Protective effects of selenium nanoparticles against methotrexate induced gastric toxicity

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used drug for the treatment of many diseases. It is used as immune-modulator drug in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, it has many toxic effects on different body organs such as gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, testicular toxicity, neurotoxicity, and hematological toxicity. Gastrointestinal toxicity includes mucositis, diarrhea, and constipation, and can often be a dose-limiting complication, induce cessation of treatment and could be life threatening. Many studies were performed to evaluate effects of natural agents against MTX toxicity. One of these agents is selenium (Se). Selenium is necessary for human health. It is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. However, its use is limited by elevated toxicity. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), nanoform of selenium, are less toxic and more effective than the bulk form. The antioxidant properties of hollow spherical SeNPs minimize the risk of selenium toxicity. The biological properties of SeNPs depend on their size; as particle size influences the cellular intake of nanoparticles, where smaller particles have higher activity.