The supranutritional selenium status alters blood glucose and pancreatic redox homeostasis via a modulated selenotranscriptome in chickens (Gallus gallus)

Abstract

Numerous studies have found that high Selenium (Se) influences the pancreas in animals. Considerable studies suggest that Se status plays an important role in the pancreatic function and regulation of blood glucose in chicks. However, true proof for the effects of the supranutritional Se status on the chicken pancreas through modulating the selenotranscriptome is lacking. 1 day-old chicks were fed a basal diet and Se (0.15 mg, 3.0 mg, or 5.0 mg Se per kg of diet) for 8 weeks. The blood glucose level, tissue Se content, redox homeostasis and mRNA level of the selenoproteome in the pancreas were measured. The supranutritional Se status (3.0 mg kg⁻¹) decreased the blood glucose level and increased the pancreatic antioxidant capacity. The excess Se status (5.0 mg kg⁻¹) increased the blood glucose and Se content and decreased the pancreatic antioxidant capacity. The dietary Se status affected the mRNA levels of 24 selenoproteins and the selenoprotein synthesis related transcription factors in the pancreas. The dietary Se level could modulate the growth performance via affecting the blood glucose level and pancreatic function. Se contributions to chicken growth and the regulation of blood glucose are associated with pancreatic redox homeostasis via a modulated selenotranscriptome in chickens.