Rieder_2024_Comp.Biochem.Physiol.C.Toxicol.Pharmacol__109899

Copper (Cu(2+)) is a biologically essential element that participates in numerous physiological processes. However, elevated concentrations of copper have been associated with cellular oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. Organo-selenium compounds such as diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) have in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties. Hence, we hypothesized that DPDS may modulate the toxicity of Cu(2+) in Drosophila melanogaster. The acute effects (4 days of exposure) caused by a high concentration of Cu(2+) (3 mM) were studied using endpoints of toxicity such as survival and behavior in D. melanogaster. The potential protective effect of low concentration of DPDS (20 microM) against Cu(2+) was also investigated. Adult flies aged 1-5 days post-eclosion (both sexes) were divided into four groups: Control, DPDS (20 microM), CuSO(4) (3 mM), and the combined exposure of DPDS (20 microM) and CuSO(4) (3 mM). Survival, biochemical, and behavioral parameters were determined. Co-exposure of DPDS and CuSO(4) increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS as determined by DFCH oxidation). Contrary to our expectation, the co-exposure reduced survival, body weight, locomotion, catalase activity, and cell viability in relation to control group. Taken together, DPDS potentiated the Cu(2+) toxicity.