The estimation of selen content in blood serum and the diet correction in patients with acute Q-wave myocardial infarction

Abstract

The use of selenium-containing specialized food products in prophylactic and therapeutic diets is based on hypothesis that selenium as antioxidant can potentially decrease the risk of oxidative stress induced diseases. There is a hypothesis, which is strongly supported during last 10-15 years that the reactive oxygen species are generated during ischemic myocardium reperfusion and cardiomyocyte damage. In addition selenium as an important component of glutationperoxidaze, it promotes protection against ischemic damage, improvement of functional regeneration and reduction of morphological changes in cardiomyocytes. We established a low serum selenium level in patients with acute and subacute stage of Q-wave myocardial infarction (75.5±1.8 mcg/L). New dietary product - jam made of seaweed with dried apricot enriched with selenium - was included in patient diet. We observed 72 persons (40-75 years old) who were randomized in a control group (30 patients) on standard treatment and a main group (42 patients) that received the dietary product (80 mcg Se) in addition to the standard treatment. Critical serum selenium level was found initially in 16 main group patients (38%), in 2 patients (7%) 2 weeks later and in none of patients in a month of dietary jam treatment. Selen concentration in blood serum increased from basal value 78.3±3.1 mcg/L after 2 weeks of treatment by 16% and after one month of treatment by 20% (p <0.05). In the control group the serum selenium level remained on critical and selenium-deficient levels during a month on standard treatment without dietary compensation. No adverse events were revealed in patients of main group, the investigated product was well tolerated.