The effect of selenium on swimming endurance, oxidative stress and NRF2/HO-1 proteins expresion in rats

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of selenium, an important antioxidant; in rats that floated until exhausted, on swimming time, oxidative stress and HO-1 and Nrf2 protein levels associated with oxidative stress. Two groups with 9 in each group were formed from 18 Wistar-Albino male rats. The groups were individually floated for half an hour before the experimental application started, so that the rats used to swim. On the fist day groups; floated in the Morris swimming tank until exhausted and swimming times recorded. Once a day for 20 days; Placebo (saline) was applied to the control group and 0.8 mg / kg selenium was applied to the selenium group. At the end of the 20th day, the groups were floated again and swimming times recorded. Rats were sacrificed under anesthesia immediately after the last float. Swimming times are compared between groups. MDA, GSH level, catalase and GSH-Px activities were determined from blood, muscle and liver tissue samples. The protein expression levels of the HO-1 and Nrf2 samples from muscle and liver tissue samples were examined by Western Blott technique. Liver and muscle tissue MDA levels were found to be significantly lower in the selenium group compared to the control group (p <0.05). Liver GSH level was found to be significantly higher in the selenium group compared to the control group (p <0.05). GSH-Px activity level in muscle, plasma and liver tissue was found to be significantly higher in the selenium group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Liver tissue HO-1 and Nrf2 protein levels were significantly higher in the selenium group (p <0.01). As a result, the application of selenium reduced oxidative stress, increased antioxidant activity and Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels in liver tissue, did not affect swimming time.