Selenium Attenuates Metabolic and Vascular Impairments Induced by Chronic Intermittent Cold or Immobilization Stress in Rats

Background: Chronic intermittent exposure to environmental or psychological stressors such as cold and immobilization is known to induce significant metabolic and vascular dysfunction. Supplementation with potent antioxidants like selenium could reduce oxidative damage and protect against some vascular and metabolic health problems that result from exposure to stressful environment. Objective: This investigation aimed to study the possible protective effect of selenium against the negative vascular and metabolic effects of chronic intermittent cold or immobilization stress in adult male rats. Methods: Forty adults male Wistar rats, 200-250 grams each, were randomized into five equal groups (8 rats each): non-stressed, cold-stressed non-treated, immobilized-stressed non-treated, cold-stressed selenium-treated, immobilized-stressed selenium -treated groups. At the end of the experimental period (2 weeks), non-invasive blood pressure was measured then blood samples were collected to estimate glycemic state parameters (fasting serum glucose, HbA1c, serum insulin and HOMA-IR was calculated), lipid profile, serum Na+ and K+, serum corticosterone, and oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA)). Results: Compared to non-stressed group, stressed non-treated rats showed significant elevation of arterial blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, HbA1c and HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum Na+, serum corticosterone, MDA, and a reduction in serum insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum K+ and TAC. Selenium supplementation to stressed rats significantly improved the measured parameters. Conclusion: Selenium supplementation has beneficial effects in countering negative effects of chronic intermittent cold or immobilization stress via its antistress and antioxidant effects.