Toxicological effects of selenium nanoparticles in laboratory animals: A review

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the main toxicological studies conducted on selenium nanoparticles (NPs) using laboratory animals, up until February 28, 2023. A literature search revealed 17 articles describing experimental studies conducted on warm‐blooded animals. Despite some uncertainties, in vivo studies have demonstrated that selenium NPs have an adverse effect on laboratory animals, as evidenced by several indicators of general toxic action. These effects include reductions of body mass, changes in hepatotoxicity indices (increased enzyme activity and accumulation of selenium in the liver), and the possibility of impairment of fatty acid, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolisms. However, no specific toxic action attributable solely to selenium has been identified. The LOAEL and NOAEL values are contradictory. The NOAEL was 0.22 mg/kg body weight per day for males and 0.33 mg/kg body weight per day for females, while the LOAEL was assumed to be a dose of 0.05 mg/kg of nanoselenium. This LOAEL value is much higher for rats than for humans. The relationship between the adverse effects of selenium NPs and exposure dose is controversial and presents a wide typological diversity. Further research is needed to clarify the absorption, metabolism, and long‐term toxicity of selenium NPs, which is critical to improving the risk assessment of these compounds.

Toxic Kidney Damage in Rats Following Subchronic Intraperitoneal Exposure to Element Oxide Nanoparticles

“…Kidneys play an important role in selenium homeostasis [ 41 , 52 ]. Selenium is often used as a protector against nephrotoxic effects of chemicals (e.g., [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ]). However, it has been shown that rising doses of Se NPs have an increasingly pronounced nephrotoxic effect and accumulate in renal tissues [ 58 ].…”

Selenium volatilization in plants, microalgae, and microorganisms

“…When exposed to high levels of Se for a long time, it can cause toxic reactions including congenital disability, reproductive disorders, liver failure, skin damage, respiratory failure, and hair and nail loss [ [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] ]. For animals, excessive Se intake can lead to various negative effects, including weight loss [ 47 , 48 ], impaired growth [ 49 ], Se accumulation and cellular damage in liver tissue [ 50 , 51 ], localized hair loss [ 52 ], impairment of fatty acid, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as destructive changes in the intestines [ 50 , 53 ]. High Se concentration also has a toxic effect on plant growth and physiological activities [ [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] ], including yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced biomass [ 1 , 58 , 59 ].…”