Abstract
Background: This study investigated selenium nanoparticles' protective effects (SE-NPs) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups (n = 8). Group 1 rats received the vehicle solution only. Group 2 received a single intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL/kg CCl4 in liquid paraffin (1:1 v/v). Group 3 was treated with SE-NPs (2.5 mg/kg) twice a week for three weeks before receiving CCl4 challenge. Oxidative stress, liver function, liver histopathology and serum lipid levels were evaluated. Results: Plasma concentrations of aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA) and the toxicity marker, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were significantly elevated in rats treated with CCl4 compared to the controls. CCl4 also caused a significant decline in liver glutathione (GSH) concentration. SE-NP pretreatment significantly improved the level of AST, urea, creatinine, MDA, LDH, and GSH in the CCl4-injected rats towards the control levels. Conclusions: SE-NPs restored both liver function and hepatic structure in CCl4 treated rats. SE-NPs exhibit an ability to counter markers of liver injury induced by CCl4 and restore oxidative stability to lipid profiles and liver structure and function.