a very significant difference. Under electronic microscope, ultrastructure of the injured cells appeared obscure, their membrane and membranous organella swelling, or membranous structure breaking. Injuries mentioned above in cells pre-treated with selenium were obviously decreased and activities of glutathione peroxidase increased. But protective effects of selenium supplement were weaker. It suggested that preventive supplement with selenium could reduce injury to human hepatocyte caused by lipid peroxidation.