Pro-atherogenic effects of arsenic and the protective potential of selenium and high-selenium lentils

摘要

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the major cause of death worldwide, and arsenic (As) intake through drinking water is a well-known risk factor for CVD. We tested the potential of high-selenium (Se) lentils from Saskatchewan in reducing As-triggered atherosclerosis in an ApoE-/- mouse model and are studying the effects of As in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells (HAoEC). Mice exposed to 200ppb As in their drinking water and control mice received one of three lentil diets: Se-deficient (0.009 mg/kg), Se-adequate (0.16 mg/kg), or Se-fortified (0.3 mg/kg). After 13 weeks, As-induced atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch and sinus were substantially reduced in As-exposed mice on the Se-fortified diet (p < 0.05). Arsenic inhibited HAoEC wound healing, and treatment with selenium restored wound healing capacity. Arsenic-induced expression of IL-8 in HAoEc was inhibited by selenite. These data suggest a protective effect of selenium, and especially high-selenium lentils against the pro-atherogenic actions of As.