Comparison of the influence of selenium supplementation in organic and inorganic forms on oxidant/antioxidant balance in rat lungs

The aim of the experiment was to compare the effect of two newly synthesised organic selenocompounds with that exerted by sodium selenite on oxidant processes in rat lungs. Total antioxidant status (TAS), activity of antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants - ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), concentration of lipid peroxidation marker - malonyldialdehyde (MDA), as well as tissue concentrations of silicon and magnesium were determined in rats receiving different selenocompounds (inorganic selenite and organic selenosemicarbazide in a chain form - compound A and selenazoline in a ring form - compound B). TAS values were elevated in comparison with control without Se-supplementation. GPx was insignificantly increased when compared to control, mainly in the group receiving compound B. Inorganic selenite significantly increased SOD and decreased levels of AA. MDA was slightly altered in Se-supplemented animals. Silicon levels were not affected, whereas magnesium concentrations were considerably reduced in all groups receiving selenium. Compound B increased TAS to the highest degree. It did not have any impact on components of the antioxidant barrier and slightly decreased MDA. Therefore, it could be suggested that further research, including in vitro studies on cancer cell lines, may reveal new possibilities of medical applications of selenocompounds.