Background: Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant that poses risks to human and animal health. Selenium (Se), a beneficial element, alleviates the detrimental consequences of colitis and Cd toxicity. Se is found in food products as both inorganic Se (sodium selenite) and organic Se (typically Se-enriched yeast). Nano-selenium (nano-Se; a novel form of Se produced through the bioreduction of Se species) has recently garnered considerable interest, although its effects against Cd-induced enterotoxicity are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of nano-selenium on mitigating cadmium toxicity and safeguarding the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
Methods: For a total of two cycles, we subjected 6-week-old C57 mice to chronic colitis by exposing them to Cd and nano-selenium for two weeks, followed by DSS water for one week.
Results: The application of nano-selenium mitigated the intensity of colitis and alleviated inflammation in the colon. Nano-selenium enhanced the diversity of the intestinal flora, elevated the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces, and improved the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
Conclusions: In summary, nano-Se may reduce intestinal inflammation by regulating the growth of intestinal microorganisms and protecting the intestinal barrier.
Keywords: cadmium; inflammatory; intestinal barrier; intestinal microorganisms; nano-selenium.