Toxicological effects of nanoselenium in animals

Abstract

The productivity and sustainability of livestock production systems are heavily influenced by animal nutrition. To maintain homeostatic balance in the body of the animal at different phases of life, the percentage of organically active minerals in livestock feed must be optimized. Selenium (Se) is a crucial trace mineral that is required for the maintenance of many functions of the body. Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) attracted considerable interest from researchers for a variety of applications a decade ago, owing to their extraordinary properties. SeNPs offer significant advantages over larger-sized materials, by having a comparatively wider surface area, increased surface energy, and high volume. Despite its benefits, SeNP also has toxic effects, therefore safety concerns must be taken for a successful application. The toxicological effects of SeNPs in animals are characterized by weight loss, and increased mortality rate. A safe-by-strategy to certify animal, human and environmental safety will contribute to an early diagnosis of all risks associated with SeNPs. This review is aimed at describing the beneficial uses and potential toxicity of SeNPs in various animals. It will also serve as a summary of different levels of SeNPs which should be added in the feed of animals for better performance.

Emerging alternatives to traditional anthelmintics: the in vitro antiparasitic activity of silver and selenium nanoparticles, and pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract against Haemonchus contortus

“…In sheep, an oral dose of 1 mg/kg Se bw/day of SeNPs (smaller than 220 nm) or selenite showed similar toxicity (Kojouri et al 2012a ; Kojouri et al 2012b ). However, SeNPs were found to be less toxic and more bioactive than selenite in sheep (Bano et al 2022 ). Some studies have evaluated the effect of sub-lethal doses of SeNPs on the health status of rats and found that sub-lethal doses of SeNPs did not cause any significant adverse effects on the rats (Qamar et al 2020 ; Urbankova et al 2021 ).…”

“…Some studies have evaluated the effect of sub-lethal doses of SeNPs on the health status of rats and found that sub-lethal doses of SeNPs did not cause any significant adverse effects on the rats (Qamar et al 2020 ; Urbankova et al 2021 ). The toxicological effects of SeNPs in animals are generally characterized by weight loss and increased mortality rate (Bano et al 2022 ).…”

Research Advances in Preparation, Stability, Application, and Possible Risks of Nanoselenium: Focus on Food and Food-Related Fields

“…In addition to the direct toxicity to aquatic products, excessive application of nanoselenium in aquiculture might lead to pollution to water and the environment and destruction of microorganisms, animals, and plants in water. The toxicological effects of selenium on the organisms and environment depend upon the concentration, chemical property, and exposure time of nanoselenium . Unfortunately, the understanding on the possible toxicity, relationship of dose and toxicity, and related action mechanism of nanoselenium to target and non-target organisms is still not in-depth.…”

“…The toxicological effects of selenium on the organisms and environment depend upon the concentration, chemical property, and exposure time of nanoselenium. 114 Unfortunately, the understanding on the possible toxicity, relationship of dose and toxicity, and related action mechanism of nanoselenium to target and non-target organisms is still not in-depth. Studies about the minimum effective dose, exposure time, lethal and sublethal concentrations, bioaccumulation, and residue concentrations of nanoselenium to the target and nontarget organisms and environment need to be further studied.…”

Implication of Nanoparticles to Combat Chronic Liver and Kidney Diseases: Progress and Perspectives

“…SeNPs also decreased hepatic and renal MDA contents along with the increase in all antioxidative parameters. The structural integrity of the liver was also maintained, which prevents the leakage of hepatic enzymes ( Table 4 ) [ 123 ]. Likewise, starch-based SeNPs were evaluated against melamine-induced hepatorenal toxicity in albino rats.…”