Application of the Se NPs-Chitosan molecular complex for the correction of selenium deficiency in rats model

Selenium is an integral component of vital biologically active compounds of the human body. Currently, the population of many countries is characterized by selenium deficiency. In this regard, many preparations of inorganic and organic forms of selenium have been developed. Nevertheless, it is evident that the most effective solution to the problem is to enrich the diet with bioavailable forms of selenium. Thus, this work aimed to synthesize and study the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of the molecular complex of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) and chitosan in laboratory rats with induced hyposelenosis. During the experiment with animals, we found that as a result of 70-day consumption of food with a low selenium content, rats develop an alimentary selenium deficiency state, as evidenced by a significant decrease in the content of this trace element in control group rats to 48.2 ±6.71 µg/kg versus 149.3 ±21.63 µg/kg in intact animals. Course, administration of the molecular complex Se NPs- Chitosan to rats of the experimental group, contributed to the replenishment of selenium deficiency: its concentration in the blood of animals was 96.6 ±3.57 µg/kg. Thus, in animals of the control group, there was a decrease in the total number of lymphocytes by 2.7 times, T-lymphocytes – by 1.8 times, and B-lymphocytes – by 2.3 times compared with similar data in intact animals. In the context of hyposelenosis, it is worth mentioning that there was a slight increase in the content of T-helper cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. The synthesized Se NPs – Chitosan complex administration during hyposelenosis demonstrated a notable immunomodulatory effect by restoring the body's immune response indicators. Thus, the total number of lymphocytes increased by 3 times, T-lymphocytes – by 1.9 times, and B-lymphocytes – by 2 times. The number of T-helper cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes increased by 1.9 times compared to the group of intact animals and 1.6 times compared to selenium-deficient rats. Thus, the course introduction of the molecular complex Se NPs – Chitosan against the background of selenium deficiency was accompanied by inhibition of free radical oxidation processes, activation of the antioxidant system and restoration of the immune status of the organism of laboratory animals.