Antioxidative role of selenium against the toxic effect of heavy metals (Cd+2, Cr+3) on liver of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum 1792).

The main purpose of this study is to discuss the effect of Cd+2, Cr+3 and Se metals on biochemical parameters in liver tissue of Oncorhynchus mykiss. The rainbow trout were exposed to heavy metal stress (Cd+2, Cr+3) at 2 ppm dosage. The present study was undertaken to determine the protective effect of selenium treatment at the same dosage (2 ppm) on some biochemical parameters. The activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the changes in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) from biochemical parameters were determined in liver tissue of the fish groups exposed to heavy metals, especially for the selenium-applied groups. Results of this study showed that the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and SOD in the tissues of fish exposed to the stress of Cd+2 and Cr+3 were significantly lower than the control groups (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the closer values to the control groups were obtained in selenium-added groups (Cr+3 + Se+4, Cd+2 + Se+4). For the level of MDA, the last production of lipid peroxidation showed increases (P < 0.05) in the groups exposed to the metal stress, whereas significant decreases were obtained in selenium-applied groups. The result of the statistical evaluation showed that the negative effects occurring in the biochemical parameters of the applied groups exposed to the toxicity of heavy metal were significantly eliminated (P < 0.05) as a result of selenium treatment.