Cardioprotective effects of selenium on chromium (VI)-induced toxicity in female rats

Acute exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds can cause cardiotoxicity. Our study pertains to the protective effect of selenium against K2Cr2O7-induced cardiotoxicity. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each: group I served as controls which received standard diet; group II received in drinking water K2Cr2O7 alone (700 ppm); group III received both K2Cr2O7 and Se (0.5 Na2SeO3 mg/kg of diet); group IV received Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet) for 3 weeks. The exposure of rats to chromium promoted oxidative stress with an increase in malondialdehyde levels and a decrease in antioxidant non-enzymatic levels such as glutathione, non-protein thiol and vitamin C, while, an increase in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities was observed. However, plasma transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase activities, cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels increased, and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased. Coadministration of Se restored the parameters cited above to near-normal values. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.