PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF SELENIUM AND ZINC AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM-INDUCED OXIDATIVE, MITOCHONDRIAL, AND ENDOCRINE TOXICITY IN PREGNANT RATS

Fatima Brahmi; Ounassa Adjroud; Asma Saouli; Dounia Djellel

doi:10.55251/jmbfs.14045

Authors

Fatima Brahmi Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physio-Toxicology-Pathology and Biomolecules, Department of Biology of Organisms, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Mustapha Benboulaid- Batna 2, 5000 Batna, Algeria
Ounassa Adjroud Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physio-Toxicology-Pathology and Biomolecules, Department of Biology of Organisms, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Mustapha Benboulaid- Batna 2, 5000 Batna, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2811-630X
Asma Saouli Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physio-Toxicology-Pathology and Biomolecules, Department of Biology of Organisms, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Mustapha Benboulaid- Batna 2, 5000 Batna, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6132-1620
Dounia Djellel Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physio-Toxicology-Pathology and Biomolecules, Department of Biology of Organisms, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Mustapha Benboulaid- Batna 2, 5000 Batna, Algeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55251/jmbfs.14045

Keywords:

Hexavalent chromium, Selenium, Zinc, Adrenal gland, Oxidative stress, Mitochondria

Abstract

This investigation aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) on the adrenal glands of pregnant rats and the potential of selenium (Se) and zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) supplementation in ameliorating these deleterious impacts. Seventy pregnant Albino Wistar rats (180–250 g) were divided into five groups (n=14 per group) and received a single subcutaneous (s.c.) treatment on the third day of gestation: Group I (Control: 0.9 % NaCl); Group II (K₂Cr₂O₇: 10 mg/kg); Group III (K₂Cr₂O₇ + Se: 0.3 mg/kg); Group IV (K₂Cr₂O₇ + ZnCl₂: 20 mg/kg); and Group V (K₂Cr₂O₇ + Se + ZnCl₂). On the 20th day of gestation, hormonal profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers, mitochondrial dynamics, and histomorphometric parameters were assessed. Our results demonstrated that K₂Cr₂O₇ exposure significantly elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and increased both absolute and relative adrenal gland weights. In the adrenal mitochondria, chromium induced a sharp increase in mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Conversely, plasma cortisol levels and reduced glutathione (GSH) content were significantly diminished, while the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were markedly altered. Histopathological and histomorphometric examinations further confirmed significant structural remodeling of the adrenal architecture. Notably, supplementation with selenium and/or zinc demonstrated a robust protective action, modulating the harmful effects induced by K₂Cr₂O₇ through the restoration of antioxidant homeostasis and the preservation of mitochondrial and endocrine integrity.