Diphenyl diselenide prevents oxidative damage induced by cigarette smoke exposure in lung of rat pups

The effect of cigarette smoke exposure on lungs of rat pups was evaluated. Animals were exposed to passive cigarette smoke during 3 weeks and a number of toxicological parameters in lung of pups were examined, such as lipid peroxidation, δ-aminolevulic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity, components of the enzymatic antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities) and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses (Vitamin C and non-protein thiol (NPSH) levels). Furthermore, a possible protective effect of diphenyl diselenide, (PhSe)₂, was studied. The results demonstrated an increase in lipid peroxidation, an inhibition of δ-ALA-D activity, a reduction of Vitamin C and NPSH levels induced by cigarette smoke exposure, indicating damage in lungs of rat pups. Oral administration of (PhSe)₂ (0.5 mg/kg) restored TBARS levels, non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses and activity of δ-ALA-D. These results indicated that exposure to cigarette smoke enhanced oxidative stress, thereby disturbing the tissue defense system. (PhSe)₂ protected against oxidative damage induced by cigarette smoke exposure in lung of rat pups.