High Levels Of Selenium Research Articles

The Relationships among the Urinary Iodine Concentration, Selenium Intake, and Thyroid Antibodies in Adults, Including the Interaction between Iodine and Selenium: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012.

The objective of this study was to examine the urinary iodine concentration (UIC)-thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) association and UIC-selenium intake interaction in U.S. adults. We analyzed 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data on ≥20-year-old adults (n = 6612). Their food and supplemental selenium intake was measured. The associations of the UIC and selenium intake with thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) positivity, and TAI were assessed via weighted multivariable logistic regression. Interaction and subgroup analyses were conducted. Nonlinear relationships were explored and visualized via restricted cubic splines (RCSs). Compared with a UIC 100~200 μg/L, a UIC 500~800 μg/L was associated with a 57% increased TPOAb positivity risk (OR = 1.57 [CI = 1.07-2.30]; p = 0.022), a one-fold greater TgAb positivity risk (OR = 2.00 [CI = 1.10-3.65]; p = 0.025), and a 62% increased TAI risk (OR = 1.62 [CI = 1.07-2.45]; p = 0.024). Nonlinear relationships between the UIC and thyroid antibody positivity were observed. According to the univariate models, each 1 μg increase in selenium intake was associated with a 0.049 IU/mL decrease in the TPOAb levels (β [95% CI] = -0.049 [-0.092--0.005]; p = 0.028). In the low-selenium group, a UIC of 200~300 μg/L was a risk factor for TPOAb positivity (p = 0.046). At a moderate level of selenium intake, a UIC of 300~800 μg/L significantly increased the TPOAb positivity risk (all p < 0.05). At a high level of selenium intake, the UIC and TPOAb positivity risks were not significantly associated (all p > 0.05). A UIC of 500~800 μg/L is an independent TAI risk factor. The selenium intake modifies the UIC-thyroid antibody positivity relationship, with the association disappearing at high selenium levels.

Zinc, copper, and selenium levels in vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Vitiligo is a dermatological disease characterized by loss of melanocytes, causing non-scaly white macules on the skin. Zinc, copper, and selenium are important micronutrients that play a role in the normal functioning of the body and have been found to potentially aid in vitiligo treatment, although the relationship between their serum levels and vitiligo is not yet fully understood. This is a systematic review aimed at assessing the levels of serum zinc, copper, and selenium and their association with vitiligo. This review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items of the systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and Cochrane guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar and 41 studies published between 1970 and 2022 including 3353 vitiligo cases and 10,638 controls were included in the meta-analysis conducted from August 2022 till September 2023. The quality of the studies was assessed using the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment tool, and the risk of bias was represented using the RobVis tool. The statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4. This meta-analysis indicate a significant decline in serum zinc levels (Z = 4.97; P < 0.0001; SMD = − 0.86; 95% CI − 1.19 to − 0.52) in vitiligo group with high statistical heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.74; Chi2 = 513.95, d.f. = 26 [P < 0.00001]; I2 = 95%). Similarly for serum copper levels there was decline (Z = 2.43; P < 0.0001; SMD = − 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.91 to − 0.10) in vitiligo group and high statistical heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.92; Chi2 = 475.10, d.f. = 22 [P < 0.00001]; I2 = 95%). On the other hand, there was a increase of serum selenium levels in the vitiligo group (Z = 0.56; P < 0.0001; SMD = 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58 to 1.04) and the results reveals high statistical heterogeneity among studies (Tau2 = 1.93; Chi2 = 406.44, d.f. = 11 [P < 0.00001]; I2 = 97%) in vitiligo patients compared to healthy controls. Publication bias was not found for the studies analysed. This study analyses the association of serum micronutrient levels and vitiligo among patients and controls from published research along with sub-group analysis specific to Asian populations using a meta-analysis. Low serum levels of Zinc and copper and high selenium levels are associated with Vitiligo.

Trace Element Concentrations of Arsenic and Selenium in Toenails and Risk of Prostate Cancer among Pesticide Applicators.

Prostate cancer is a common cancer among males in the US, but little is known about its risk factors, including trace elements. The primary aim of this study was to examine prostate cancer and its association with arsenic and selenium in toenails. We conducted a small, nested case-control study of men residing in Iowa within the Agricultural Health Study cohort, where we also collected toenail samples to test for arsenic and other trace elements. Toenail samples were sent for neutron activation analysis aimed at long-lived trace elements, including arsenic. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for trace element exposures and prostate cancer. A total of 66 prostate cancer cases and 173 healthy controls returned questionnaires, over 99% of which included toenail samples. An increased risk was seen for the highest levels of arsenic (OR = 3.4 confidence interval (CI) of 1.3-8.6 and OR = 2.2, 95% CI of 0.9-5.6) and the highest level of selenium (2.0, 95% CI of 1.0-4.0). These data also show detectable levels of over 50% for 14 of 22 elements detected in the toenails. The association seen here with arsenic and prostate cancer further supports ecological studies finding an association with community levels of arsenic and prostate cancer incidence and mortality.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between selenium and osteoarthritis

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disorder and the most common human joint disease. Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of selenium, we aimed to investigate the relationship between selenium and the risk of osteoarthritis in this study. Materials and Methods: The present study was a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the PRISMA guidelines, conducted in databases including Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar Search Engine for articles published until December 12, 2023. Data was analyzed using STATA 14 software, and tests with p-values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Seven cross-sectional studies with 412998 participants were combined, and results indicated that selenium intake increased the risk of osteoarthritis (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.49). However, the risk of osteoarthritis in individuals with low, moderate, and high serum selenium levels was (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.31), (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.83, 1.13), and (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99, 1), respectively. The relationship between serum selenium level and the risk of osteoarthritis in male and female patients were also (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98, 0.99) and (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98, 0.99), respectively. Findings showed the relationship between serum selenium level and knee (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.38) and hip (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.77) osteoarthritis. Conclusion: Selenium intake increased the risk of osteoarthritis by 26%. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between the serum selenium level and the risk of osteoarthritis. Considering the limited number of reviewed studies, further studies in this field are required. Registration: This study has been compiled based on the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023494294) and Research Registry (UIN: reviewregistry1762) website.

Blood and Serum Se and Zn Levels and 10-Year Survival of Patients after a Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer.

The aim of the project was to evaluate the association between selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels in blood and serum and kidney cancer mortality. In a prospective group of 284 consecutive, unselected patients with kidney cancer, we evaluated their 10-year survival rate in relation to the levels of Se and Zn in their blood and serum. Micronutrient levels were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Patients were divided into quartiles based on the distribution of Se and Zn levels arranged in increasing order. The following variables were taken into account in the multivariable models: age at diagnosis, gender, smoking, type of surgery and histopathological examination results. We observed a statistically significant association of all-cause mortality when subgroups with low blood selenium levels were compared to patients with high selenium levels (HR = 7.74; p < 0.001). We found, in addition, that this correlation was much stronger when only men were assessed (HR = 11.6; p < 0.001). We did not find a statistically significant association for zinc alone. When we combined selenium and zinc levels (SeQI-ZnQI vs. SeQIV-ZnQIV), we observed the hazard ratio for kidney cancer death to be 12.4; p = 0.016. For patients in the highest quartile of blood zinc/selenium ratio, compared to those in the lowest, the HR was 2.53; p = 0.008. Our study suggests that selenium levels, combined selenium and zinc levels (SeQI-ZnQI vs. SeQIV-ZnQIV) and zinc-to-selenium ratio (Zn/Se) are attractive targets for clinical trials aimed at improving the survival of kidney cancer patients.

Physiological and Biochemical Analysis of Selenium-Enriched Rice

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body. However, its intake is generally low. Therefore, the production and utilisation of selenium-enriched foods is currently a research hotspot. In this study, the effects of low (0.2 mg·kg−1), medium (1.0 mg·kg−1), and high (5.0 mg·kg−1) concentrations of selenium on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of rice were investigated to develop selenium-enriched rice. High concentrations of selenium have been found to inhibit the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of rice, while low concentrations of selenium promote its growth. The height of mature rice plants exposed to high concentrations of selenium was reduced by 7.20% compared with the height of control rice. Selenium decreased the proline content of rice during the growth period except in mature rice treated with medium and high concentrations of selenium. Excluding high concentrations, selenium treatment increased the soluble sugar content of rice from the tillering to the mature stages. The peroxidase activity of rice at the heading stage treated with medium levels of selenium was significantly higher than that of the control rice, while the superoxide dismutase activity of rice exposed to selenium was significantly enhanced at the mature stage. The malondialdehyde levels of mature rice treated with medium and high levels of selenium were significantly lower than those of the control rice. The selenium content of each plant part was significantly correlated with the soil selenium level. An increase in the soil selenium level facilitated the production of selenium-enriched rice.

Selenium as a Modulator of Redox Reactions in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases stand as the predominant global cause of mortality, exerting a profound impact on both life expectancy and its quality. Given their immense public health burden, extensive efforts have been dedicated to comprehending the underlying mechanisms and developing strategies for prevention and treatment. Selenium, a crucial participant in redox reactions, emerges as a notable factor in maintaining myocardial cell homeostasis and influencing the progression of cardiovascular disorders. Some disorders, such as Keshan disease, are directly linked with its environmental deficiency. Nevertheless, the precise extent of its impact on the cardiovascular system remains unclear, marked by contradictory findings in the existing literature. High selenium levels have been associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension, while lower concentrations have been linked to heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Although some trials have shown its potential effectiveness in specific groups of patients, large cohort supplementation attempts have generally yielded unsatisfactory outcomes. Consequently, there persists a significant need for further research aimed at delineating specific patient cohorts and groups of diseases that would benefit from selenium supplementation.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Kumaun Lakes, Lesser Himalaya, India: Impact on Water Quality and Environmental Health

The lakes of Kumaun, located in the Lesser Himalaya, India, are vital water sources supporting local life and attracting tourists. These tectonically formed lakes sit within a geologically diverse region consisting of dolomites, limestones, shales, silicates, and volcanic rocks, providing various ecosystem services. This study utilizes Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to evaluate heavy metal pollution in Nal-Damyanti Tal, Garur Tal, and Sat Tal lakes. Results indicate mercury (Hg) concentrations exceeding permissible limits in two lakes, ranging from 0.48 to 2.027 µg/L, alongside high levels of aluminum (Al), beryllium (Be), and selenium (Se). The data suggests that both anthropogenic activities and geological factors contribute to the trace metal accumulation in these lakes. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive management strategies to protect water quality and environmental health.

Effects of Selenium and Cadmium on Human Liver and Kidney Functions in Exposed Black Shale Areas.

Animal experiments suggest that selenium (Se) may alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in animal liver and kidneys, but its effect on human liver and kidneys remains uncertain. In China, areas with black shale have shown elevated levels of Se and Cd. According to the USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) evaluation method, the soil and rice in these areas pose significant risks. In black shale regions such as Enshi and Zhuxi County, residents who long-term consume local rice may surpass safe Se and Cd intake levels. Significantly high median blood Se (B-Se) and urine selenium (U-Se) levels were detected in these areas, measuring 416.977μg/L and 352.690μg/L and 104.527μg/L and 51.820μg/L, respectively. Additionally, the median blood Cd (B-Cd) and urine Cd (U-Cd) levels were markedly elevated at 4.821μg/L and 3.848μg/L and at 7.750μg/L and 7.050μg/L, respectively, indicating substantial Cd exposure. Nevertheless, sensitive liver and kidney biomarkers in these groups fall within healthy reference ranges, suggesting a potential antagonistic effect of Se on Cd in the human body. Therefore, the USEPA method may not accurately assess Cd risk in exposed black shale areas. However, within the healthy ranges, residents in the Enshi study area had significantly greater median levels of serum creatinine and cystatin C, measuring 67.3μmol/L and 0.92mg/L, respectively, than those in Zhuxi did (53.6μmol/L and 0.86mg/L). In cases of excessive Se and Cd exposure, high Se and Cd levels impact the filtration function of the human kidney to some extent.

Association between low selenoprotein P concentrations and anaemia in hospitalized heart failure patients.

Heart failure (HF) patients with anaemia tend to have a worse outcome, with increased hospitalization rates, decreased exercise tolerance, and higher mortality compared to those without anaemia. Limited research exists on the association between selenium deficiency and anaemia specifically in HF patients, despite previous findings of a correlation in different populations. The BIOSTAT-CHF study demonstrated that higher selenium levels in HF patients were associated to a lower risk of anaemia and iron deficiency. This study investigates the relationship between selenoprotein P (SELENOP) concentrations, a major contributor and functional biomarker of selenium transport, and anaemia, Hb levels, and iron status in hospitalized HF patients. SELENOP was analysed in 320 hospitalized HF subjects, with complete data available for 310 subjects. The relationships between continuous SELENOP concentrations and 1) Hb concentrations, 2) anaemia (Hb<115g/L (women), <130g/L (men)), and 3) iron status (as measured by transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) which increases in iron deficiency) were evaluated using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. Additionally, SELENOP concentrations in the lowest quartile were related to anaemia, haemoglobin, and iron state in multivariable logistic and linear models. The mean age of the study population was 75.0±11.6years, and 30% were women. Anaemia was present in 133 subjects (42.9%). SELENOP concentrations were positively correlated with haemoglobin concentrations (0.238; P<0.001) and negatively with TfR1 concentrations (-0.238, P<0.001). In multivariable regression models, higher SELENOP concentrations were associated with higher Hb concentrations (B=3.23; P=0.002) and lower TfR1 concentrations (B=-0.20; P<0.001). Furthermore, SELENOP deficiency was associated with lower Hb concentrations (B=-7.64: P=0.001), higher TfR1 concentrations (B=0.31; P=0.003), and higher odds of anaemia in HF patients (odds ratio 2.17; 95% confidence interval 1.23-3.82; P=0.008). In hospitalized heart failure patients, lower concentrations of SELENOP were associated with higher prevalence of anaemia.

Association of Blood Selenium Levels with Diabetes and Heart Failure in American General Adults: a Cross-sectional Study of NHANES 2011–2020 pre

Selenium is an essential trace element closely related to human health; however, the relationship between blood selenium levels, diabetes, and heart failure remains inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between blood selenium levels and the prevalence of diabetes as well as heart failure in American general adults aged 20 years or older. This study utilized data from four survey cycles from NHANES 2011–2020 pre. Blood selenium levels were considered as both a continuous variable and quartiles, and logistic regression was employed to investigate the associations between blood selenium levels with diabetes and heart failure. Nonlinear relationships were examined by restricted cubic spline regression. The analysis included a total of 16311 participants aged 20 years or older. After adjustment for all potential confounder, we found when the blood selenium levels increased by 10 ug/L, the average risk of diabetes increased by 4.2% (95% CI: 1.5%, 7.0%), and the average risk of heart failure decreased by 5.0% (95% CI: 0.1%, 9.8%). In addition, compared with the lowest reference group, blood selenium levels were significantly positively associated with risk of diabetes in participants in the fourth quartile (OR=1.458, 95% CI: 1.173, 1.812), while significantly negatively associated with the risk of heart failure in participants in the second, third and fourth quartiles (Q2, OR=0.677, 95% CI: 0.471, 0.974) (Q3, OR=0.609, 95% CI: 0.426, 0.870) (Q4, OR=0.653, 95% CI: 0.443, 0.961). There was a nonlinear and reverse L-shaped association between blood selenium and diabetes, while a negative dose-response association between blood selenium and heart failure. Furthermore, the association between blood selenium levels and heart failure was more pronounced in participants with poor glycemic control, rather than diabetic patients. High blood selenium levels may be positively related to diabetes, while low blood selenium levels may be associated to heart failure. Appropriate blood selenium levels may help prevent diabetes and heart failure.

Selenium deficiency is associated with anemia in heart failure patients - The HARVEST Study

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) patients with anemia have worse clinical outcomes with increased hospitalization rates, decreased exercise tolerance, and higher mortality compared to those without anemia. Previous studies have indicated a correlation between selenium deficiency and anemia in healthy elderly individuals and in pregnant women. The BIOSTAT-CHF study reported that HF patients with higher selenium levels were less likely to have anemia or iron deficiency. These studies suggest that selenium deficiency can lead to the development of anemia. However, studies regarding this association in HF patients are limited. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between selenium deficiency, measured by selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels, and anemia, hemoglobin levels, and iron state in subjects with acute HF. Methods SELENOP, a well-validated plasma marker of selenium status, was measured in 320 subjects hospitalized for HF in the Swedish HeArt and bRain failure inVESTigation trial (the HARVEST study). Of these subjects, 310 had complete data on all covariates. Prior to analyses, skewed variables were ln-transformed. The relationships between continuous SELENOP levels and 1) Hb levels, 2) anemia (Hb &amp;lt; 115 g/L (women), &amp;lt; 130 g/L (men)), and 3) iron status (as measured by transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) which increase in iron deficiency) were evaluated using multivariable logistic and linear regression models adjusting for age, sex and renal function (cystatin C). Additionally, selenium deficiency was defined as SELENOP levels in the lowest quartile and its association with anemia, hemoglobin, and iron state was explored in multivariable logistic and linear models. Results Anemia was present in 133 subjects (42.9%). SELENOP levels were positively correlated with hemoglobin levels (0.238; p = 2.3x10-5) and negatively associated with TfR1 levels (-0.238, p = 2.0x10-6). In multivariable linear regression models, each 1 standard deviation increase in SELENOP was linked to higher Hb levels and lower TfR1 levels (Table 1). Furthermore, selenium deficiency was associated with lower Hb levels, higher TfR1 levels, and higher odds of anemia in HF patients (Table 1). Conclusions In acute heart failure patients, lower levels of selenoprotein P were associated with lower hemoglobin levels, higher transferrin receptor 1 levels, and a higher prevalence of anemia.

The association between serum selenium levels and pathological features of papillary thyroid cancer in 284 patients.

The relationship between serum selenium levels and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), especially the pathological features, still remains controversial. We conducted this study to investigate the relationship between serum selenium levels and PTC in a Chinese population. Cross-sectional data of 284 patients with PTC were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University. The general clinical characteristics, serum selenium levels, and tumor pathological features were described in PTC. The association between serum selenium levels and pathological features in PTC was analyzed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. Our results showed that the median serum selenium level was 79.15 μg/L (IQR: 71.00 - 86.98 μg/L) in PTC patients. Serum selenium levels were lower in females than males (p = 0.035). Serum selenium levels were negatively correlated with the number of lymph node metastases (p = 0.048). High serum selenium (OR = 0.397, 95%CI: 0.217 - 0.725) and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.028, 95%CI: 1.005 - 1.051) were related factors for the incidence of bilateral tumors. High serum selenium (OR = 0.320, 95%CI: 0.166 - 0.617) and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.066, 95%CI: 1.031 - 1.103) were related factors for tumor multifocal incidence. The serum selenium levels of PTC patients in females were lower than males. High serum selenium levels might be a protective factor in PTC patients. Further research is necessary to better understand the influence of selenium on PTC progression.

Association between metals and metalloids with cognitive status in Mild Cognitive Impairment subjects

Abstract Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is regarded as a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. Several risk factors have been related to MCI and dementia vulnerability. Among these, metals and metalloids have been hypothesized to affect dementia risk. Our objective was to study the associations between metals and metalloids (cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc) concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with cognitive impairment status of MCI subjects. 144 individuals newly diagnosed with MCI were recruited at Neurology Memory Clinics at Modena and Reggio Emilia Hospitals (Italy) in the period 2019-2022. The concentrations of elements in paired serum/CSF were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Participants’ global cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Muti-adjusted spline regression analyses were performed to assess the relation between the serum/CSF concentrations and MMSE. Median serum and CSF concentrations were generally higher in men than women, except copper in serum and iron in CSF demonstrating higher concentrations in women. A positive linear association emerged between serum iron concentrations and MMSE, while a slight negative one emerged for serum selenium levels. Cadmium in serum was positively associated with MMSE until 0.2 µg/L and then the association became null, while in CSF a U-shaped relation emerged. A U-shaped relation was also observed for serum copper and CSF iron and manganese levels. CSF selenium concentrations were inversely related to MMSE, although above 5 µg/L the curve flattened. Zinc exhibited the same pattern of association in both serum and CSF, i.e., an inverted U-shaped one. These findings suggest that CSF and serum content of the investigated elements may be differently related with global cognitive status in MCI subjects. Higher levels of selenium and zinc, in particular, are associated with lower MMSE score. Key messages • Heavy metals and metalloids display different pattern of association with global cognitive status. • High levels of selenium and zinc are inversely related with global cognitive status in MCI subjects.

Selenoprotein P deficiency is associated with higher risk of incident heart failure.

Selenium deficiency has been associated with mortality, cardiovascular disease and worsened prognosis in heart failure (HF). In a recent population-based study, high selenium levels were shown to be associated with reduced mortality and reduced incidence of HF, but only in non-smokers. Here, we aimed to examine if selenoprotein P (SELENOP), a main selenium carrier protein, is associated with incident HF. SELENOP concentrations were measured in plasma of 5060 randomly selected subjects from the population-based prospective cohort "Malmö Preventive Project" (n=18240) using an ELISA approach. Exclusion of subjects with prevalent HF (n=230) and subjects with missing data on co-variates included in the regression analysis (n=27) resulted in complete data for 4803 subjects (29.1% women, mean age 69.6±6.2 years, 19.7% smokers). Cox regression models adjusted for traditional risk factors were used to analyse SELENOP's association with incident HF. Further, subjects within the quintile with the lowest SELENOP concentrations were compared to subjects in the remaining quintiles. Each 1 standard deviation increment in SELENOP levels was associated with lower risk of incident HF (n=436) during a median follow-up period of 14.7 years (hazard ratio (HR) 0.90; CI95% 0.82-0.99; p=0.043). Further analyses showed that subjects in the lowest SELENOP quintile were at the highest risk of incident HF when compared to quintiles 2-5 (HR 1.52; CI95% 1.21-1.89; p=2.5×10-4). Low selenoprotein P levels are associated with a higher risk of incident HF in a general population. Further studies are warranted.

Abscisic acid promotes selenium absorption, metabolism and toxicity via stress-related phytohormones regulation in Cyphomandra betacea Sendt. (Solanum betaceum Cav.)

High levels of selenium (Se) uptakes negatively affect plant growth. In this study, the possible molecular mechanism for the effects of abscisic acid (ABA) on Se absorption, metabolism and toxicity in Cyphomandra betacea Sendt. (Solanum betaceum Cav.) young plants were investigated. Se+ABA treatment promoted significant Se absorption in C. betacea while impeding plant growth as compared to Se treatment. The expression levels of sulfate/phosphate transporter protein genes indicated that Se+ABA triggered more S/Se absorption and transportation into chloroplast. Furthermore, Se+ABA promoted higher metabolisms of inorganic sulfur (S)/Se and organic S/Se. The organic Se might be in several forms (SeCysth, SeCys and SeMet) in Se+ABA treatment, whereas SeCysth was the major organic form in Se treatment. More reactive oxygen species production was suggested in Se+ABA treatment from a series of genes involved in antioxidant enzymes and molecules, including superoxide dismutase, peroxiredoxin, glutathione sulfur-transferase and glutathione. Se+ABA further improved the expression levels of genes involved in biosynthesis and signaling transduction genes involved in stress-related phytohormones (jasmonic acid and salicylic acid). Combining with the data in ABA treatment, we hypothesized a model that ABA might first affect the biosynthesis and signaling transduction pathways of stress-related phytohormones, and subsequently altered the metabolic processes responding to Se stress.

Comparison of nutritional and trace element concentrations in some Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties

SummaryRecently, traditional rice cultivars have become more popular than new, enhanced rice varieties, with the main focus being on their health benefits. Few rice cultivars have been thoroughly studied to understand their nutritional and health benefits. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission/mass spectroscopy methods were used to determine the concentrations of 24 key nutrients and trace elements in 104 traditional rice types (Oryza sativa L.) grown in Sri Lanka. Compared to the Codex Alimentarius provisional tolerable daily intake for 24 different elements, the concentrations of toxic elements such as As, Cd, Pb and Cr were significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05), and most of the nutritional elemental concentrations were substantially higher (P &lt; 0.05) in evaluated traditional rice varieties. Furthermore, Pb, Bi, B, K, Mg, S, Zn and Fe concentrations among traditional rice varieties were not substantially different (P &gt; 0.05). Notably, several traditional rice varieties (i.e. Rathu Heenati, Pragathi Wee, Weda Heenati, etc.) contained significantly high levels of selenium (≈250 μg L−1 DM, P &lt; 0.05), an important trace element that is deficient in the diets of 1 billion people globally.

Serum Selenium and Inflammation in Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

HIV infection has been linked to selenium deficiency and chronic inflammation. Both selenium deficiency and inflammation have been associated with poor health outcomes among individuals with HIV. However, the role of serum selenium levels in inflammation has not been studied among individuals with HIV. We assessed the relationship of serum selenium levels to C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in individuals with HIV in Kathmandu, Nepal. In this cross-sectional study, we measured the normal serum CRP and selenium levels of 233 individuals with HIV (109 women and 124 men) using the latex agglutination turbidimetric and atomic absorption methods, respectively. We used multiple linear regression analysis in examining the association of serum selenium levels with CRP adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical parameters, including antiretroviral therapy, CD4+ T cell count, chronic diseases, and body mass index. The geometric means of CRP and selenium levels were 1.43 mg/liter and 9.65 μg/dL, respectively. Overall, serum selenium levels were inversely associated with CRP levels (β for one unit change in log selenium; β = -1.01, p = .06). Mean CRP levels significantly decreased with increasing selenium across selenium tertiles (p for trend = .019). The mean serum CRP levels were 40.8% lower in the highest selenium tertile than in the lowest. Our study suggests that high serum selenium levels may reduce serum CRP levels in individuals with HIV, although a longitudinal study is warranted to establish causality.

The Effects of Anti-platelets and Micronutrients in the Recovery of COVID-19 Patients: A Review.

COVID-19 or coronavirus disease is a pneumonia-like condition caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. Many mutations of this virus have emerged throughout the two-year period of this pandemic. However, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and treatment of COVID-19 remain relatively unchanged. Various substances have been assessed for their functions as COVID-19 immunomodulators. Said substances in this article include aspirin, vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, and selenium. Aspirin was found to reduce mortality risk and embolism events. Vitamin C did not seem to improve mechanical ventilation-free days but did improve oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), and body temperature in severe COVID-19 patients. Vitamin D3 was not significantly different compared to placebo in improving mortality in hospitalized patients. However, respiratory tract infection (COVID-19 included) events were lower in individuals given vitamin D3 compared to those who were not. Zinc combined with ascorbic acid caused a quick reduction in symptoms but was not significant compared to zinc alone, ascorbic acid alone, or standard care. Individuals with lower levels of selenium were found to have worse outcomes of COVID-19 compared to those with high levels of selenium. However, further studies, especially clinical trials, are needed. Asprinol is a drug that contains vitamins and minerals plus aspirin which are suggested to help alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes of COVID-19. This review aims to assess the efficacy of asprinol contents in COVID-19 patients.

EFFECT OF SELENIUM ON CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF WHEAT PLANT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of various concentrations of selenium provided as di sodium selenite and di sodium selenate (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0 ugg-1) on chlorophyll of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). Low concentration of selenium was observed to be beneficial for the test plants. A positive correlation was observed between a lower level of selenium (0.5 and 1.0 ugg-1) and foliar chlorophyll content. Higher levels of selenium (2.0 – 16.0 ugg-1) were toxic to the plants.