Protective Effects of Selenium Nanoparticle-Enriched Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88-Induced Intestinal Barrier Damage in Mice
Yue Chen, Lei Qiao, Xiaofan Song, Li Ma, Xina Dou, Chunlan Xu
Abstract
The beneficial effects of microecological agents have been widely proven. Se, which is a nutritionally essential trace element for humans and animals, is incorporated into selenoproteins that have a wide range of pleiotropic effects, ranging from antioxidant to anti-inflammatory effects. However, sodium selenite, a common addition form of Se in feed and food, has disadvantages such as strong toxicity and low bioavailability. We investigated the protective effects of L. lactis NZ9000-SeNPs against ETEC K88-induced intestinal barrier injury in C57BL/6 mice. Our results show that L. lactis NZ9000-SeNPs effectively alleviate ETEC K88-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. This study highlights the importance of developing a promising and safe Se supplement for the substitution of sodium selenite applied in food, feed, and biomedicine.