Effects of selenium against fluoride on DNA damage and apoptosis of human hepatocytes

  Objective   To investigate the influence of selenium and fluoride on DNA damage and apoptosis in human hepatocytes in vitro.

  Methods   The DNA damage rate, cellular apoptosis, and cell cycle in human hepatocytes were measured after hepatocytes were incubated with fluoride and/or selenium for 12 hours in vitro.

  Results   The DNA damage rate, apoptosis, and cell number in Sphase in hepatocytes in the fluoride group were significantly higher than the control group and the fluoride-exposed and selenium-treated groups(P < 0.05).The DNA damage rate and apoptosis in hepatocytes in the selenium group were higher than control group, but there was no significant difference between selenium group and control group(P > 0.05).

  Conclusion   Some dose of selenium can antagonize DNA damage and apoptosis in hepatocytes induced by fluoride.