Selenium-Yeast Administration Ameliorates the Alterations in Haematological and Oxidative Stress Parameters of Wistar Rats Subjected to Restraint Stress

Introduction: Stress is a classical experience of “wear and tear” on physiological systems emanating from the central nervous system to other body systems. The blood acts as intermediary among the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and tissues of an organism and is among the first tissues opened to oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the haematological changes that accompany restraint stress and the ameliorative roles of a selenium-yeast antioxidant. Materials and Methods: Fifteen (15) Wistar rats were separated into three groups of five each (n=5); Group I (normal control), Group II- (selenium yeast (0.1mg/kg) + restrained stress), and Group III (stress control; restraint stress + distilled water 1ml/kg). Restraint stress was by restraint meshes from (9:00 h- 15:00 h) for 21 days, and rats were decapitated afterward. Blood sample (3 mL) was collected by cardiac puncture. Erythrocytes count, leucocytes count, and packed cell volume were evaluated using an automated cell counter and biomarkers of oxidative stress using ELIZA kits. Results: The leukocyte count (cells/μL) increase in Group II (3.9 ± 0.53) when compared to Group III (3.59 ± 0.66) and Group I (4.28 ± 0.64). The RBC counts decreases in Group II (3.84 ± 0.17) when compared to Group I (7.65 ± 0.23) and Group III (32.7 ± 0.18). The PCV (%) increases in Group I (42%) when compared to Group II (39%) and Group III (37%). In biomarkers of oxidative stress the values for Group II SOD (2.08 ± 0.08); CAT (44 ± 0.90); GSH (33 ± 1.2); MDA (2.6 ± 0.09) increases when compared with Group III SOD (1.87 ± 0.08); CAT (34 ± 0.62); GSH (25 ± 0.3); MDA (2.2 ± 0.07). While in Group I the values for MDA (0.1 ± 0.12) significantly decreases when compared with Group II (2.6 ± 0.09) and Group III (2.2 ± 0.07). Conclusion: Restraint stress decreases the values of RBC, WBC, and PCV this might possible be due to its ability to increase lipid peroxidation of the blood cells membrane; however this effect was ameliorated when administered with selenium-yeast antioxidant.