Biochemical and cellular evidence of the benefit of a combination of cerium oxide nanoparticles and selenium to diabetic rats

AIM: To study the combinative effects of nanocerium and selenium in a murine model of diabetes. METHODS: Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (60 mg/kg per day) and sodium selenite (5 μmol/kg per day) alone or in combination, or the metal form of CeO2 (60 mg/kg) were administered for 2 wk by intraperitoneal injection to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. At the end of treatment blood was collected, liver tissue dissected and then oxidative stress markers, extent of energy depletion and lipid profile were evaluated. RESULTS: Antioxidant enzymes and high density lipoprotein decreased whereas oxidative stress, adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphospahte levels, cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein increased on induction of diabetes. All were improved by a combination of nanocerium and sodium selenite. There was a relative amelioration by CeO2 nanoparticles or sodium selenite alone, but the metal form of CeO2 showed no significant improvement. CONCLUSION: The combination of nanocerium and sodium selenite is more effective than either alone in improving diabetes-induced oxidative stress.