Effect of selenium citrate on the glutathione status and thyroid hormones in rats with experimentally induced hypothyroidism

Aim. The research aimed to determine the effects of selenium citrate on the characteristics of the antioxidant system and hormone levels in the blood of rats with experimentally induced hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods. The hypothyroid state was induced using Mercazolil in a dose of 5 mg/kg. The levels of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone determine a hypothyroid state. Animals under the research consumed selenium citrate at doses of 100 and 200 μg/kg of body weight. Results. It was found that the levels of thyroid hormones significantly decreased during hypothyroidism and had a tendency to normalize under the influence of selenium citrate. Thyroidstimulating hormone significantly increased during hypothyroidism, though selenium compounds did not affect its level. Changes in the activity of the glutathione status enzymes were monitored; in particular, glutathione reductase significantly increased, and glutathione peroxidase decreased in animals with hypothyroidism compared to controls. Selenium citrate in amounts of 100 and 200 μg/kg of body weight reduced glutathione reductase activity considerably and increased glutathione peroxidase activity compared to animals with hypothyroidism. Conclusions. The obtained results indicate a normalization of hormone levels and glutathione link indicators under the influence of selenium citrate in the blood of rats with experimentally induced hypothyroidism. These results form the basis for the development of methods and means for the prevention and treatment of hypothyroidism.