Effects of Selenium-Enriched Protein from Ganoderma lucidum on the Levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, Oxidative Stress, and NF-κB Activation in Ovalbumin-Induced Asthmatic Mice

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect and toxicity of organic selenium (Pro-Se) with inorganic selenium (IOSe) in preventing asthma in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice. After the mice were treated orally with Pro-Se and IOSe, respectively, the plasma Se levels, Se accumulation in liver and kidney, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), oxidative stress, and NF-κB activation in lung were examined. The results showed that the serumal Se levels in the mice fed the Pro-Se were significant (P < 0.01) elevations. It results in restoration of the level of endogenous antioxidant enzyme, lower levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and activated NF-κB in the asthmatic mice. Our experiments have demonstrated profound differences between the activities of organic selenium and inorganic selenium in experimental conditions. These data provide an important proof of the concept that organic selenium might be a new potential therapy for the management of childhood asthma in humans.