Nanotoxicological evaluation of oxidative responses in rat nephrocytes induced by cadmium

Cross-talk between Vimentin and autophagy regulates blood-testis barrier disruption induced by cadmium

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) plays a vital role in mammalian spermatogenesis by separating the seminiferous epithelium into an adluminal and a basal compartment. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that is widely present in the environment. We observed that Cd can induce BTB disruption, leading to apoptosis of testicular cells. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to BTB injury induced by Cd have not yet been fully clarified. Vimentin (Vim) is an important desmosome-like junction protein that mediates robust adhesion in the BTB. In this study, we investigated how Vim responds to Cd. We found that Cd treatment led to a significant decrease in Vim expression, accompanied by a marked increase in LC3-II expression and a higer number of autophagosomes. Interestingly, we also observed that Cd-induced autophagy was associated with decreased Vim activity and enhanced apoptosis of testicular cells. To further investigate the role of autophagy in Vim regulation under Cd exposure, we treated cells with an autophagy inhibitor called 3-MA. We found that 3-MA treatment enhanced Vim expression and improved the disruption of the BTB under Cd exposure. Additionally, the inhibition of Vim confirmed the role of autophagy in modulating Vim expression. These results reveal a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of Cd involving the interplay between a heavy metal and a protein.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles in Biomedical Sciences: Properties, Current Trends, Novel Opportunities and Emerging Challenges in Theranostic Nanomedicine

Selenium is an important dietary supplement and an essential trace element incorporated into selenoproteins with growth-modulating properties and cytotoxic mechanisms of action. However, different compounds of selenium usually possess a narrow nutritional or therapeutic window with a low degree of absorption and delicate safety margins, depending on the dose and the chemical form in which they are provided to the organism. Hence, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are emerging as a novel therapeutic and diagnostic platform with decreased toxicity and the capacity to enhance the biological properties of Se-based compounds. Consistent with the exciting possibilities offered by nanotechnology in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, SeNPs are useful tools in current biomedical research with exceptional benefits as potential therapeutics, with enhanced bioavailability, improved targeting, and effectiveness against oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated disorders. In view of the need for developing eco-friendly, inexpensive, simple, and high-throughput biomedical agents that can also ally with theranostic purposes and exhibit negligible side effects, biogenic SeNPs are receiving special attention. The present manuscript aims to be a reference in its kind by providing the readership with a thorough and comprehensive review that emphasizes the current, yet expanding, possibilities offered by biogenic SeNPs in the biomedical field and the promise they hold among selenium-derived products to, eventually, elicit future developments. First, the present review recalls the physiological importance of selenium as an oligo-element and introduces the unique biological, physicochemical, optoelectronic, and catalytic properties of Se nanomaterials. Then, it addresses the significance of nanosizing on pharmacological activity (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) and cellular interactions of SeNPs. Importantly, it discusses in detail the role of biosynthesized SeNPs as innovative theranostic agents for personalized nanomedicine-based therapies. Finally, this review explores the role of biogenic SeNPs in the ongoing context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and presents key prospects in translational nanomedicine.

HPLC Analysis and the Antioxidant and Preventive Actions of Opuntia stricta Juice Extract against Hepato-Nephrotoxicity and Testicular Injury Induced by Cadmium Exposure

Opuntia stricta is a rich source of phenolic compounds. This species generally has strong antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds isolated from Opuntia stricta, including its radical scavenging activities and preventive action against Cd-induced oxidative stress in rats. To assess the protection of prickly pear juice extract (PPJE) against Cd-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity and testicular damage, male albino rats received PPJE (250 mg kg−1) and/or Cd (1 mg kg−1) by oral administration and injection, respectively, for five consecutive weeks. The preventive action of PPJE was estimated using biochemical markers of kidney and liver tissues, antioxidant status, and histological examinations. In the present study, the lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls, antioxidant status, and metallothionein levels were determined in different tissues. The chromatographic analysis indicated that PPJE extract is very rich in phenolic compounds such as verbascoside, catechin hydrate, and oleuropein. Our results showed that PPJE-treated rats had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased Cd levels in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, the administration of PPJE induced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lipid peroxidation of 30.5, 54.54, and 40.8 in the liver, kidney, and testicle, respectively, and an increase in antioxidant status in these tissues. Additionally, PPJE showed a strong ability to protect renal, hepatic, and testicular architectures against Cd exposure. This study revealed that PPJE protects against the toxic effects of Cd, possibly through its free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities.

Elemental Selenium Enriched Nanofiber Production

This study aimed to produce electrospun nanofibers from a polyvinyl butyral polymer (PVB) solution enriched with red and grey selenium nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopic analysis was used to observe the samples, evaluate the fiber diameters, and reveal eventual artifacts in the nanofibrous structure. Average fiber diameter is determined by manually measuring the diameters of randomly selected fibers on scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images. The obtained nanofibers are amorphous with a diameter of approximately 500 nm, a specific surface area of approx. 8 m² g⁻¹, and 5093 km cm⁻³ length. If the red and grey selenium nanoparticles were produced in powder form and suspended to the ethanolic solution of PVB then they were located inside and outside the fiber. When selenium nanoparticles were synthesized in the PVB solution, then they were located only inside the fiber. These nanofiber sheets enriched with selenium nanoparticles could be a good candidate for high-efficiency filter materials and medical applications.

Effects of mine waste water on rat: bioaccumulation and histopathological evaluation

The highlighting of the bioaccumulation capacity of metals in the internal organs, the mode of distribution at the level of internal organs, the interactions between them, respectively, and the histological changes occurred at the level of the liver and kidneys are the main aspects addressed in the present study. The experiment was performed on 4 groups of Wistar rats: 3 groups which were administered water from rivers located in the vicinity of the Bor mining operation and 1 control group. The determination of the metal content in the administered water samples and in the internal organs was performed using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Tissue alterations were assessed by histological technique and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The metal retention capacity in the internal organs differs depending on the metal concentration in the administered water sample but also on the organ in which the determination was made. Also, correlations were established between the concentrations of metals at the level of the organs, showing (a) positive and significant correlations-at the level of the heart between Zn and Cu, Fe, and Mn and at the level of the lungs between Mn and Cd-but the most numerous were reported in the testicle; (b) moderate correlations at liver level between Fe and Zn, at spleen level between Cu and Mn and Cd and at the level of the kidneys between Pb and Zn, Cu, and Fe; (c) negative correlations at renal level between Pb and Mn; and (d) insignificant correlations between Pb and Fe. The histological changes identified at the level of the liver and kidney become more obvious, and their aggravation is registered with the increase of the metal content.

The Antagonistic Effects of Selenium Yeast (SeY) on Cadmium-Induced Inflammatory Factors and the Heat Shock Protein Expression Levels in Chicken Livers

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal in the natural environment that can cause multiple organ damage to the bodies of animals and humans. Selenium yeast (SeY) is a kind of organic selenium (Se) that has a very strong function against Cd-induced injury to tissues or organs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the roles of inflammatory factors and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in inflammatory injury triggered by Cd and to analyze the protective effects of SeY on Cd-induced damnification in the livers of chickens. Two hundred 120-day-old layers were randomly divided into four groups and raised on a conventional diet, or with Se (0.5 mg/kg SeY), Cd (150 mg/kg CdCl₂), or Se + Cd (0.5 mg/kg SeY and 150 mg/kg CdCl₂) in their basic diets for 120 days. Then, the liver histopathology, production of nitric oxide (NO), activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory factors (iNOS, NF-κB, TNF-α, and PTGE) and heat shock proteins (HSPs 27, 40, 60, 70, and 90) were examined. The results showed that exposure to Cd obviously increased Cd accumulation, NO production, iNOS activity, inflammatory factor, and HSP mRNA and protein expression levels and further caused an inflammatory response. Supplementation with SeY had an antagonistic effect on Cd-induced inflammatory injury in chicken livers. Thus, the present study suggests that SeY can be taken as a potential therapeutic for Cd-induced liver inflammatory injury in chickens.

Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Endothelial Dysfunctional Properties of Nano-Selenium in vitro and in vivo of Hyperhomocysteinemic Rats

Purpose

Elevation of blood homocysteine (Hcy) level (hyperhomocysteinemia) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders and is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction. The present study aims to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of nanoscale selenium (Nano-Se) in Hcy-mediated vascular endothelial cell dysfunction in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and Methods

By incubating vascular endothelial cells with exogenous Hcy and generating hyperhomocysteinemic rat model, the effects of Nano-Se on hyperhomocysteinemia-mediated endothelial dysfunction and its essential mechanisms were investigated.

Results

Nano-Se inhibited Hcy-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage and apoptosis by preventing the downregulation of glutathione peroxidase enzyme 1 and 4 (GPX1, GPX4) in the vascular endothelial cells, thus effectively prevented the vascular damage in vitro and in vivo in the hyperhomocysteinemic rats. Nano-Se possessed similar protective effects but lower toxicity against Hcy in vascular endothelial cells when compared with other forms of Se.

Conclusion

The application of Nano-Se could serve as a novel promising strategy against Hcy-mediated vascular dysfunction with reduced risk of Se toxicity.

Development of catechin-phospholipid complex to enhance the bioavailability and modulatory potential against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rats liver

The natural flavonoid (catechin) has been shown to possess a multitude of pharmacological activities. However, oral administrated catechin (CT) failed to fulfil its therapeutic potential due to poor absorption and low bioavailability. Thus, is a pressing need to develop a new approach from to increase its intestinal absorption and improved bioavailability. In this work, we intended the increase the bioavailability of CT by preparing catechin-phospholipid complex (CT-PH) and evaluate the protective effect of CT-PH complex against cadmium caused liver injuries in rats. Oral bioavailability of CT and CT-PH complex was evaluated in rats and the plasma CT was estimated by HPLC analysis. The greater absorption of CT-PH complex rats indicated that improved bioavailability. Liver function markers, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, antioxidant status and histopathological changes were determined in normal and treated rats. Moreover, biochemical analysis and histopathological examinations indicated that CT-PH provided better protection to rat liver than free CT.

CdSe QD Biosynthesis in Yeast Using Tryptone-Enriched Media and Their Conjugation with a Peptide Hecate for Bacterial Detection and Killing

The physical and chemical synthesis methods of quantum dots (QDs) are generally unfavorable for biological applications. To overcome this limitation, the development of a novel "green" route to produce highly-fluorescent CdSe QDs constitutes a promising substitute approach. In the present work, CdSe QDs were biosynthesized in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a novel method, where we showed for the first time that the concentration of tryptone highly affects the synthesis process. The optimum concentration of tryptone was found to be 25 g/L for the highest yield. Different methods were used to optimize the QD extraction from yeast, and the best method was found to be by denaturation at 80 °C along with an ultrasound needle. Multiple physical characterizations including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and spectrophotometry confirmed the optical features size and shape distribution of the QDs. We showed that the novel conjugate of the CdSe QDs and a cell-penetrating peptide (hecate) can detect bacterial cells very efficiently under a fluorescent microscope. The conjugate also showed strong antibacterial activity against vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli, which may help us to cope with the problem of rising antibiotic resistance.

Selenium as a pleiotropic agent for medical discovery and drug delivery

Selenium as a biologically active element lends much support to health maintenance and disease prevention. It is now presenting pleiotropic effects on therapy and drug delivery. In this study, a profiling on the physiological functions, therapeutic significances, clinical/preclinical performances, and biomedical and drug delivery applications of selenium in different modalities was carried out. Major interests focused on selenium-based nanomedicines in confronting various diseases pertaining to selenium or not, especially in antitumor and antidiabetes. Furthermore, the article exclusively discusses selenium nanoparticles featured by ameliorative functions with emphasis on their applications in medical practice and drug delivery. The state-of-the-art in medical discovery as well as research and development on selenium and nano-selenium is discussed in this review.

Phenolic compounds analysis, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects of Periploca angustifolia extract on cadmium-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cell line and rats

A total of five components (Catechin, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, Rosmarinic acid, and Amentoflavone) were identified in Periploca angustifolia leaf methanolic extract. This extract did not cause any cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line within the range of concentrations tested (0-400 µg mL^-1). Thus, pre-treatment with 100 µg mL^-1 of P. angustifolia leaf methanolic extract (PAE) significantly (p < .05) protective HepG2 cells against cytotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure. However, Cd-intoxication significantly (p < .05) increased alanine and aspartate amino transferases serum activities (ALT and AST) and bilirubin content by 1.85-, 1.13-, and 3.55-fold, respectively. The levels of hepatic antioxidant parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (p < .05) decreased in Cd-intoxicated rats with concomitant enhancement of lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that P. angustifolia leaf methanolic extract can induce antioxidant effects and also exerts beneficial effects for the treatment of Cd-induced hepatotoxicity.

Nano-selenium and its nanomedicine applications: a critical review

Traditional supplements of selenium generally have a low degree of absorption and increased toxicity. Therefore, it is imperative to develop innovative systems as transporters of selenium compounds, which would raise the bioavailability of this element and allow its controlled release in the organism. Nanoscale selenium has attracted a great interest as a food additive especially in individuals with selenium deficiency, but also as a therapeutic agent without significant side effects in medicine. This review is focused on the incorporation of nanotechnological applications, in particular exploring the possibilities of a more effective way of administration, especially in selenium-deficient organisms. In addition, this review summarizes the survey of knowledge on selenium nanoparticles, their biological effects in the organism, advantages, absorption mechanisms, and nanotechnological applications for peroral administration.

Iron prevents demyelination of frog sciatic nerves

Metal ions are of particular importance in nervous system function, notably iron. However, very little has been done to investigate its physiological role in frog peripheral nervous system. The present research aim to evaluate i) the time-effect of sciatic nerve ligation and/or ii) iron sulphate (1.50mg/kg, in lymphatic sac) on frog myelin sheaths. Histological sections following ligation shows degeneration of some fibres with axonal and myelin breakdown associated to a decrease of Schwann cells number following 2h (45.00±0.30, p<0.0001), 24h (28.00±0.020, p<0.0001). Interestingly, iron administration reduces the degeneration of myelin sheaths classically observed in frog ligated sciatic nerve associated with an increase of Schwann cells number (139.00±0.50, p<0.0001). Thus, iron could prevent degeneration or promote regeneration induced by ligation in frog sciatic nerve.

Hepatic oxidative stress and metal subcellular partitioning are affected by selenium exposure in wild yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected from 11 lakes in the Canadian mining regions of Sudbury (Ontario) and Rouyn-Noranda (Quebec) display wide ranges in the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and thallium (Tl) in their livers. To determine if these trace elements, as well as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), are causing oxidative stress in these fish, we measured three biochemical indicators (glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)) in their livers. We observed that 44% of the yellow perch that we collected were at risk of cellular oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Considering all fish from all lakes, higher liver Se concentrations were coincident with both lower proportions of GSSG compared to GSH and lower concentrations of TBARS, suggesting that the essential trace-element Se acts as an antioxidant. Furthermore, fish suffering oxidative stress had higher proportions of Cd, Cu and Zn in potentially sensitive subcellular fractions (organelles and heat-denatured proteins) than did fish not suffering from stress. This result suggests that reactive oxygen species may oxidize metal-binding proteins and thereby reduce the capacity of fish to safely bind trace metals. High Cd concentrations in metal-sensitive subcellular fractions likely further exacerbate the negative effects of lower Se exposure.

Evaluation of oxidative response and tissular damage in rat lungs exposed to silica-coated gold nanoparticles under static magnetic fields

The purpose of our study was the evaluation of toxicological effects of silica-coated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and static magnetic fields (SMFs; 128 mT) exposure in rat lungs. Animals received a single injection of GNPs (1,100 µg/kg, 100 nm, intraperitoneally) and were exposed to SMFs, over 14 days (1 h/day). Results showed that GNPs treatment induced a hyperplasia of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue. Fluorescence microscopy images showed that red fluorescence signal was detected in rat lungs after 2 weeks from the single injection of GNPs. Oxidative response study showed that GNPs exposure increased malondialdehyde level and decreased CuZn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in rat lungs. Furthermore, the histopathological study showed that combined effects of GNPs and SMFs led to more tissular damages in rat lungs in comparison with GNPs-treated rats. Interestingly, intensity of red fluorescence signal was enhanced after exposure to SMFs indicating a higher accumulation of GNPs in rat lungs under magnetic environment. Moreover, rats coexposed to GNPs and SMFs showed an increased malondialdehyde level, a fall of CuZn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in comparison with GNPs-treated group. Hence, SMFs exposure increased the accumulation of GNPs in rat lungs and led to more toxic effects of these nanocomplexes.

Toxicity of Glutathione-Binding Metals: A Review of Targets and Mechanisms

Mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead are among priority metals for toxicological studies due to the frequent human exposure and to the significant burden of disease following acute and chronic intoxication. Among their common characteristics is chemical affinity to proteins and non-protein thiols and their ability to generate cellular oxidative stress by the best-known Fenton mechanism. Their health effects are however diverse: kidney and liver damage, cancer at specific sites, irreversible neurological damages with metal-specific features. Mechanisms for the induction of oxidative stress by interaction with the cell thiolome will be presented, based on literature evidence and of experimental findings.

Cytotoxic effects and cellular oxidative mechanisms of metallic nanoparticles on renal tubular cells: impact of particle solubility

Many uncertainties remain regarding the potential toxic effect of nanoparticles.

Uptake and subcellular distributions of cadmium and selenium in transplanted aquatic insect larvae

We transplanted larvae of the phantom midge Chaoborus punctipennis from a lake having lower concentrations of Cd and Se (Lake Dasserat) to a more contaminated lake (Lake Dufault) located near a metal smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. Transplanted individuals were held in mesh mesocosms for up to 16 days where they were fed with indigenous contaminated zooplankton. Larval Cd and Se burdens increased over time, and came to equal those measured in indigenous C. punctipennis from contaminated Lake Dufault. Larval Se burdens increased steadily, whereas those of Cd showed an initial lag phase that we explain by a change in the efficiency with which this insect assimilated Cd from its prey. We measured Cd and Se in subcellular fractions and found that larvae sequestered the majority (60%) of the incoming Cd in a detoxified fraction containing metal-binding proteins, whereas a minority of this nonessential metal was in sensitive fractions (20%). In contrast, a much higher proportion of the essential element Se (40%) was apportioned to metabolically active sensitive fractions. Larvae took up equimolar quantities of these elements over the course of the experiment. Likewise, Cd and Se concentrations in wild larvae were equimolar, which suggests that they are exposed to equimolar bioavailable concentrations of these elements in our study lakes.

Effect of Physalis peruviana L. on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Cadmium (Cd) stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species and causes tissue damage. We investigated here the protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. (family Solanaceae) against cadmium-induced testes toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups (n=7). Group 1 was used as control. Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of cadmium chloride for 5 days. Group 3 was orally treated with 200 mg/kg bwt of methanolic extract of physalis (MEPh). Group 4 was pretreated with MEPh before cadmium for 5 days. Changes in body and testes weights were determined. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and testosterone level were measured. Histopathological changes of testes were examined, and the immunohistochemical staining for the proapoptotic (caspase-3) protein was performed. The injection of cadmium caused a significant decrease in body weight, while a significant increase in testes weight and testes weight index was observed. Pretreatment with MEPh was associated with significant reduction in the toxic effects of Cd as shown by reduced testicular levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and caspase-3 expression and increased glutathione content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and testosterone were also increased. Testicular histopathology showed that Cd produced an extensive germ cell apoptosis, and the pretreatment of MEPh in Cd-treated rats significantly reduced Cd-induced testicular damage. On the basis of the above results, it can be hypothesized that P. peruviana L. has a protective effect against cadmium-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat.

Protective effects of selenium on cadmium-induced brain damage in chickens

Selenium (Se) is an important dietary micronutrient with antioxidative roles. Cadmium (Cd), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, is known to cause brain lesion in rats and humans. However, little is reported about the deleterious effects of subchronic Cd exposure on the brain of poultry and the protective roles on the brain by Se against Cd. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Se on Cd-induced brain damage in chickens. One hundred twenty 100-day-old chickens were randomly assigned to four groups and were fed a basal diet, or Se (as 10 mg Na2SeO3/kg dry weight of feed), Cd (as 150 mg CdCl2/kg dry weight of feed), or Cd + Se in their basic diets for 60 days. Then, concentrations of Cd and Se, production of nitric oxide (NO), messenger RNA (mRNA) level and activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), level of oxidative stress, and histological and ultrastructural changes of the cerebrum and cerebellum were examined. The results showed that Cd exposure significantly increased Cd accumulation, NO production, iNOS activities, iNOS mRNA level, and MDA content in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Cd treatment obviously decreased Se content and antioxidase activities and caused histopathological changes in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Se supplementation during dietary Cd obviously reduced Cd accumulation, NO production, mRNA level and activity of iNOS, oxidative stress, and histopathological damage in the cerebrum and cerebellum of chickens. It indicated that Se ameliorates Cd-induced brain damage in chickens by regulating iNOS-NO system changes, and oxidative stress induced by Cd and Se can serve as a potential therapeutic for Cd-induced brain lesion of chickens.

Interaction between nanoparticles generated by zinc chloride treatment and oxidative responses in rat liver

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction of zinc chloride (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [ip]) in rat liver in terms of the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Zinc treatment increased zinc content in rat liver. Analysis of fluorescence revealed the presence of red fluorescence in the liver following zinc treatment. Interestingly, the co-exposure to zinc (3 mg/kg, ip) and selenium (0.20 mg/L, per os [by mouth]) led to a higher intensity of red fluorescence compared to zinc-treated rats. In addition, X-ray diffraction measurements carried out on liver fractions of zinc-treated rats point to the biosynthesis of zinc sulfide and/or selenide nanocomplexes at nearly 51.60 nm in size. Moreover, co-exposure led to nanocomplexes of about 72.60 nm in size. The interaction of zinc with other mineral elements (S, Se) generates several nanocomplexes, such as ZnS and/or ZnSe. The nanocomplex ZnX could interact directly with enzyme activity or indirectly by the disruption of mineral elements’ bioavailability in cells. Subacute zinc or selenium treatment decreased malondialdehyde levels, indicating a drop in lipid peroxidation. In addition, antioxidant enzyme assays showed that treatment with zinc or co-treatment with zinc and selenium increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Consequently, zinc complexation with sulfur and/or selenium at nanoscale level could enhance antioxidative responses, which is correlated to the ratio of number of ZnX nanoparticles (X=sulfur or X=selenium) to malondialdehyde level in rat liver.