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Prodanchuk O, Pylypets A, Tsap M, Denys G. Effect of Se citrate on lipid and phospholipid composition in rabbit blood plasma. Bìol Tvarin. 2026; 28 (1): 40–47. DOI: 10.15407/animbiol28.01.040.
https://doi.org/10.15407/animbiol28.01.040
Received 08.01.2026 ▪ Revision 22.04.2026 ▪ Accepted 01.03.2026 ▪ Published online 11.06.2026

Effect of Se citrate on lipid and phospholipid composition in rabbit blood plasma

O. Prodanchuk¹, A. Pylypets²*, M. Tsap², G. Denys²
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¹Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology named after S. Z. Gzhytsky, 79010, 50 Pekarska St., Lviv, Ukraine
²Institute of Animal Biology NAAS, 38 V. Stusa str., Lviv, 79034, Ukraine

Selenium is a trace element that has attracted considerable attention due to its potential use in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. It mitigates oxidative stress and affects the efficiency of fatty acid biosynthesis in animal tissues. The aim of our study was to establish the relationship between the content of total lipids, lipid classes and phospholipids in the blood plasma of rabbits of different sexes when selenium citrate was added to drinking water. Rabbits in the control group received standard granulated feed and water without restriction. Rabbits in the experimental groups received nanotechnological selenium citrate in the amount of 200 μg Se per 1 kg of body weight daily with drinking water. The duration of the experiment was 30 days. The content of total lipids, the ratio of their classes and phospholipids in blood plasma was determined by thin-layer chromatography on the 15th and 30th day of life. Changes in the lipid composition of the blood plasma of rabbits with the use of Se citrate were detected, possibly as a result of their multifactorial effect on the structure and function of individual tissues and organs. It was found that the addition of Se citrate leads to a significant decrease in the content of total lipids (by 24–26% on the 30th day), which may indicate the activation of their metabolism and use as an energy substrate. The level of free cholesterol decreased by 20.28%, which indicates the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis or increased excretion. The increase in the level of triacylglycerols at the end of the experiment (by 18–24%) may be a compensatory reaction or the result of enhanced lipolysis and oxidation of fatty acids under the action of selenium nanoparticles. Changes in the content of phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine indicate the restructuring of the structure of cell membranes and the activation of cell signaling systems. A decrease in sphingomyelin and phosphatidylethanolamine levels indicates a change in the lateral structure of membranes, which helps the body adapt to environmental factors.

Keywords: males, females, rabbits, blood plasma, Se citrate, lipids, lipid classes, phospholipids

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