Nano selenium ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammatory response associated with cypermethrin-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Cypermethrin (CYP), a class II synthetic pyrethroid, is used to control household insects. CYP can cross the blood-brain barrier to exert neurotoxicity through changes in sodium ion channels. Selenium is an essential component of glutathione peroxidise enzyme; in addition, it shows a potential anti-inflammatory property. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective role of Nano-Se on CYP-induced neurotoxicity. Twenty-four adult male Wister rats were randomly divided into three groups: a) control, b) CYP (1mg/kg) administered orally for 21 days, c) CYP (1mg/kg) administered orally for 21 days and Nano-Se (2.5 mg/kg) given once a day three times a week for three weeks). Locomotor activity was assessed using open field test then rats were sacrificed under anaesthesia, and their brains were dissected out and processed for biochemical and histopathological studies. Histological examination of CYP-treated rats demonstrated some degenerative changes; besides, CYP affected rat locomotor activity. CYP-treated rats showed increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α and IL-1β in addition to the reduction of glutathione (GSH) levels and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). Nano-Se restored normal behavioural function and significantly attenuated CYP-evoked degenerative changes. Nano-Se increased levels of GABA and glutathione; on the other hand, it significantly prevented the rise in the levels of MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β. Therefore, Nano-Se demonstrated both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Nano-Se may be suggested to be a prospective candidate to ameliorate CYP–induced neurotoxicity. •Cypermethrin induced neurotoxicity is marked by behavioural, histological and biochemical changes.•Oxidative stress and inflammatory response may explain the marked pathological changes induced by cypermethrin.•Nano-Selenium reversed behavioural and histological changes in Cypermethrin treated rats.•Nano-Selenium exhibited both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.•Nano- Selenium may be suggested to protect against Cypermethrin-induced neurotoxicity.