The possible protective role of selenium supplementation on the structure of the heart in an experimental model of chronic renal failure: a light and electron microscopic study

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health hazard with significant morbidity and mortality especially due to cardiovascular complications. Aim of the work This study was conducted to investigate the histological effects of CKD on the structure of the heart and to show the possible protective role of selenium (Se) supplements. Materials and methods Twenty adult male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups: group I (the control group) was divided into two subgroups: IA (sham operated), which was subjected to sham operation, and IB (the negative control group), which was left untreated; group II (the nephrectomy group) was subjected to a five-sixth nephrectomy operation to induce renal failure; group III (the Se-treated group) was subjected to a five/sixth nephrectomy operation following which the rats were supplemented with sodium selenite at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg for 10 weeks. At the end of the experiment body weight (BW) and serum creatinine were measured. Heart specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examination, and morphometric analysis was performed for area percentage of intercellular spaces and collagen fibers. Results Group II showed significant widening of the interfiber spaces with aggregation of adipocytes, extravasated RBCs, and lymphocytes. There was also significant increase in the area percentage of collagen fibers. Cardiac myocytes appeared swollen, pale, and degenerated, and electron microscopic findings pointed to endothelial dysfunction. Se administration led to significant improvement in BW, creatinine level, and cardiac fibrosis; yet, the heart showed focal pale vacuolated myocytes, wide interfiber spaces, and extravasated blood. Conclusion CKD led to definite focal degeneration in the cardiac muscle fibers. Se with the dose given improved BW, creatinine level, and cardiac fibrosis but could not offer complete protection against cardiovascular complication.