Selenium bio-absorption and antioxidant capacity in mice treated by selenium modified rice germ polysaccharide

Abstract Se bio-absorption and toxicity of Se-RGP were evaluated and compared with inorganic selenium salt using a mouse model. Antioxidant capacities of Se-RGP and original RGP were compared using in vitro and vivo models. Se-RGP showed low toxicity with MTD over 20 g/kg bw. The mice in Se-RGP treatment had significantly higher Se level in blood, liver, lung, spleen and bone than the mice administered by sodium selenite at a dose close to MLD. In in vitro antioxidant activity assays, Se-RGP exhibited higher activity than RGP, but much lower than VC in scavenging hydroxyl, DPPH, and superoxide free radicals. In in vivo model, the mice in RGP and Se-RGP groups had better SOD and GSH-Px activities, T-AOC and MDA level than the mice in VC group. Se-RGP significantly strengthened the antioxidant capability of original RGP by increasing of SOD and GSH-Px activities and T-AOC in mouse serum, heart, liver, and kidney.