Determination of protective role of selenium against aflatoxin B1-induced DNA damage

Selenium is an essential mineral for a healthy life. Appropriate doses of it may undertake a protective role in the organism. In this study, the protective role of selenium (Se4+) against aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1))-induced DNA damage was determined using random amplified polymorphic DNA on two plants including Vicia faba and Zea mays. It was observed that the concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 ppm of AFB(1) have increased polymorphism value, total chlorophyll inhibition rate (IRc, %) and total protein IR (IRp, %). Unlike protein, chlorophyll contents and genomic template stability were decreased. With the addition of different concentrations (0.8 and 80 ppm) of Se4+ to the treated samples with AFB(1), the values return to normal. An 800-ppm concentration of Se4+, on the contrary, could not inhibit the toxicity of AFB(1) but caused an increase in toxicity level of AFB(1)/enhanced the toxicity level of AFB(1). Results suggested that Se4+ has an antagonistic effect against AFB(1) toxicity and that the degree of antagonistic effect of Se4+ against AFB(1) was related to its concentration.