Nano‐selenium alleviates cadmium‐induced neurotoxicity in cerebrum via inhibiting gap junction protein connexin 43 phosphorylation

• DOI: 10.1002/tox.24001
• Publication Date: 2023-10-20T08:56:59Z
• Authors: Ya‐Ru Xu; Milton Talukder; Chen‐Xi Li; Ying‐Xin Zhao; Cong Zhang; Jing Ge; Jin‐Long Li
• Keywords: Neurotoxicity

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) as a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal is reported to affect the nervous system. Selenium (Se) has been shown have antagonistic effects against toxicity. In addition, it shows potential antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Thus, purpose of this study was determine possible mechanism brain injury after high Cd exposure mitigation Nano‐selenium (Nano‐Se) Cd‐induced injury. study, Cd‐treated group showed decrease in number neurons tissue, swelling endoplasmic reticulum mitochondria, formation autophagosomes. Nano‐Se intervention restored Cd‐caused alterations neuronal morphology, reticulum, mitochondrial structure, thereby reducing damage. Furthermore, we found that some differentially expressed genes were involved cell junction molecular functions. Subsequently, selected eleven (11) related for verification. The qRT‐PCR results revealed same trend determined by RNA‐Seq. Our findings also supplementation alleviated Cx43 phosphorylation induced exposure. Based on immunofluorescence colocalization demonstrated higher expression GFAP lower expressions supplementation. conclusion, data presented establish direct association between occurrence autophagy neuroinflammation. However, noteworthy introduction observed mitigate these alterations. These elucidate relieving effect exposure‐induced