[The effect of selenium on free-radical oxidation processes in the bone regenerate after a fracture]

The paper presents the results of examining the central part of the rat mandible for a month after its fracture. The rate of free radical oxidation was estimated by the levels of diene conjugates (DC), malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and by the activity of selenium-containing glutathione peroxidase (GPO). The findings suggest that there are profound injury-induced changes in free radical oxidation and antioxidative defense. The levels of DC and MDA showed the maximum upward change as a double-peaked curve and longer restoration to the level seen in control animals. These rats had the minimum enhanced GPO activity. In the animals receiving intragastric selenium methionine or selenium electrophoresis applied to the site of mandible fracture, alterations in DC and MDA were less pronounced and GPO showed a higher activity.