Impact of selenium status on Aroclor 1254-induced DNA damage in sperm and different tissues of rats

AbstractAroclor 1254 is a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are widespread environmental pollutants. It is used as non-flammable heat transfer agent and plasticizer. Animal studies have reported that Aroclor 1254 exerted toxic effects in different organs and systems. Although the evidences are limited, it seems reasonable that Aroclor 1254 may have a potential for similar adverse effects in humans. Selenium (Se) is a trace element and an important component of cellular antioxidant defense. This study was designed to investigate the effects of different Se status on the genotoxicity of Aroclor 1254 in sperm and different organs of Sprague-Dawley rats using Comet assay. Se deficiency (SeD) was generated by feeding 3-week old Sprague-Dawley rats with <0.05 Se mg/kg diet for 5 weeks. Se supplementation groups (SeS) were fed with 1 mg Se/kg diet. Aroclor 1254-treated rats received 10 mg/kg dose by gavage during the last 15 d of feeding period. SeD increased DNA damage in all of the ...