Abstract
The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of sodium selenate fortification on the content of selenomethyl selenocysteine (SeMSC), total glucosinolates and sulforaphane, as well as the changes in protein profile of the inflorescences of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica). Two experimental groups were considered: plants treated with 100 μmol/L sodium selenate (final concentration in the pot) and control plants treated with water. Fortification began 2 weeks after transplantation and was repeated once a week during 10 weeks. Broccoli florets were harvested when they reached appropriate size. SeMSC content in broccoli florets increased significantly with sodium selenate fortification; but total glucosinolates and sulforaphane content as well as myrosinase activity were not affected. The protein profile of broccoli florets changed due to fortification with sodium selenate. Some proteins involved in general stress-responses were up-regulated, whereas down-regulated proteins were identified as proteins involved in protection against pathogens. This is the first attempt to evaluate the physiological effect of fortification with sodium selenate on broccoli at protein level. The results of this work will contribute to better understanding the metabolic processes related with selenium uptake and accumulation in broccoli.
Highlights
Selenium is an essential trace element for humans and mammals since it ensures activity of key metabolic enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases and tetraiodothyrosine5'-deiodinases [1]
Glucosinolates and sulforaphane content were apparently not affected by selenate fortification, since no statistically significant differences (95% confidence level) were detected between control and treated plants, despite the competition between selenium and sulfur that occurs since both elements are incorporated through the same initial assimilation route [5]
This null effect of fertilization with selenium on sulfur uptake can be attributed to the comparatively low concentration of sodium selenate in comparison with the usual sulfur concentration in soil. These results agree with Hsu et al [14], who demonstrated that broccoli can be fortified with selenium without reduction in total glucosinolates content, even when exceeding the level recommended for human consumption
Summary
Selenium is an essential trace element for humans and mammals since it ensures activity of key metabolic enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases and tetraiodothyrosine5'-deiodinases [1]. Selenium is an essential trace element for humans and mammals since it ensures activity of key metabolic enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases and tetraiodothyrosine. Selenium uptake in humans is mainly ensured by consumption of vegetables which contain selenium in the form of seleno amino acids and methylseleno amino acids. Selenium is a scarce element in soil and it is not essential for plant viability. In selenium hyperaccumulator plants of the Brassicacea family, selenium can be found as non-proteinogenic amino acids such as selenomethyl selenocysteine (SeMSC), γ-glutamyl SeMSC and selenocystathionine [5]. Seleno amino acids and methylseleno amino acids have high anticarcinogenic activity in mammals, and the highest activity is displayed by SeMSeC [6,7]
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