Protective effects of biogenic selenium nanoparticles synthesized by Chlorella Vulgaris against bisphenol a-induced metabolic disturbances in rats

Abstract Background Bisphenol A (BPA), a xenoestrogen and endocrine disruptor, is widely used in plastic and polycarbonate products, contributing to metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and obesity. Algae, like Chlorella vulgaris (CV), contain highly active compounds that act as natural reducing agents, converting inorganic selenium into nanoparticle form. Methods In this study, we developed novel biologically synthesized selenium nanoparticles using CV (SeNPs-CV) and investigated their protective properties in comparison to physically synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against BPA-induced metabolic disturbances in rats. 40 male albino rats were allocated into four groups ( n = 10) and received different oral treatments for 45 days: a control group, a BPA group (150 mg/kg/day), a SeNPs group (2 mg/kg/day alongside BPA), and a SeNPs-CV group (2 mg/kg/day alongside BPA). Results BPA exposure caused oxidative stress and various metabolic disturbances, evidenced by changes in redox biomarkers, upregulation of fatty acid synthesis-related genes (SREBP1, FAS, ACC1, miRNA-122), and altered lipid profiles. Levels of leptin, adiponectin, NF-κB, TNF-α, and liver function markers were also affected. However, co-treatment with SeNPs and SeNPs-CV significantly alleviated these alterations caused by BPA. Histopathological analysis corroborated these biochemical findings, showing improved hepatic tissue structures with SeNPs and SeNPs-CV. Conclusions Overall, SeNPs-CV exhibit hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that are on par with those of their physically synthesized equivalent, demonstrating their therapeutic potential and acting as an eco-friendly agent that promotes green innovation and environmental sustainability.