Selenium Nanoparticles in Atherosclerosis and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Therapeutic Mechanisms, Targeted Delivery, and Translational Prospects
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as a promising nanomaterial in biomedicine due to their unique physicochemical properties. This review summarizes the research and progress of SeNPs in atherosclerosis (AS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the AS model, CS-SeNPs (40 μg Se/kg/day, 10 weeks) significantly reduced the area of aortic plaques (25.1%). Similarly, PM@Se/Rb1 NPs significantly reduced the plaque area of the aortic arch (85→20%) and aortic root (79→26.5%). In the NAFLD model, various SeNPs improved the area of steatosis, reduced the levels of TC, TG, ALT, and AST, and inhibited inflammation, oxidative stress, and the progression of fibrosis. Unlike previous reviews that focus on a single disease, this review uniquely integrates and compares the therapeutic applications of SeNPs in AS and NAFLD by targeting their common pathological mechanisms. Additionally, we highlight conflicting findings on long-term safety and provide a comparative analysis of different stabilizer formulations. The limitations of the currently available evidence are predominantly derived from cell culture and animal models. Despite encouraging preclinical results, challenges remain regarding long-term safety, optimal stabilizer selection, and translational feasibility. Future directions should prioritize toxicological profiling, large-animal validation, and fibrosis-reversal efficacy to facilitate clinical translation of SeNPs as multi-target nanotherapeutics for chronic disease.
DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s637621
Authors: Keqian Chen, Shu-Zhi Wang
Institutions: Hunan University, University of South China
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,836
OpenAlex ID: W7224510791