The Role of Nitric Oxide and Oxidative Stress in Intestinal Damage Induced by Selenium Deficiency in Chickens

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential messenger molecule and is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Although NO has important biological functions in mammals, its role in the mechanism that occurs after intestinal injuries in chickens remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to investigate the real role of NO and oxidative stress in the intestinal injuries of chickens induced by selenium (Se) deficiency. A total 150 chickens were randomly divided into the following two groups: a low-Se group (L group, fed a Se-deficient diet containing 0.020 mg/kg Se) and a control group (C group, fed a commercial diet containing 0.2 mg/kg Se). The activities and mRNA levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the production of glutathione (GSH) and NO, and the protein and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were examined in the intestinal tissues (duodenum, jejunum, and rectum) at 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 days. Methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) levels were also detected by assay kits. Then, the morphologies of the tissues were observed under the microscope after hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E staining). The results showed that Se deficiency induced higher inflammatory damage and MDA levels (P < 0.05), which were accompanied by higher levels of iNOS and NO but lower levels of GSH and GSH-Px (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that Se deficiency induced oxidative damage in the intestinal tracts of chickens and that low levels of GSH-Px and high contents of NO may exert a major role in the injury of the intestinal tract induced by Se deficiency.

Effect of Selenium Deficiency on Nitric Oxide and Heat Shock Proteins in Chicken Erythrocytes

“…Therefore, disordered NO has served as an important biomarker for detecting tissue injuries, particularly in the blood circulation system. In previous studies, a higher NO level was found in the intestine [15], kidney [16], and pancreas [17] tissues of chickens with Se deficiency. However, whether the content of NO is influenced by Se deficiency has rarely been studied in chicken erythrocytes.…”

“…Under various types of stressors, except inflammatory cytokines, iNOS could also be upregulated in erythrocytes [39], which influenced the immune function of erythrocytes [40]. In addition, Yu et al found that Se deficiency induced the change in NO content and intestinal oxidative injury [15]. In Liu's study, excessive production of NO by fluoride combined with oxygen-free radicals forms products with stronger oxidation that seriously damage the tissues and cells in organisms [41].…”

The Antagonistic Effect of Selenium on Lead-Induced Inflammatory Factors and Heat Shock Proteins mRNA Expression in Chicken Livers

“…Se are closely related to the NO content [49], iNOS activity in intestine [50], and the mRNA expression of inflammation factors [51] and heat shock proteins [52] in chicken tissues. Se can play certain protective actions against Pb-induced toxicity in chicken livers [53].…”

miR-2954 Inhibits PI3K Signaling and Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis in Myocardium Selenium Deficiency

“…Additionally, Se deficiency can cause oxidative stress in chicken myoblasts [4], immune organs [5], and the liver, pancreas [6], and digestive system [7] and, according to our previous study, can induce oxidative stress in chicken cardiomyocytes [8]. Among the organs, the heart is a core organ in the body, and abnormal heart function leads to disease.…”