Abstract
BackgroundSelenium is an essential micronutrient known for its antioxidant function. However, the association of serum selenium with lipid profiles and fasting glucose are inconsistent in populations with average intake of selenium. Furthermore, there were few studies conducted specifically for the elderly. This study examined the relationship of serum selenium concentration with serum lipids and fasting glucose in the Taiwanese elderly population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 200 males and females aged 65-85 years (mean 71.5 ± 4.6 years) from Taipei, Taiwan. Serum selenium was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. The association between serum selenium and metabolic factors was examined using a multivariate linear regression analysis after controlling several confounders.ResultsThe mean serum selenium concentration was 1.14 μmol/L, without significant difference between sexes. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol increased significantly with serum selenium concentration (P < 0.001, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) after adjusting for age, gender, anthropometric indices, lifestyle factors, and cardio-vascular risk factors in several linear regression models. Furthermore, there was a significantly positive association between serum selenium and serum fasting glucose concentrations (P < 0.05).ConclusionsTotal cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, and fasting serum glucose concentrations increased significantly with serum selenium concentration in the Taiwanese elderly. The underlying mechanism warrants further research.
Highlights
Selenium is an essential micronutrient known for its antioxidant function
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum selenium and metabolic factors, including serum lipid and glucose concentrations, in a cohort of Taiwanese elderly
In this study, serum selenium concentrations were positively associated with serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in the Abbreviations: TCHO, total cholesterol; LnTG, log transformation of triglycerides; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol; Se, serum selenium; Sugar-AC, fasting serum glucose Model 1: adjusted for age, sex, and Body mass index (BMI) Model 2: adjusted for age, sex, BMI, current smoking, current drinking and vegetarianx diet, and physical activity Model 3: adjusted for age, sex, BMI, current smoking, current drinking and vegetarian diet, and physical activity, hormone replacement therapy, cholesterol-lowering medication, Vitamin supplement, diabetes mellitus, hypertension a "Modified" Model 3: Diabetes mellitus was excluded in Model 3 elderly, after adjustment for age, gender, anthropometric indices, lifestyles, and traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors
Summary
Selenium is an essential micronutrient known for its antioxidant function. The association of serum selenium with lipid profiles and fasting glucose are inconsistent in populations with average intake of selenium. This study examined the relationship of serum selenium concentration with serum lipids and fasting glucose in the Taiwanese elderly population. An essential trace element, is vital for human normal development, growth, male fertility, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium deficiency is associated with Keshan disease, an endemic cardiomyopathy, and Kashin-Beck disease, a deforming arthritis. Selenoproteins reportedly possess antioxidant properties and its deficiency plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether or not selenium concentration contributes to CVD remains uncertain. Epidemiologic studies show that low serum selenium is associated with increased cardiovascular mortal-
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