Blood Se Concentrations Research Articles

The effect of a single dose of selenium with vitamin E on oxidative stress and fertilization indicators of ram sperm over the course of spermatogenesis

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of a single subcutaneous administration of selenium (Se) + vitamin E on the ejaculate volume, sperm count and viability, level of apoptosis and oxidative stress (OS) and Se concentration in ejaculates and blood of rams with respect to the time course of the spermatogenic cycle. The experimental group (EG; n = 6) was treated with a single injection of Selevit at a dose of 5 ml per animal (11 mg of sodium selenite and 125 mg of vitamin E/per animal). The control group (CG; n = 4) was treated in the same way, only with saline. Samples of blood and ejaculates were collected from each ram prior to application of Se and on the 1st, 14th, 26th, 38th, 50th and 62nd day after injection. Results showed that the Se concentration in the blood of EG was significantly higher only 24 h after application. Selenium concentration in the ejaculates of the EG was higher during the whole duration of the experiment (62 days), but significantly so only until day 14. The level of OS was significantly reduced on day 1, 14, and 62 after application of Selevit. There were no significant differences in the other analysed indicators. The results showed that one subcutaneous injection of Selevit had a positive effect on Se concentration and OS level in ejaculates, but was not sufficient to improve other monitored sperm quality indicators.

Blood selenium and zinc concentration of female alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and their offspring during different physiological conditions.

Minerals are important for animals in many biological functions. There is scarce information, however, about micromineral content in the blood of South American camelids under their prevalent production system. This study aims to determine whole blood selenium (Se) and serum zinc (Zn) concentrations of grazing alpacas at three different physiological states in the Peruvian Andean Highland. Blood samples were collected for measurement of whole blood Se and serum Zn concentrations from 15 female alpacas at late gestation, peripartum, and late lactation, as well as their respective offspring, for them only two times were taken it account (10 days after birth and late lactation). The female alpacas at the beginning had a body weight of 47.5 ± 8 kg and an estimated age of 4.03 ± 0.93 years. Se and Zn content of pastures consumed by alpacas also were determined. The samples were taken during three different months according to the productive calendar of the alpacas. The content of Se and Zn of the diet selected by alpacas met the requirements for the physiological states they go through in comparison with literature references. Serum Zn concentration of female alpacas was higher in peripartum (0.26 µg/ml), compared to late gestation and late lactation (p < 0.05). A similar result was found in the case of their offspring at 10 days after birth (0.23 µg/ml) Zn concentration was higher than for late lactation (p < 0.05). Unlike Zn, in the case of Se, no differences were found between the physiological states studied for alpacas or their offspring. Serum Zn concentration changes through late gestation, peripartum, and late lactation in the female alpacas and their offspring 10 days after birth and late lactation. Further investigation is needed to define the alpaca adequacy of Zn and Se in relation to the blood content of both minerals.

Genetically predicted selenium concentrations and thyroid function: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

The impact of selenium (Se) on human thyroid function remains unclear, with inconsistent results from recent epidemiological studies. Moreover, the observed associations are prone to bias due to potential confounding and reverse causation. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis facilitates the large minimization of biases produced by environmental and lifestyle influences, providing unconfounded estimates of causal effects using instrumental variables. We aim to examine the association between Se concentrations and human thyroid function using a two-sample MR analysis. Genetic instruments for Se concentrations, including toenail and blood (TAB) and blood Se concentrations, were identified from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of blood Se (n = 5477) and toenail Se levels (n = 4162). GWAS summary statistics on thyroid phenotypes were downloaded from the ThyroidOmics consortium, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (n = 54,288), free thyroxin (FT4) (n = 49,269), hypo (n = 53,423), and hyperthyroidism (n = 51,823). The MR study was conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented with the weighted median and the mode-based method. Genetically determined TAB Se was negatively associated with FT4 (β = -.067; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.106, -0.028; p = 0.001) using the IVW analyses, as well in the additional analyses using the weighted median and weighted-mode methods. No evidence in heterogeneity, pleiotropyor outlier single-nucleotide polymorphisms was detected (all p > 0.05). Suggestive casual association between increased genetically determined TAB Se concentrations and decreased hypothyroidism risk was found by the IVW method (odds ratio [OR] = 0.847; 95% CI = 0.728, 0.985; p = 0.031). The causal effect of TAB Se on FT4 was observed in women (β = -.076; 95% CI = -0.129, -0.024; p = 0.004). However, the influence of genetically determined higher Se concentrations on TSH levels and hyperthyroidism revealed insignificance in the primary and sensitivity analyses. The present MR study indicated that high Se concentration enable the decreasing of FT4 levels, and the effects of Se concentrations on FT4 remain sex-specific.

Effects of selenium supplementation on the growth performance, slaughter characteristics, and blood biochemistry of naked neck chicken

This study examined how selenium-supplemented diets affected the performance of naked neck chickens. The birds were fed both organic and inorganic selenium at 0.30 ppm, while the control diet did not include any additional selenium. A total of 225 one-day-old naked neck chicks were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups, each of which was replicated 5 times (replicates) and contained 15 birds. This was done using a completely randomized design. The data was collected after growth, meat quality, and blood profile parameters were assessed. The findings showed that the birds fed inorganic selenium in the diet displayed increased (P < 0.05) feed intake followed by those administered organic selenium and the control diet. On the other hand, birds fed organic selenium in the diet showed enhanced body weight gain and better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Similarly, organic selenium supplementation increased (P < 0.05) breast and thigh weight compared to inorganic selenium, but no other metrics, such as dressing percentage, drumstick weight, liver weight, gizzard weight, heart weight, or wing weight, significantly differed between treatments (P > 0.05). When compared to birds fed inorganic Se and control diet, the birds fed organic Se had greater (P < 0.05) blood levels of total protein and globulin. Additionally, it was discovered that organic Se-fed birds had greater (P < 0.05) blood Se concentrations than control and inorganic Se-fed birds. However, no differences between treatments were found in albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, or uric acid (P > 0.05). In conclusion, adding Se-enriched yeast, as an organic selenium source, to diets may enhance the poor growth and slaughter characteristics of naked neck chicks without negatively affecting blood chemistry.

Seabirds under environmental pressures: Food supplementation has a larger impact than selenium on chicks exposed to mercury and a viral disease

Although infectious disease outbreaks represent a serious threat for wildlife population viability, the environmental factors that underlie such outbreaks are poorly investigated. The French Guiana breeding population of Magnificent frigatebird Fregata magnificens is subjected to recurrent episodes of chicks’ mortality likely caused by a viral disease. We hypothesized that high mercury (Hg) concentrations may be responsible for the emergence of clinical signs. We therefore investigated whether healthy and sick chicks show different Hg concentrations in blood. Because the essential element selenium (Se) may be highly depleted during Hg poisoning, we further experimentally tested whether an increased intake of dietary Se has an effect on blood levels of Hg, increases circulating Se, and improves the oxidative status of chicks. Finally, we compared the results of this experiment with a previous food supplementation experiment. Our results show similar Hg concentrations between healthy and sick chicks with visible clinical signs of the disease. Se concentrations were significantly depleted in sick chicks. Se concentrations increased while Hg concentrations simultaneously decreased in chicks that naturally recovered from the disease. Both the Se and fish supplementation experiments significantly increased Se concentrations in blood, while Hg levels were only modestly affected. Providing food to chicks appeared to have greater benefits than only supplementing chicks with Se pills as, although food supplementation had an impact on blood Se similar to that of supplementation with Se pills, it also reduced the vulnerability of chicks to the viral disease, possibly by reducing nutritional stress and providing essential nutrients.

Higher blood selenium level is associated with lower risk of hyperhomocysteinemia in the elderly

Background and aimsEarlier studies have reported inconsistent association between selenium (Se) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels, while no evidence could be found from Chinese population. To fill this gap, we investigated the association between blood Se and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) of rural elderly population in China. MethodsA cross-sectional study on 1823 participants aged 65 and older from four Chinese rural counties was carried out in this study. Whole blood Se and serum Hcy concentrations were measured in fasting blood samples. Analysis of covariance and restricted cubic spline models were used to examine the association between Se and Hcy levels. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk of prevalent HHcy among four Se quartile groups after adjusting for covariates. ResultsFor this sample, the mean blood Se concentration was 156.34 (74.65) μg/L and the mean serum Hcy concentration was 17.25 (8.42) μmol/L. A significant non-linear relationship was found between blood Se and serum Hcy, the association was inverse when blood Se was less than 97.404 μg/L and greater than 156.919 μg/L. Participants in the top three blood Se quartile groups had significantly lower risk of prevalent HHcy compared with the lowest quartile group. When defined as Hcy> 10 μmol/L, the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval of HHcy were 0.600 (0.390, 0.924), 0.616 (0.398, 0.951) and 0.479 (0.314, 0.732) for Q2, Q3, and Q4 Se quartile groups compared with the Q1 group, respectively. When defined as Hcy≥ 15 μmol/L, the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval of HHcy were 0.833 (0.633, 1.098) and 0.827 (0.626, 1.092), 0.647 (0.489, 0.857) for Q2, Q3, and Q4 Se quartile groups compared with Q1 group. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that higher blood Se level could be a protective factor for HHcy in the elderly.

213 from Conception to Birth: The Role of Minerals on Beef Cattle Fetal Programming

Abstract Fetal adaptations to nutrition in utero lead to long-term effects on fetal growth and postnatal performance. Although required in minute amounts, minerals play an essential role in fetal programming, likely through epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, changes in the embryonic and fetal epigenome modulate gene transcription and, consequently, the differentiation, growth, and development of cells and tissues. Despite the growing knowledge in nutritional epigenetics and gene expression, literature on the implications of minerals on the (epi)genome and fetal development is still scarce. Our research investigates fetal and postnatal offspring outcomes in response to maternal nutrition throughout the periconceptual period of pregnancy using a beef cattle model. We have reported placental adaptations through changes in gene expression in beef heifers supplemented with vitamins and minerals (113 g•heifer-1•d-1) during the first 83 days of pregnancy. We found coordinated crosstalk between fetal-maternal tissues and a fine-tuned regulation of placental genes involved with nutrient transport, tissue function and differentiation. Interestingly, the concentrations of minerals and amino acids in the allantoic and amniotic fluids and maternal serum were also affected. Furthermore, genes were differentially expressed in the fetal brain, liver, and muscle in response to the maternal diet. The nutrient-sensing PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was over-represented in muscle and cerebrum, whereas mineral and lipid metabolism were identified in the liver. A second study showed that providing supranutritional maternal selenium supplementation (105 mg of Se/wk as Se yeast) during different trimesters of gestation increased Se concentration in the whole blood and muscle of newborn calves. Likewise, calves born to dams supplemented in the last trimester had increased expression of myogenic genes. Altogether, these findings reinforce the implications of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on fetal programming. However, further studies are still required to understand the regulatory mechanisms and postnatal effects.

Invited Review: Assessing trace mineral status in ruminants, and factors that affect measurements of trace mineral status

The purpose of this article is to review criteria for assessing copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium status in ruminants. Factors that affect measurements of trace mineral status also will be discussed. Published scientific literature was the primary source of information reviewed. When assessing mineral status, it is always good to analyze the diet or forages being consumed for the mineral of interest as well as other minerals that may affect its requirement. Liver is the best indicator of both low and excess Cu status. Plasma Cu concentrations do not decrease below normal values until liver Cu stores are mostly depleted, but a plasma Cu concentration less than 0.4 mg/L suggests Cu deficiency. Severe Zn deficiency can be diagnosed based on extremely low plasma or serum Zn concentrations (less than 0.5 mg/L) or on clinical signs of Zn deficiency that respond to Zn supplementation. It is important to note that infections or acute stress may cause plasma Zn concentrations to temporarily decrease to levels consistent with Zn deficiency. There is currently no reliable indicator of marginal Zn deficiency. Several criteria have been measured in an attempt to assess Mn status. However, no criteria have been demonstrated to accurately predict Mn deprivation. Whole blood or liver Se concentrations are useful in assessing Se status. When interpreting whole blood or liver Se concentrations, it is important to consider whether dietary Se is being derived from organic or inorganic sources. The most appropriate measurement criteria to assess trace mineral status in ruminants depend on the trace mineral being considered. Liver copper is generally a good measure of low as well as excess Cu status. Liver or whole blood Se concentrations are reliable measures of Se status if one takes into account the source of dietary Se. Unless clinical deficiency signs are apparent, it is more difficult to assess Zn and Mn status. In the absence of disease or stress, plasma or serum Zn concentrations below 0.5 mg/L suggest possible severe deficiency. No reliable predictor of marginal Zn deficiency has been determined. Currently, no reliable indicator of Mn status has been identified.

Selenium Deficiency Leads to Reduced Skeletal Muscle Cell Differentiation by Oxidative Stress in Mice.

Selenium (Se) is one of the essential trace elements in animal organisms with good antioxidant and immune-enhancing abilities. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of Se deficiency on skeletal muscle cell differentiation. A selenium-deficient skeletal muscle model was established. The skeletal muscle tissue and blood Se content were significantly reduced in the Se deficiency group. HE staining showed that the skeletal muscle tissue had a reduced myofiber area and nuclei and an increased myofascicular membrane with Se deficiency. The TUNEL test showed massive apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in Se deficiency. With Se deficiency, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were inhibited. In in vitro experiments, microscopic observations showed that the low-Se group had reduced C2C12 cell fusion and a reduced number of differentiated myotubes. In addition, qPCR results showed that differentiation genes (Myog, Myod, Myh2, Myh3, and Myf5) were significantly reduced in the low Se group. Meanwhile, Western blot analysis showed that the levels of differentiation proteins (Myog, Myod, and Myhc) were significantly reduced in the low-Se group. This finding indicates that Se deficiency reduces the expression of skeletal muscle cell differentiation factors. All the above data suggest that Se deficiency can lead to oxidative stress in skeletal muscle, resulting in a reduction in the differentiation capacity of muscle cells.

Essential trace and toxic elemental concentrations in biological samples of male adult referent and Eunuch subjects

BackgroundThe influence of essential nutrients such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) on male fertility has been extensively studied. For reproductive health, adequate spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and motility, as well as optimal sperm function, these essential elements are required. Several pathologic and male infertility disorders have been linked to an imbalance of these elements. MethodsThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between essential and toxic elements, such as Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg Se, and Zn, as well as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in human biological samples, such as blood, serum, and seminal plasma, from 96 referent male adults aged 21 to 49 years, who were further divided into three age groups. The biological samples of Eunuch people (n = 37), ranging in age from 21 to 42 years, were also analysed for comparison. The method of acid digestion was controlled by a microwave oven. The essential and toxic elements in the oxidised biological samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Certified reference material of blood and serum was being used to validate the methodology's accuracy. ResultThe Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn concentrations in blood and serum samples of Eunuch people were found to be lower, whereas Cd, Pb, and Hg levels were significantly higher than those found in data from normal adult male subjects (p 0.001). The results reveal that the concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn in the seminal plasma of adult male participants in the younger age group (21–29) were higher than those in the older age groups (30–39) and (40–49). Although essential trace element levels in Eunuch people's biological samples were significantly lower than those observed in adult male subjects. ConclusionEssential elemental deficiency and elevated levels of toxic heavy metals in all biological fluid samples may have significant negative effects on human reproductive health (sperm quality and function), leading to male infertility.

Associations Between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Whole Blood Zinc and Selenium in the Elderly Cohort.

Some studies have shown that an imbalance in trace element homeostasis can lead to cognitive dysfunction, but data are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between whole blood zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper-zinc ratio (Cu/Zn), copper-selenium ratio (Cu/Se), and zinc-selenium ratio (Zn/Se) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly Chinese individuals. The study was based on the Elderly Health and Controlled Environmental Factors Cohort in Lu'an, Anhui Province, China, from June to September 2016. The cognitive function of the elderly was determined by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living (ADL) scales. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Se in the whole blood were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between trace elements and MCI. A total of 1006 participants with an average age of 71.70years old were included in this study. Compared with healthy people, MCI patients had higher whole blood Zn levels and lower Se levels, and Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se were also significantly different. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se exposure in the third tertile was associated with an increased risk of MCI, while Se exposure in the third tertile was associated with a reduced risk of MCI. After adjustment for sex, age, marital status, BMI, and living status, whole blood Zn, Se, Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se were significantly associated with MCI risk, especially in elderly women.

Effects of Se-Enriched Malt on the Immune and Antioxidant Function in the Se-Deprived Reclamation Merino Sheep in Southern Xinjiang.

We have found that the Reclamation merino sheep in Southern Xinjiang, China, showed emaciation, stiff limbs, instability, and sudden death, which is related to the impairment of immune function and antioxidant capacity caused by selenium (Se) deficiency. The experiments were to study the effects of Se-enriched malt on the immune and antioxidant function in Se-deprived Reclamation merino sheep in Southern Xinjiang, China. The samples of soil and forage had been collected from tested pastures, and animal tissues were also collected in tested animals. The mineral content of soil, forage, and animal tissues was measured in the collected samples. Hematological indexes and biochemical values were also examined. The findings showed that the Se contents were extremely lower in affected soil and forage than those from healthy soil and forage (P < 0.01). The Se contents in affected blood and wool were also extremely lower than those from healthy blood and wool (P < 0.01). The values in glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity in affected serum samples were also extremely lower than those from healthy serum samples, and levels of malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide synthase, and lipid peroxide were extremely higher in affected serum samples than those from healthy serum samples (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and platelet count from affected blood were extremely lower than those from healthy blood (P < 0.01). The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin G in serum were extremely decreased in the affected Reclamation merino sheep (P < 0.01). The levels of IL-6 and immunoglobulin M in serum were extremely reduced in the affected Reclamation merino sheep compared to healthy animals (P < 0.01). The animals in affected pastures were orally treated with Se-enriched malt, and the Se contents in blood were extremely increased (P < 0.01). The immune function and antioxidant indicator returned to within the healthy range. Consequently, our findings were indicated that the disorder of the Reclamation merino sheep was mainly caused by the Se deficiency in soil and forage. The Se-enriched malt could not only markedly increase the Se content in blood but also much improve the immune function and the antioxidant capacity in the Se-deprived Reclamation merino sheep.

Effects of Se-Yeast on Immune and Antioxidant in the Se-Deprived Pishan Red Sheep.

The experiments were to study the effects of Se-yeast on immune and antioxidant in Selenium(Se)-deprived Pishan red sheep in Southern Xinjiang, China. The samples of soil, forage, and animal tissues were collected, and used for measuring mineral content, physiological parameter, and biochemical values. These findings showed that the Se contents in affected soil and forage were markedly lower than those from unaffected soil and forage (P < 0.01). Se in affected blood and wool were also extremely lower than those from healthy Pishan red sheep (P < 0.01). The hemoglobin, packed cell volume, platelet count, Glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity in the affected Pishan red sheep were markedly lower than those from healthy ones too (P < 0.01). The levels of malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide synthase, and lipid peroxide in Pishan red sheep from affected pastures were extremely higher than those from healthy ones (P < 0.01). The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, Interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 from serum were markedly decreased in affected Pishan red sheep(P < 0.01). The Pishan red sheep in Se-deprived pasture were treated by orally with Se-yeast, the amount of Se in the blood markedly increased in treated animals. Meanwhile, the immune and antioxidant indicator was returned to the healthy values. Consequently, our findings were indicated that Se-deprived forage caused oxidative damage, and a serious threat to the immune function in animals. The Se-yeast is more effective in the Se-deficient Pishan red sheep including blood Se content, immune function and the antioxidant capacity.

The relatively higher concentrations of trace elements to arsenic may have influenced on methylation process of inorg- As in humans

The relatively higher concentrations of trace elements to arsenic may have influenced on methylation process of inorg- As in humans

Comparative Study of the Biochemical Response Behavior of Some Highly Toxic Minerals on Selenosis in Rats

Many researchers have studied the metabolism of toxics including selenium (Se) in biological medium in rats and defined some correlations between selenium and other minerals as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and thallium (Tl). An investigation of the potential influences of As, Hg, Tl and Pb on Se metabolism, which can suggest new drugs to cope the poisonousness of Se. The current study also has looked into the potential use of As(III)/As(V) toxic in the treatment of essential mineral Se in the animals (as rats) based on sequestration of these toxic elements into biologically inert complexes, reflecting the enormous interest in this subject. The acute studies have been initially achieved by shaping the pulmonary and biliary excretions of the volatile Se in neonatal masculine Holtzman rats which were injected with selenite subcutaneously in the hind flank, then the volatile Se was trapped in 8N HNO3 and the radioselenate detected in a scintillation counter. The chronic cases were carried out with the nursing of rats with a purified diet of water-soluble vitamin mix, fat-soluble vitamin mix, saccharides, oil, and salts. One week after the basic diet, the rats taken Se have received diets containing 10 ppm of the element as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) or selenate (Na2SeO4) added in the salts. The calorimeter was used to analyze Se in the frozen tissue specimens. As, Hg, and Tl were repressed the volatized Se excreted from the lungs. As has assisted the biliary excretion of Se and inhibited the chronic selenosis. Tl has increased the retention of Se in the liver and kidney, but, had no chronic effect on the amount of Se deposited in all the studied tissues. Similarly, Hg has increased the retention of Se but in the spleen and carcass of rats indicating to the high Se concentration in blood. Hg and Tl have inhibited the Se in urine. No effects of the doses rich in As, Hg, and Tl on the Se excretion in fecal. Even though, we suggest As as a possible medication to chronic selenosis.

Genetically determined variations of selenoprotein P are associated with antioxidant, muscular, and lipid biomarkers in response to Brazil nut consumption by patients using statins

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could indirectly, as well directly, influence metabolic parameters related to health effects in response to selenium (Se)supplementation. This study aimed to investigate whether the selenoprotein SNPs were associated with the response of Se status biomarkers to the Brazil nut consumption in patients using statins and if the variation in Se homoeostasis could affect antioxidant protection, lipid profile, muscle homoeostasis and selenoproteins mRNA. The study was performed in the Ribeirão Preto Medical School University Hospital. Thirty-two patients using statins received one unit of Brazil nut daily for 3 months. Body composition, blood Se concentrations, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein(LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triacylglycerol (TAG), creatine kinase (CK) activity and gene expression of GPX1 and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) were evaluated before and after Brazil nut consumption. The volunteers were genotyped for SNP in GPX1 (rs1050450) and SELENOP (rs3877899 and rs7579). SNPs in selenoproteins were not associated with plasma and erythrocyte Se, but SNPs in SELENOP influenced the response of erythrocyte GPX activity and CK activity, TAG and LDL after Brazil nut consumption. Also, Brazil nut consumption increased GPX1 mRNA expression only in subjects with rs1050450 CC genotype. SELENOP mRNA expression was significantly lower in subjects with rs7579 GG genotype before and after the intervention. Thus, SNP in SELENOP could be associated with interindividual differences in Se homeostasis after Brazil nut consumption, emphasising the involvement of genetic variability in response to Se consumption towards health maintenance and disease prevention.

Changes of macromineral and trace element concentration in the blood of ewes during lactation period

The aim of the present research was to determine the changes in macromineral and trace element concentrations in ewes’ blood during the lactation period. Thirty-six Travnik pramenka ewes at the average age of 3–5 years were included in research and they were evaluated at three stages of lactation: early stage (40 ± 5 days of lactation), medium stage (80 ± 5 days of lactation) and late stage (120 ± 5 days of lactation). In ewes’ blood concentrations of macroelements (Ca, P, K, Na, Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, Co, Se, Cd, As) were determined. The average concentrations of macroelements and trace elements in the blood of ewes during lactation were mostly within the reference values. Se concentrations in blood were close to the deficient ones, while concentrations of Cd and As were negligible. Concentration of Ca in blood was the lowest in the early lactation stage, higher in the late stage, and the highest in the medium stage (88.25 mg/l, 96.43 mg/l and 103.43 mg/l, respectively). A significant increase in the concentrations of Mg, Co and Cd and a significant decrease in the concentrations of Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo and Se were found in blood with lactation progress. Significant correlations between the studied parameters were found, especially between macroelements (Ca : K, P : Na, K : Na, K : Mg). Positive correlations were found between some macroelements and trace elements (Ca : Co, Ca : Cd, K : Co, Na : Zn, Na : Se) and between trace elements (Fe : Cu, Cu : Zn, Cu : Mo, Cu : Se, Zn : Se, Mo : Se and Co : As). Negative correlations were found between Ca and Cu, Ca and Mo, P and Cd, K and Cu. Obtained results may help in monitoring the nutritional status and health of ewes during the lactation period, providing a clearer idea related to the supply of macrominerals and trace elements to ewes. Besides, results indicated that the environment of the farming area was not polluted with toxic elements.

Effects of Sub-Lethal Doses of Selenium Nanoparticles on the Health Status of Rats.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are fast becoming a key instrument in several applications such as medicine or nutrition. Questions have been raised about the safety of their use. Male rats were fed for 28 days on a monodiet containing 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 mg Se/kg. Se content in blood and liver, liver panel tests, blood glucose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were analysed. Liver and duodenum were subjected to histopathology examination. The weight gain of rats showed no differences between tested groups. Se content in blood was higher in all treated groups compared to the control group. The liver concentration of Se in the treated groups varied in the range from 222 to 238 ng/g. No differences were observed in the activity of AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and TAS (total antioxidant status). A significant decrease in ALT activity compared to the control group was observed in the treated groups. GPx activity varied from 80 to 88 U/mL through tested groups. SOD activity in liver was decreased in the SeNP-treated group with 5 mg Se/kg (929 ± 103 U/mL). Histopathological examination showed damage to the liver parenchyma and intestinal epithelium in a dose-dependent manner. This study suggests that short-term SeNP supplementation can be safe and beneficial in Se deficiency or specific treatment.

Low-Se Diet Can Affect Sperm Quality and Testicular Glutathione Peroxidase-4 activity in Rats.

This study aimed to observe the influence of selenium (Se) deficiency on sperm quality and selenoprotein expression in rats. Four-week male Wista rats were randomly divided into three groups: Se-A, Se-L, and Se-D (respectively for Se- adequate, low, and deficient group). After 9 weeks, the rats were sacrificed by anesthesia, with the cauda epididymidis quickly fetched for sperm count, motility, and deformity. Meanwhile the blood, liver, brain, heart, and testis were collected for Se and biochemical analysis. It was found that the rats in Se-D had poor growth, while the Se concentrations in blood, liver, and heart for Se-D decreased significantly, compared with Se-A and Se-L (p < 0.01). But no significant difference was observed in testis and brain and also no statistical significance for sperm count. The sperm motility for Se-A (63.07%) was significantly higher than Se-L (53.91%) and Se-D (54.15%). Deformities were observed in both Se-L and Se-D. Both glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) and selenoprotein-P (SEPP1) levels in plasma and tissues of Se-D were significantly lower than those of Se-A and Se-L (p < 0.01). The SEPP1 levels in heart and brain of Se-L were lower than Se-A (p < 0.01). There was no statistical difference for GPx1 between Se-A and Se-L. The GPx4 level in testis of Se-L was lower than Se-A (p < 0.05). However, the SEPP1 in plasma, liver, testis, and the GPx3 level in plasma of Se-L were higher than those of Se-A (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Our results show that dietary Se deficiency could reduce GPx4 and SEPP1 expression in testis, which further influence sperm motility and may cause sperm deformity. Selenoprotein expression in some tissues of Se-L was higher than that of Se-A, but sperm quality and GPx4 expression in testis were not improved for Se-L. Low active pseudoselenoproteins might be synthesized in low-Se condition. The underlying mechanism needs to be further investigated.

Influence of Levobupivacaine Regional Scalp Block on Hemodynamic Stability, Intra- and Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Supratentorial Craniotomies: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The anesthetic management of supratentorial craniotomy (CR) necessitates tight intraoperative hemodynamic control. This type of surgery may also be associated with substantial postoperative pain. We aimed at evaluating the influence of regional scalp block (SB) on hemodynamic stability during the noxious events of supratentorial craniotomies and total intravenous anesthesia, its influence on intraoperative anesthetic agents' consumption, and its effect on postoperative pain control. Sixty patients scheduled for elective CR were prospectively enrolled. Patient, anesthesiologist, and neurosurgeon were blind to the random performance of SB with either levobupivacaine 0.33% (intervention group [group SB], n = 30) or the same volume of saline (control group [group CO], placebo group, n = 30). General anesthesia was induced and maintained using target-controlled infusions of remifentanil and propofol that were adjusted according to hemodynamic parameters and state entropy of the electroencephalogram (SE), respectively. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), SE, and propofol and remifentanil effect-site concentrations (Ce) were recorded at the time of scalp block performance (Baseline), and 0, 1, 3, and 5 minutes after skull-pin fixation (SP), skin incision (SI), CR, and dura-mater incision (DM). Morphine consumption and postoperative pain intensity (0-10 visual analog scale [VAS]) were recorded 1, 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Propofol and remifentanil overall infusion rates were also recorded. Data were analyzed using 2-tailed Student unpaired t tests, 2-way mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) tests for post hoc comparisons as appropriate. Demographics and length of anesthetic procedure of group CO and SB were comparable. SP, SI, and CR were associated with a significantly higher MAP in group CO than in group SB, at least at one of the time points of recording surrounding those noxious events. This was not the case at DM. Similarly, HR was significantly higher in group CO than in group SB during SP and SI, at least at 1 of the points of recording, but not during CR and DM. Propofol and remifentanil Ce and overall infusion rates were significantly higher in group CO than in group SB, except for propofol Ce during SP. Postoperative pain VAS and cumulative morphine consumption were significantly higher in group CO than in group SB. In supratentorial craniotomies, SB improves hemodynamic control during noxious events and provides adequate and prolonged postoperative pain control as compared to placebo.