Cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats: protection by selenium

The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of selenium (Sel) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity on liver functions of male rats. The animals were divided into three groups. First group served as control, second group administrated (s.c.) cadmium chloride (2 mg kg-1) and third group injected (s.c.) with Sel (0.35 mg kg-1) and cadmium chloride (2 mg kg-1). Blood samples were collected and eight animals were sacrificed after two, four, six and eight weeks. Blood hydroperoxide, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and bilirubin concentrations were evaluated. Moreover hepatic cadmium and zinc contents were determined using atomic absorption. The treatment of rats with Cd results in a significant increase in AST, ALP, ALT, γ-GT, bilirubin, hepatic zinc and cadmium concentrations. Furthermore, hydroperoxide level elevated significantly. Administration of Sel one hour prior to cadmium exposure ameliorated the toxic effects of Cd. Current study conclude that Sel might be act as antioxidant and protect the liver from oxidative stress induced by Cd