The Effect of Nano-Selenium and Lactobacillus Casei on Hormonal, Biochemical and Hematological Parameters of Male Syrian Mice after Irradiation

Background — Nano-selenium and probiotics can be used as suitable radiation protective agents to reduce the effects of radiation. Objective — The goal of this study was to investigate the role of nano-selenium and probiotics as radioprotectors for the reproductive system against the effects of radiation therapy. Methods — A total of 64 male animals weighing approximately 20±5 g and aged 10±1 wks were randomly distributed among 8 groups: control group; nano-selenium group; probiotics group; nano-selenium and probiotics group; X-ray irradiation group (a dose of 2 Gy for 5 min); nano-selenium and X-ray group; probiotics and X-ray group; and nano-selenium, probiotics and X-ray group. The animals were orally administered Lactobacillus casei Shirota (10⁸ CFU per day) and nano-selenium (0.2 mg/kg per day). Hematological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were examined before and after X-ray irradiation. Results — Both nano-selenium and probiotics increased the mean levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in X-ray-exposed mice (P<0.0001). Combined administration of probiotics and nano-selenium further increased the levels of these hormones, indicating synergism between the two compounds (P<0.0001). Moreover, both nano-selenium and probiotics increased the counts of leukocytes and platelets in X-ray-exposed animals. Taken together, both treatments mitigated the effects of radiation on testosterone, LH, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, as well as white blood cell and platelet counts. Conclusion — This study provides the first evidence that combined administration of nano-selenium and L. casei delivers differentiated, lineage-specific radioprotection in male Syrian mice.