Antioxidant Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Enriched with Selenium Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

The reaction of immune cells to the introduction of pathogens into the body is an increase in reactive oxygen species, which leads to the induction of oxidative stress. Reducing the level of oxidative stress through the use of antioxidants strengthens the immune system.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and selenium-enriched S. cerevisiae against the oxidative stress induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in rats.

A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into six groups, including control (A), S. cerevisiae (B), S. cerevisiae enriched with selenium (C), P. aeruginosa infection treated with S. cerevisiae (D), P. aeruginosa infection treated with S. cerevisiae enriched with selenium (E), and P. aeruginosa infection (F). At the end of the treatment period, the blood samples were collected to evaluate hematological parameters, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione concentration, and glutathione peroxidase activity.

The concentration and activity of antioxidant agents in group F were significantly decreased compared to those of the control group; however, in groups D and E, the levels of the aforementioned factors showed a significant increase compared to those of the infected group. The number of white blood cells in group F showed a significant increase, compared to that of the control group. In other groups, the observed differences in antioxidant factors and blood parameters were not significant, compared to those reported for the control group.

The results showed that the induction of oxidative stress by P. aeruginosa was partially reduced by treatment with yeast and selenium-enriched yeast. Further studies are essential to confirm the aforementioned results.