"Examining Potential Therapeutic Effects Of Selenium Pre-Exposure on Cadmium Toxicity in Larval Zebrafish"
Jessica Okutsu1, Madison K. Deperalto1, Ola G. Umeh1, Gabriella A. Guevara1, Rebecca Koop1, Kennedy Smith2, Isabela Fernandez3, Julia Dallman1, Delia S. Shelton1
University of Miami1, Howard University2, Florida State University3
Abstract:
Cadmium (Cd), a nonessential heavy metal, has become increasingly prevalent in groundwater and drinking water due to growing industrial pollution. Exposure to Cd can lead to various health issues, including developmental delays, neurodegeneration, vision impairments, hearing deficits, and malformations across different species. Selenium (Se), an essential trace mineral, has shown potential as a therapeutic agent against neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate whether the duration and concentration of Se exposure prior to Cd exposure could influence behavioral responses to stimuli, we conducted a study using zebrafish (Danio rerio), a model organism frequently used in research affecting human health.
In our study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to pulsed waterborne concentrations of Se (0, 10, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μg/L) for 1 to 4 days, followed by exposure to Cd (0, 2.5, and 5.0 μg/L) until day 5. Preliminary results showed that 72 hours of Se exposure prior to 48 hours of Cd exposure led to a recovery in delayed hatching rates across all mixed Se-Cd concentrations compared to Cd-only treatments. Furthermore, prophylactic exposure to Se before Cd exposure significantly reduced the frequency of trunk curvature and edemas in zebrafish. Interestingly, while both Cd exposure alone and the Se-Cd combination increased mortality and tail malformations compared to control and Se-only treatments, no significant differences were observed between the Cd and Se-Cd groups for these endpoints.
Currently, we are conducting novel high-content screenings to explore the restorative potential of Se against the toxic effects of Cd on photomotor response, mechanosensation, and morphology. However, our preliminary findings suggest that the timing and duration of Se exposure prior to Cd insult may be crucial in mitigating the adverse impacts of this toxic heavy metal. Our research adds to the growing evidence supporting the potential of Se as a therapeutic agent against the consequences of Cd toxicity.
References:
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