Histopathological Evaluation of Radioprotective Effects: Selenium Nanoparticles Protect Lung Tissue from Radiation Damage.

BACKGROUND

Radiation exposure significantly affects the health and function of vital organs, such as the lungs. Recently, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have shown promise as radioprotective agents due to their antioxidant properties, free radical scavenging abilities, and effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress, positioning them as potential protectors against radiation-induced damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study involved 30 male Wistar rats, randomly assigned to six groups: control, irradiation only, SeNPs (48 h), SeNPs plus irradiation (48 h), SeNPs (2 w), and SeNPs plus irradiation (2 w). Lung tissue samples were collected at 48 hours and 2 weeks postirradiation for histopathological evaluation of tissue changes and damage.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated that ionizing radiation significantly damages lung tissue. The control group displayed healthy alveoli with squamous type I pneumocytes, free from fibrosis, edema, congestion, or inflammatory cells. In contrast, the irradiated group exhibited severe tissue destruction, inflammation, collagen accumulation, and fibrosis. Histopathological analysis underscored the harmful effects of irradiation and the protective role of SeNPs, which notably reduced inflammation and fibrosis in lung tissue at 24 hours and 2 weeks postirradiation.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the significant potential of SeNPs as radioprotective agents, showing they mitigate radiation-induced lung damage by preserving tissue integrity and reducing inflammation, consistent with their known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.