Selenoproteins are involved in antioxidant defense systems in thalassemia.

Thalassemia major (TM) is a hereditary blood disease that affects the production of hemoglobin, resulting in severe anemia. Iron overload because of repeated blood transfusion and increased intestinal iron absorption and hemolysis are the major causes of increased oxidative stress in these patients. Growth and maturational delay, cardiomyopathy, endocrinopathies, and osteoporosis are the complications of thalassemia, secondary to anemia and iron overload. The human body has endogenous defense mechanisms to help protect against free radical-induced cell damage. Selenoproteins are important enzymes involved in these antioxidant defense mechanisms. In thalassemia patients, selenoproteins are essential because of their potential defense against oxidative damage due to iron overload and hemolysis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of data regarding selenoproteins including glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase and iodothyronine deiodinases in TM patients. We also underline some complications of thalassemia that may be associated with selenoproteins.

Thalassemia major patients using iron chelators showed a reduced plasma thioredoxin level and reduced thioredoxin reductase activity, despite elevated oxidative stress.

In the present study, we aimed to investigate plasma levels of peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) and thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), and the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), in thalassemia major (TM) patients living in the Antalya region, Turkey. The patients were divided into three groups, according to chelators - the deferoxamine group (DFO, n = 20), the deferasirox group (DFX, n = 20), and the deferiprone group (DFP, n = 20), to compare any possible effect of chelators on antioxidative and oxidative stress parameters. A control group (n = 20) was selected from healthy volunteers. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and TrxR, as well as the concentrations of Prx2, Trx1, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), reduced glutathione (GSH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the plasma samples of TM patients and the controls. The activity of CAT and the levels of H2O2 and MDA in the TM patients were significantly higher than those in the controls, while the levels of GPx, Trx1, TrxR, and GSH were lower. The concentrations of ferritin, GSH, H2O2, and MDA, as well as the activities of GR, CAT and TrxR, showed significant differences among the chelator groups. Although TrxR activity showed an increase in TM patients due to an elevated iron overload, both TrxR activity and Trx1 level were lower in the patient groups compared with the cases in the control group. As a result, because Trx1 level and TrxR activity were measured at a low level in the patients, increasing the levels of Trx1 and TrxR in TM patients will be a target of future treatment.

Resveratrol ameliorates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Hepatotoxicity is one of the major complications of methotrexate (MTX) therapy. This study was carried out to evaluate the possible protective effect of resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene, RVT) against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats were randomly divided into four groups as control, MTX treated (7 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally (i.p.), once daily for 3 consecutive days), MTX + RVT treated (20 mg/kg/day, i.p.), and RVT treated. First dose of RVT was administrated 3 days before the MTX injection and continued for 3 days. Histopathology of liver was evaluated by light microscopy. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were used as biochemical markers of MTX-induced hepatic injury. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, a marker of lipid peroxidation) and activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were used to analyze the oxidative stress-mediated lipid peroxidation in liver sections. Our results showed that MTX administration significantly increased ALT, ASP, and ALP levels. TBARS, CAT, and GST levels were also markedly increased in liver after MTX administration. RVT treatment significantly prevented MTX-induced hepatotoxicity, as indicated by AST, ALT, and ALP levels and liver histopathology. Moreover, administration of RVT significantly decreased the elevated levels of TBARS and activities of CAT and GST in the liver compared to MTX-treated group. These results revealed that RVT may have a protective effect against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated lipid peroxidation. Consequently, RVT treatment might be a promising strategy against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Relationship between carotid artery intima-media thickness and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation percentage (FMD%) are two commonly used parameters for detecting subclinical atherosclerosis. However, studies investigating the relationship between CIMT and brachial artery FMD% in different populations have produced conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between CIMT and brachial artery FMD% in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) METHODS: Fifty-two PD patients without known cardiovascular disease and 30 age-gender matched controls were included in the study. Endothelial function was determined using ultrasonography (US) to measure the FMD of the brachial artery, and this parameter was expressed as the percentage change from the baseline diameter of the brachial artery (FMD%). We also measured CIMT by US and analysed the relationship between CIMT and brachial FMD%. RESULTS: The CIMT was significantly higher in patients than in the control group (0.84 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.75 +/- 0.06 mm, P < 0.01), whereas brachial artery FMD% was lower in patients than in the controls (8.2 +/- 5.0 vs. 11.7 +/- 5.5%, P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between CIMT and FMD% (r = -0.004, P = 0.94). CONCLUSION: Although PD patients are known to be characterized by an impaired flow-mediated vasodilatation of brachial artery and increased in CIMT, we did not find a significant correlation between FMD% and CIMT in our PD patient cohort. One possible explanation for our results is that each method measures a different aspect and stage of atherosclerosis.

Oxidative stress and asymmetric dimethylarginine is independently associated with carotid intima media thickness in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress (OS) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are accepted as nonclassical cardiovascular risk factors in end-stage renal disease patients. To clarify the role of these factors in the atherosclerotic process, we investigated if OS and ADMA are associated with common carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS: Thirty PD patients without known atherosclerotic disease and classical cardiovascular risk factors as well as age- and gender-matched 30 healthy individuals were included. We measured serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end product (AGE), pentosidine, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ADMA and CIMT in each subjects. RESULTS: TBARS, MDA, AOPP, AGE, pentosidine and ADMA levels were significantly higher in PD patients than in controls (p < 0.001). CIMT in patients was higher than in the control group (0.83 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.06 mm; p < 0.01). CIMT was independently correlated with TBARS (beta = 0.33, p < 0.01), MDA (beta = 0.27, p < 0.01), AOPP (beta = 0.22, p < 0.02), AGE (beta = 0.45, p < 0.01), pentosidine (beta = 0.56, p < 0.01) and ADMA (beta = 0.54, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: OS markers and serum ADMA levels independently predict the CIMT level in PD patients.

Cold-stress-induced modulation of antioxidant defence: role of stressed conditions in tissue injury followed by protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cold stress on antioxidant enzyme activities and examine protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation in various tissues (brain, liver, kidney, heart and stomach). Twenty male Wistar rats (3 months old) weighing 220 +/- 20 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into two groups of ten: the control group and the cold stress group. Cold stress was applied to the animals by maintaining them in a cold room (5 degrees C) for 15 min/day for 15 days. Blood samples were taken for measuring plasma corticosterone levels. Tissues were obtained from each rat for measuring the antioxidant enzyme activities, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Corticosterone levels were increased in the cold stress group. Copper, zinc superoxide dismutase activities were increased in the brains, livers and kidneys, whereas they decreased in the hearts and stomachs of rats in the cold stress group. Catalase activities were increased in the brains, livers, kidneys and hearts, whereas they decreased in the stomachs of rats in the cold stress group. Selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase activities were increased in the brain, liver, heart and stomach. Reduced glutathione levels were decreased, while levels of protein carbonyl, conjugated diene and thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances were increased in all tissues of the cold stress group. These results lead us to conclude that cold stress can disrupt the balance in an oxidant/antioxidant system and cause oxidative damage to several tissues by altering the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant status, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation.

Effects of N-nitro l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a potent nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, on visual evoked potentials of rats exposed to different experimental stress models.

AIM: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10 mg kg-1 day-1 i.p.), on visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and lipid peroxidation expected to occur during chronic stress (15 days). METHODS: Eight experimental groups, each consisting of 10 rats, were formed: control group (C), the group injected with l-NAME (L), groups exposed to cold stress (CS), immobilization stress (IS), and both cold and immobilization stress (CIS), groups exposed to stress and injected with l-NAME (CSL, ISL, CISL). RESULTS: l-NAME decreased brain and retina nitrite levels in all experimental groups compared with their corresponding control groups. l-NAME decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the brain and retina in the L group, but increased it in the CSL and CISL groups compared with the C group. Lipid peroxidation was increased in the brain and retina tissues of all stress groups with respect to the C group. l-NAME markedly increased brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in the L group, while significantly decreasing brain and retina TBARS levels in all stress groups in comparison with their respective control groups. l-NAME caused a significant delay in all components of VEPs in the L group compared with the C group. However, l-NAME significantly decreased latencies of P1, N1, P2 and P3 components in the CSL group and all components in the ISL and CISL groups with respect to their corresponding control groups. CONCLUSION: This study clearly indicated that lipid peroxidation may be one possible factor affecting VEP components.

Marked changes in erythrocyte antioxidants and lipid peroxidation levels of rats exposed to acute, repeated and chronic restraint stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute, repeated and chronic restraint stress on the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation. For this purpose, 48 male Wistar rats, aged three months were used in this study. Rats were separated into six groups as follows; control (C), acute stress (AS), restrained for 7 days (1 h/day) (RS), restrained for 21 days (1 h/day) (CS1), restrained for 28 days (1 h/day) (CS2) and restrained for 21 days (1 h/day) and allowed to recovery for 7 days (CS3). Copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT) and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GSH-Px) activities, corticosterone, reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels were measured in blood samples. Corticosterone levels of all groups were found to be elevated after stress compared to group C. Cu, Zn-SOD activity was lower in all stress groups than in group C. CAT and Se-GSH-Px activities were increased in all stress groups. All stress models decreased GSH levels except for the CS3 group. TBARS levels were higher in stress groups than in C group except for AS group. The highest corticosterone level, CAT and Se-GSH-Px activity and TBARS level were seen in group RS. The lowest Cu, Zn-SOD activity and GSH level were seen in group CS2. These results may have an important implication for impaired erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels resulting from exposure to different stress models (acute, repeated and chronic restraint stress).

Age-related changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in lungs of control and sulfur dioxide exposed rats.

Antioxidant defenses within the lung are pivotal in preventing damage from oxidative toxicants. There have also been several reports with conflicting results on the antioxidant system during aging. In this study, we attempted to investigate age-related alterations in both antioxidant enzyme activities and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a product of lipid peroxidation, in the whole lung of control and sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposed rats of different age groups (3-, 12-, and 24-months-old). Swiss-Albino Male rats were exposed to 10 ppm. SO2 1 hr/day, 7 days/week for 6 weeks. The antioxidant enzymes examined include Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). A mixed pattern of age-associated alterations in antioxidant activities was observed. SOD, GSH-Px and GST activities were increased with age, but CAT activity was decreased. Lung SOD, GSH-Px and GST activities were also increased in response to SO2. The level of TBARS was increased with age. SO2 exposure stimulated lipid peroxide formation in the lung as indicated by an increase in the level of TBARS. These findings suggest that both aging and SO2 exposure may impose an oxidative stress to the body. We conclude that the increase in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes of the lung during aging, could be interpreted as a positive feedback mechanism in response to rising lipid peroxidation.

Correlation between age, body size and thyroid volume in an endemic area.

Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive technique that provides a more precise and objective method of determining thyroid volume than inspection and palpation, particularly in areas of mild endemicity, and generally whenever goiters are small. Thyroid volume is also correlated with age, weight, height and body surface area (BSA) in non-iodine-deficient areas. Different authors prefer different parameters to assess thyroid gland volumes. In this study, thyroid volumes were determined using ultrasound in 605 school children aged 6-11 yr who had been living for at least 5 years in Antalya. The correlation between age, BSA, height, weight, BMI and thyroid volume was sought in this mild to moderate iodine-deficient area. Somatic development of our children was in the normal range. Thyroid volume was significantly correlated with age (r=0.41, p<0.001), height (r=0.33, p<0.001), weight (r=0.30, p<0.001), BSA (r=0.33, p<0.001), and BMI (r=0.13, p<0.001). The most significant correlation was found to be with age. The application of the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) thyroid volume references to our subjects resulted in prevalence estimates of enlarged thyroid of 31% based on BSA and of 34% based on age. In conclusion, when thyroid volumes are to be compared with reference values, assessment of thyroid volumes based on age is the most reliable method, in the event of normal somatic development.

Thyroid hormone profile in children with goiter in an endemic goiter area.

The thyroid hormone profile was investigated in goitrous schoolchildren aged 6-11 years living in Antalya, an area with mild/ moderate iodine deficiency. With few exceptions, the serum levels of T4 and TSH were in the normal range in children with different grades of goiter. Compensatory elevated T3 levels were detected in 24% of the subjects. Thyroid hormones did not differ significantly with respect to the urinary iodine (UI) level. No correlations were found between thyroid volume, UI excretion level and thyroid hormones. It was concluded that thyroid hormones, except compensatory T3 elevation in some subjects, were not affected significantly in a mild/moderate iodine deficient area.

Antioxidant capacity of G-6-PD-deficient erythrocytes.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is the most common human enzymopathy. In this research, we studied two groups consisting of 30 male subjects who are G-6-PD deficient and 30 normal male subjects matched with the G-6-PD-deficient patients for age. All 30 assays were performed under normal conditions free of any oxidative attack that may result in haemolytic crisis in G-6-PD-deficient subjects. The erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and erythrocyte and plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels were measured. All parameters in each group did not differ significantly except for G-6-PD levels. These data show that G-6-PD-deficient subjects can survive in normal conditions unless they are exposed to any oxidative stress.

Biochemical evidence of crossed cerebellar diaschisis in terms of nitric oxide indicators and lipid peroxidation products in rats during focal cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral hypoperfusion in the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere after stroke is interpreted as a functional and metabolic depression, possibly caused by a loss of excitatory afferent inputs on the corticopontocerebellar pathway terminating in the cerebellar gray matter. This phenomenon is defined as crossed cerebellar diaschisis and can be diagnosed clinically by positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, brain magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography in terms of regional cerebral blood flow or metabolic rate of oxygen measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, nitric oxide indicators (nitrite and cyclic guanosine monophosphate) and lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes) were measured in rat cerebral cortices and cerebella after permanent right middle cerebral artery occlusion in order to assess the crossed cerebellar diaschisis. RESULTS: Nitrite values in ipsilateral cortex were significantly higher than those in contralateral cortex at 10 (P < 0.001) and 60 (P < 0.05) min of ischemia but no significant changes were observed in both cerebellum compared to the 0 min values. In both cerebral cortex and cerebellum cGMP levels at 10 and 60 min were significantly increased (P < 0.001). This increase was marked in ipsilateral cortex and contralateral cerebellum when compared with opposite cortex and cerebellum (P < 0.001). MDA values in ipsilateral cortex were significantly higher than those in contralateral cortex at 60 min of ischemia (P < 0.05). Contralateral cerebellar MDA values were found significantly higher than those in ipsilateral cerebellum at 0 (P<0.001) and 60 (P < 0.05) min of ischemia. In ipsilateral cortex, conjugated diene values at 0, 10, 60 min of ischemia were higher than those in contralateral cortex. On the other hand 0, 10, 60 min conjugated diene levels in contralateral cerebellum were significantly higher than those in ipsilateral cerebellum (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings support the interruption of the corticopontocerebellar tract as the mechanism of the crossed cerebellar diaschisis.

Effects of sulfur dioxide inhalation on plasma vitamin C and ceruloplasmin in ageing rats.

Ageing is associated with changes in physical characteristics and decline of many physiological functions. It has been accepted that the oxidative stress or damage induced by free radicals is related to ageing. Three age groups, 3, 12 and 24 months, were used to investigate whether age-associated changes in some parameters (vitamin C and ceruloplasmin) in the plasma of male Swiss-Albino rats and to observe possible effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) for 6 weeks on the same parameters. Rats were exposed to 10 ppm SO2 1 hr/day, 7 days/week for 6 weeks. Control groups were exposed to filtered air in the same conditions. An effect of SO2 on those parameters was observed. The level of vitamin C and ceruloplasmin in plasma were decreased in young, middle-aged and old groups in response to SO2.

Effect of sulfur dioxide inhalation on erythrocyte antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in experimental diabetes.

The effect of sulfur dioxide (SO(2) ) on red cell antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation was examined in this research. Forty healthy male albino rats, aged three months, were divided into four equal groups: Control (C), SO(2) +C (CSO(2) ), diabetic (D) and SO(2) +D (DSO(2) ). Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced by i.v injection of alloxan with a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. Ten ppm SO(2) was administered to the animals of SO(2) exposed groups in an exposure chamber for one hr/day x 7 days/wk x 6wks while other groups were exposed to filtered air in the same condition. SO(2) exposure, while markedly decreasing Cu, Zn-Superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) activity, significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities and TBARS values in CSO(2) and DSO(2) groups compared with their respective control groups. From these results, it could be concluded that adaptative changes occurred in antioxidant systems that may counteract the free radical effect of SO(2) in the experimental groups.

Thyroid gland volume and urinary iodine excretion in children 6-11 years old in an endemic area.

Goiter prevalence and urinary iodine excretion levels were assessed in 605 schoolchildren (301 males and 304 females), aged 6-11 years, living in the Antalya region, a well known endemic goiter area in Turkey. Goiter prevalence was evaluated by clinical examination and ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Urinary iodine levels were expressed as microg/g creatinine. Goiter by inspection and palpation was found in 35% (n = 212) of all subjects, in 37.5% (n = 114) of girls and 32.5% (n = 98) of boys. Iodine deficiency of moderate degree was detected from the point of goiter prevalence. With regard to the upper limits of reference thyroid volumes reported by WHO and ICCIDD, goiter by ultrasonography was found in 34% (n = 206) of all subjects, in 36.8% (n = 112) of girls and 31% (n = 94) of boys. Median iodine/creatinine ratios of all subjects, and goitrous and non-goitrous subjects, were 64.1+/-20.1, 62.8+/-21.8 and 64.9+/-19.1 microg/g, respectively. Urinary iodine excretion levels revealed mild iodine deficiency in the region. No significant correlation was observed between urinary iodine excretion levels and thyroid volumes (r = 0.12, p>0.05). Iodine deficiency of mild to moderate degree in schoolchildren aged 6-11 years was detected in Antalya. It was concluded that urgent measures must be undertaken to eradicate iodine deficiency in the region.

Age-related alterations in antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxide levels, and somatosensory-evoked potentials: effect of sulfur dioxide.

The effect of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) on somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and the activities of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were investigated in young (3 months), middle-age (12 months), and old (24 months) Swiss male albino rats. Ten ppm SO(2) was administrated to the animals of SO(2) groups in an exposure chamber for 1 h/day x 7 days/week x 6 while control groups were exposed to filtered air in the same condition. SO(2) exposure caused increased levels of brain Cu,Zn-SOD activity and decreased levels of brain GSH-Px activity in all experimental groups with respect to their corresponding control groups. Brain CAT activities were unaltered. Brain TBARS levels of all SO(2)-exposed groups were significantly increased in comparison with their respective control groups. The mean latencies of P(1), P(2), and N(2) components in the older group were either significantly different from the young or from the middle-age groups. The mean latency of the N(1) component in the older group and that of P(1) and N(1) in the middle-age group were significantly increased compared with the young group. SO(2) exposure caused the prolongation of all components in the young group, whereas it affected only the P(2) component in the middle-age group, but it did not result in any latency change in the older group in comparison with their corresponding control groups.http://link.springer-ny. com/link/service/journals/00244/bibs/37n4p554.html

Effects of sulfur dioxide inhalation on antioxidant enzyme activities in rat erythrocytes.

Swiss-Albino male rats were exposed to sulfur dioxide (SO2) (10 ppm) one hour daily for 60 days and the effect on the erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities was studied. Erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of 30 rats (14 controls and 16 sulfur dioxide groups) were measured. There were no significant differences in the catalase and G-6-PD activities of SO2 group as compared with controls. GSH-Px and GST activities in SO2 group were significantly higher than those in the control group. But, there was a significant decrease in the SOD activity. The rate of TBARS formation was enhanced significantly in erythrocytes of the SO2 group relative to the control group. These results reveal that SO2 inhalation enhanced lipid peroxidation in the erythrocyte and influence the antioxidant enzymes of erythrocyte.

Effect of cadmium on antioxidant status in alloxane-induced diabetic rats.

Fifty-two healthy Swiss Male Albino rats aged two mo were used in this study. They were divided into four groups: control (C), diabetic (D), cadmium (Cd), and diabetic + Cd (D + Cd) groups. Diabetic condition was induced in D and D + Cd groups by administration of alloxane (5 mg/100 g). After this treatment, Cd and D + Cd groups were injected with CdCl2 i.p. (2 mg/kg/wk). At the end of the 2-mo experimental period, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), plasma and erythrocyte selenium (Se), plasma ceruloplasmin (Cp), and vitamin E (vit E) were determined in four groups of rats. The erythrocyte Se was lower in the experimental groups than in the controls. Plasma Se was significantly decreased in the D and D + Cd groups compared with the control group. Plasma Cp was unaltered. Plasma vit E was significantly decreased in Cd group in comparison with the C, D, and D+Cd groups.