Synergy between sulforaphane and selenium in the up-regulation of thioredoxin reductase and protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death in human hepatocytes

► Sulforaphane and Se have synergistic effect on the induction of TrxR-1. ► TrxR-1 protects human hepatocytes against free radical-mediated cell death. ► Co-treatments provide a greater protection against H2O2-induced cell death. ► Knockdown TrxR-1 or Nrf2 results in more H2O2-induced cell death.