Background and Objective: NF-kappa B (NF-кB) is a cellular factor that controls a large number of cell responses to degenerative and/or immune-mediated conditions. In animals produced by cloning, placental abnormalities may occur and may contribute to the observed fetal abnormalities, and selenium derivatives may reduce such abnormalities.
Materials and Methods: Twelve somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-cloned and 12 non-cloned pregnant Saanen goats were used to determine the effects of oral selenium nanoparticle (Se-NPs) and sodium selenite (Na-Se) on the transcription rate of NF-кB gene and also serum concentration of albumin, total protein, and globulin in their offspring. In the late stage of gestation, Se-NPs and Na-Se (0.05 mg/kg) were administered orally to treated groups 1 and 2 for 10 consecutive days, respectively, and blood samples were collected from their offspring at birth (day 0), 7th, and 14th days of life.
Results: At birth, the NF-κB transcription rate was high in the Se-NPs group but decreased significantly by the 7th and 14th days. The Na-Se group maintained higher NF-κB levels over time. By the 14th day, non-cloned kids in the Se-NPs group had a significantly lower NF-κB transcription rate than those in the Na-Se group. Se-NPs treatment resulted in higher total protein and globulin concentrations in cloned kids compared to Na-Se treatment.
Conclusion: Se-NPs supplementation exerts an inhibitory effect on the transcription rate of the NF-κB gene in neonates and also has a beneficial effect on the immune system function of cloned kids by increasing total protein and globulin levels.