Preventing Effects of Nano-Selenium Particles on Serum Concentration of Blood Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine, and Total Protein During Intense Exercise in Donkey

The present study was aimed to determine the effects of oral administration of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) on blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and total protein changes during intense exercise in donkey. Eight female donkeys, 2-5 years of age, weighing 130-190 kg, were randomly divided in two groups: treated and control groups receiving Se NPs 0.5 mg/kg and normal saline for 10 consecutive days, respectively. Blood samples were taken at the beginning of the experiment (before supplementation), closely after Se NPs supplementation (before exercise), and at 2-, 24-, and 72-hour postexercise recovery times. Results showed that serum selenium concentration was significantly increased in response to Se NPs supplementation and intense exercise. Creatinine concentration of both groups was significantly increased at 2-hour postexercise recovery time and sharply decreased in treated group at 72-hour postexercise recovery time (P < .05). A similar pattern was obtained for BUN changes in control group; as such its concentration was significantly increased at 2-hour postexercise recovery time in comparison with the Se NPs-supplemented group (P < .05). These findings may explain the positive effects of Se NPs supplementation on serum BUN and creatinine changes in response to intense exercise in donkey. The positive effect of Se NPs might be related to the incorporation of Se into proteins such as selenocysteine and its preventive role on tissue oxidative damages.