Biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles and their protective, antioxidative effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) was performed by mixing Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle plant) leaf extract with the solution of selenious acid (H(2)SeO(3)) under continuous stirring conditions resulting the roselle plant secondary metabolites conjugated Se NPs. The existence of functional groups of roselle plant secondary metabolites on the surface of prepared Se NPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The formation of crystalline nanoparticles with anisotropic shape was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Furthermore, we also studied anti-oxidative and protective effects of Se NPs in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes rats. These STZ induced diabetic rats were daily exposed to Se NPs or/and insulin treatment and the effect of Se NPs on the factors correlated to oxidative damage in the rat testes were evaluated. The biochemical studies showed that the Se NPs are capable to enhance the serum testosterone reduction caused due to STZ induced diabetes. In addition, Se NPs can significantly reduce the oxidative stress indicators of the testicular tissue such as nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation. However, the treatment of Se NPs on the STZ induced diabetic rats increased the activities of antioxidant enzyme as well as the glutathione content in testicular tissues. Furthermore, microscopic studies revealed that the Se NPs are capable of preventing the histological damage in the testes of STZ induced diabetic rats. Altogether, these results explained the possible effects of Se NPs in attenuating oxidative damage induced by diabetes, especially in the testicular tissue.