Selenium Intake Modulates Hepato and Nephrotoxic Responses in Rats Exposed to Ferric Nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)

Ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) is a nephrotoxic compound known to induce acute renal injury through oxidative stress mediated by the Fenton reaction. This study investigated the ameliorating potential of selenium supplementation against Fe-NTA-induced toxicity. Fifty male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups and acclimatized for two weeks. Except group I and II that served as normal control and negative control, all animals received intraperitoneal injection ( i.p ) of Fe-NTA (3.0 mg/kg) every other day for 14 days. From day 15 to 28, groups III, IV, and V were fed diets supplemented with sodium selenite at doses of 0.06, 0.08, and 0.1 mg, while group II rats were exposed to 3 mg/kg ( i.p ) of Fe-NTA respectively. On day 29, biochemical and histological analyses of blood and tissue samples was conducted. Fe-NTA administration resulted in significant oxidative stress, indicated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased antioxidant markers (GSH, SOD, CAT, GST), alongside increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and notable hepatic and renal damage. However, Selenium supplementation significantly reversed these effects, improving antioxidant enzymes activities and reducing inflammation along histopathological alterations. These findings from the study show the dietary impact of selenium intake to protect hepatic and renal tissues against Fe-NTA-mediated oxidative and inflammatory toxicity in Wistar rats