Sodium Selenite Ameliorates the Effects of Sodium Arsenite on Some Biomolecules and Enzymes of Energy Metabolism in the Testes of Albino Rats

Abstract

Heavy metal exposure is becoming more common in our contemporary society as a result of its widespread availability and use. Arsenic is a well-known example of a heavy metal that can harm live creatures’ reproductive system and biochemical pathways. Twenty-four male Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6) and exposed to sodium arsenite (SA) and sodium selenite (SS) for 5 weeks to investigate the ameliorative role of sodium selenite on sodium arsenite-induced testicular toxicity on some biomolecules and enzymes of energy metabolism. Group I (control) received just distilled water, whereas groups II and III were given 40 ppm SA in drinking water ad libitum; additionally, group III received 0.25 mg/kg bwt SS orally, while group IV received 0.25 mg/kg bwt SS orally only. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in xanthine oxidase, aldolase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide levels were observed in the SA-exposed group (group II), while hexokinase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activities decreased significantly. Sodium selenite treatment ameliorated the apparent effects of SA exposure, as seen in groups III and IV. This study supports the use of SS as a safe therapy for SA-induced testicular toxicity.