High Selenium Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of Sodium Selenite Foliar Treatment on the Nutritional Quality of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja is a rare, endemic tree species in China. The leaves of C. paliurus contain a high concentration of biologically active compounds, and they are often used to make herbal tea. Exogenous selenium (Se) enrichment can promote the levels of active ingredients in C. paliurus. To explore the effects of exogenous Se enrichment, this study applied different concentrations of sodium selenite solution on the leaves (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 300 mg/L) and measured the changes in Se, secondary metabolites, soluble sugar, soluble protein, starch, and trace elements in the leaves at different treatment times. The results showed that with the increase in the concentration of sodium selenite spray, the selenium content in the leaves of C. paliurus gradually increased, and high selenium concentrations could cause seedling burning to the leaf surface (>160 mg/kg). When the selenium treatment concentration was 80 mg/kg, the selenium content reached the maximum value of the selenium-rich tea standard (4 mg/kg). The content of polyphenols and most elements reached their maxima under the treatment of 40 mg/L Na2SeO3, except for Mg and Mn, which peaked at 300 mg/L. The content of soluble sugars (38.1 mg/g) and starch reached their maxima under relatively high selenium treatment concentrations, whereas soluble protein (10.63 mg/g) exhibited its maximum value in the control group. The optimal harvest time was mainly concentrated in the 10–20 day treatment period. The objective of this research is to investigate the effects of exogenous selenium application on the nutritional quality of C. paliurus leaves. The findings will provide guidance for the effective cultivation of selenium-enriched Poria cocos as a medicinal and health-promoting product.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in groundwater sources: carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic evaluation

ABSTRACT Persistent exposure to arsenic, chromium, cadmium, lead, and selenium in drinking water above permissible levels poses significant health risks, including increased incidences of skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers. This study evaluated 34 water samples from Rupnagar district, Punjab, for heavy metal content. Health risks were assessed using hazard quotient (HQ) and chronic daily intake metrics. Aluminium concentrations were highest in Block Nurpur Bedi (36.43 mg/L). Arsenic levels in Ropar and Anandpur Sahib were 0.09 and 0.068 mg/L, respectively. Cadmium was highest in Nurpur Bedi (0.041 mg/L). Morinda had the highest selenium concentration (0.0038 mg/L). Lead was detected across all blocks, peaking in Chamkaur Sahib (2.176 mg/L). The HQ exceeded unity in nearly all areas, indicating significant health risks from aluminium, arsenic, and lead. The hazard index was highest in Nurpur Bedi (2.66) for adults. Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) values indicated a high cancer risk from arsenic, chromium, and lead across all blocks. One-way analysis of variance revealed significant differences among Fe, As, and Al concentrations (p < 0.05). The findings underscore the need for targeted treatment technologies and policies to mitigate heavy metal contamination and its health impacts in Punjab.

Application of the luminous bacterium Photobacterium phosphoreum for toxicity monitoring of selenite and its reduction to selenium(0) nanoparticles

Luminous marine bacteria are traditionally used as a bioassay due to the convenience and high rate of registering the intensity of their physiological function – luminescence. This study aimed to develop the application of Photobacterium phosphoreum in traditional and novel fields – toxicity monitoring and biotechnology. We demonstrated (1) effects of selenite ions on bioluminescence, and (2) biotransformation of selenite to selenium(0) in the form of nanoparticles. The effects of selenite (SeO32−) on the intensity of bacterial bioluminescence were studied, and its dependencies on exposure time and concentration of Na2SeO3 were analyzed. Bioluminescence activation and inhibition were revealed; dose–effect dependencies corresponded to the hormesis model. The toxicity of SeO32− was characterized by an effective concentration of 10−3 M. Effects of SeO32− on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bacterial suspensions were studied. High positive correlations were found between the bioluminescence intensity and ROS content, which indicates the decisive role of ROS and associated redox processes in the bioeffects of selenite ions. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of nano-structures in the bacteria exposed to selenite. The energy dispersion spectrum detected a high content of selenium in the nanoparticles. The particle size distribution depended on Na2SeO3 concentration; maxima of the distribution varied within 45–55 nm.

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.

Screening of a readily selenium-enriched Spirulina polysaccharide and characterization of its structure and bioactivity

The potential of selenium-containing polysaccharides as organic selenium nutritional supplements has attracted considerable interest; however, they also encounter obstacles, including the presence of impurities and a low selenium binding efficiency. In this study, a novel method combining Q-Sepharose Fast-Flow (QFF) column chromatography with the HNO3–Na2SeO3 method was proposed. Through the application of this methodology, the selenium binding efficiency of polysaccharides was enhanced by a factor of 3.41. The selenium binding capacities of rhamnose and glucose were the highest among the monosaccharides, reaching 770.7 mg/L and 955.3 mg/L, respectively. Spirulina polysaccharide-3 (SPS-3) was selected for further investigation because of its elevated total rhamnose and glucose contents and optimal selenium binding efficiency. Employing common assays, a comparative analysis of selenium-containing Spirulina polysaccharide-3 (SeCSPS) and SPS-3 is presented. Upon selenium binding, the surface morphology of the monosaccharides changed, whereas the main chain structure remained unaltered. The antihyperglycemic activity of SeCSPS was enhanced by selenium binding. Furthermore, both SeCSPS and SPS-3 can be degraded by the simulated digestive system. In conclusion, SeCSPS can be employed as an organic selenium supplement in food or nutraceuticals while also resulting in a high selenium content. The findings of this study will provide a viable avenue for the high-value utilization of Spirulina, which will help resolve the selenium deficiency issue faced by populations with low selenium intake globally.

Impact of post-ion implantation annealing on Se-hyperdoped Ge

Hyperdoped germanium (Ge) has demonstrated increased sub-bandgap absorption, offering potential applications in the short-wavelength-infrared spectrum (1.0–3.0 μm). This study employs ion implantation to introduce a high concentration of selenium (Se) into Ge and investigates the effects of post-implantation annealing techniques on the recovery of implantation damage and alterations in optical properties. We identify optimal conditions for two distinct annealing techniques: rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at a temperature of 650 °C and ultrafast laser heating (ULH) at a fluence of 6 mJ/cm2. The optimized ULH process outperforms the RTA method in preserving high doping profiles and achieving a fourfold increase in sub-bandgap absorption. However, RTA leads to regrowth of single crystalline Ge, while ULH most likely leads to polycrystalline Ge. The study offers valuable insights into the hyperdoping processes in Ge for the development of advanced optoelectronic devices.

The Effect of a Nutritional Intervention with the Use of Biofortified Beef Meat on Selected Biochemical Parameters in Blood from Older Adults.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of meat biofortified with antioxidants and canola oil on the health of older adults through blood parameters. Eighty institutionalized older persons were divided into four groups who received the following treatments: C-control meat with 46 µg/kg of meat with selenium, 3.80 g/kg of meat with vitamin E and 0.78 g/100 g of meat with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA); A-antioxidant meat with 422 µg/kg of meat with selenium, 7.65 g/kg of meat with vitamin E and 0.85 g/100 g of meat with CLA; O-oil meat with 57 µg/kg of meat with selenium, 3.98 g/kg of meat with vitamin E and 1.27 g/100 g of meat with CLA; OA-oil and antioxidant meat with 367 µg/kg of meat with selenium, 7.78 g/kg of meat with vitamin E and 1.08 g/100 g of meat with CLA. Blood samples were collected at 0, 45 and 90 days after the start of meat intake. Older adults who consumed ANT (A and AO) meat had higher concentrations of selenium (p = 0.039), vitamin E and HDL (higher concentrations of high-density lipoprotein, p = 0.048) in their blood. This study demonstrates that the consumption of Se- and vitamin E-biofortified meat increases the concentration of these metabolites in blood from older adults.

Selenium-Chelating Peptide Derived from Wheat Gluten: In Vitro Functional Properties.

The efficacy of selenium-chelating polypeptides derived from wheat protein hydrolysate (WPH-Se) includes enhancing antioxidant capacity, increasing bioavailability, promoting nutrient absorption, and improving overall health. This study aimed to enhance the bioavailability and functional benefits of exogenous selenium by chelating with wheat gluten protein peptides, thereby creating bioactive peptides with potentially higher antioxidant capabilities. In this study, WPH-Se was prepared with wheat peptide and selenium at a mass ratio of 2:1, under a reaction system at pH 8.0 and 80 °C. The in vitro antioxidant activity of WPH-Se was evaluated by determining the DPPH, OH, and ABTS radical scavenging rate and reducing capacity under different conditions, and the composition of free amino acids and bioavailability were also investigated at various digestion stages. The results showed that WPH-Se possessed significant antioxidant activities under different conditions, and DPPH, OH, and ABTS radical scavenging rates and reducing capacity remained high at different temperatures and pH values. During gastrointestinal digestion in vitro, both the individual digestate and the final digestate maintained high DPPH, OH, and ABTS radical scavenging rates and reducing capacity, indicating that WPH-Se was able to withstand gastrointestinal digestion and exert antioxidant effects. Post-digestion, there was a marked elevation in tryptophan, cysteine, and essential amino acids, along with the maintenance of high selenium content in the gastrointestinal tract. These findings indicate that WPH-Se, with its enhanced selenium and amino acid profile, serves as a promising ingredient for dietary selenium and antioxidant supplementation, potentially enhancing the nutritional value and functional benefits of wheat gluten peptides.

Selenium-Mediated (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Dynamics via Flavanone-3-Hydroxylase Regulation of Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Fu Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze).

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a highly selenium enrichment capacity plant; high selenium concentration contributes to the occurrence of oxidative stress and protein misfolding in tea plants, whereas flavonoids can chelate heavy metals to protect plants from oxidative stress caused by metal exposure. Nevertheless, the role of catechins in flavonoid synthesis and nutrient metabolism under selenium stress remains unidentified. Combining Word2vec and HNSW utilizing UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS-MS/MS to implement rapid matching annotation of the structural information on metabolites in Fu tea, we found that selenium-mediated changes in catechins in Fu tea were mainly associated with flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. The results demonstrated that selenium treatment increased benign selenol analogues (glutathioselenol) in tea and identified the novel selenopeptide PRSeMW (m/z 636.22571, Pro-Arg-SeMet-Trp) in selenium-enriched Fu tea samples to enhance the health benefits of tea. The selenium levels were negatively correlated with N5-ethyl-l-glutamine (11.63 to 4.26 mg kg-1) and (-)-epigallocatechin (13.26 to 11.19 mg kg-1), increasing the accumulation of tea polyphenols ((-)-catechin gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate, and (+)-gallocatechin), and decreasing the level of caffeine. These discoveries provide new insights into the mechanism of tea polyphenol-mediated transformation of selenium in Fu tea and theoretical support for the quality assessment of selenium-enriched tea.

Status and distribution of selenium in selenium-enriched peanut sprouts

Selenium is one of the essential trace elements in human body, however, due to the limitation of geographic factors, the intake of selenium is seriously insufficient in most regions. In this study, selenium-enriched peanut sprouts with high selenium content were prepared by soaking peanut seeds in sodium selenite. The content and distribution of selenium in germinated peanuts were investigated. The results showed that 200 μmol/L sodium selenite and germination for 6 days resulted in the highest total selenium, organic selenium content, and organic selenium conversion in peanut sprouts. Selenium exists in peanut sprouts mainly in organic selenium form, of which selenoproteins are the most critical organic selenium carriers. ABTS free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power assays showed that alkali-soluble protein had the highest antioxidant activity among the four soluble proteins, attributed to its high selenium binding level. Radicle and cotyledons of peanut seedlings were significantly enriched with selenium compared to hypocotyl. Amino acid analysis and SDS-PAGE results showed that selenium increases significantly after peanut germination and selenium enrichment. This study provides a simple, environmentally friendly, and effective way of selenium enrichment and offers a theoretical basis for applying selenium-enriched foods in food and medicine.

Supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 in an elderly Swedish population low in selenium — positive effects on thyroid hormones, cardiovascular mortality, and quality of life

BackgroundSelenium-dependent deiodinases play a central role in thyroid hormone regulation and metabolism. In many European countries, insufficient selenium intake may consequently lead to adverse effects on thyroid function. In this randomised placebo-controlled double-blind study, we examined the effect of supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 on thyroid hormonal status, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and health-related quality of life (Hr-QoL).MethodsFree T3, free T4, reverse T3, and TSH were determined in 414 individuals at baseline, and the effect of selenium yeast (200 µg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (200 mg/day) supplementation on hormone concentrations, CV mortality and Hr-QoL was evaluated after 48 months using Short Form 36 (SF-36). Pre-intervention plasma selenium was low, mean 67 µg/L, corresponding to an estimated intake of 35 µg/day. Changes in concentrations of thyroid hormones following the intervention were assessed using T-tests, repeated measures of variance, and ANCOVA analyses.ResultsIn the total population, the group with the lowest selenium concentration at baseline presented with significantly higher levels of TSH and lower levels of fT3 as compared to subjects with the highest selenium concentration. Supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 for 4 years significantly increased fT3 and rT3, decreased fT4, and diminished the increase in TSH levels compared with placebo treatment (p = 0.03, all). In the placebo group, TSH and fT4 values above the median were associated with an increase in 10-year CV mortality, as compared with the mortality rate among those with TSH and fT4 below the median (p < 0.04, both), with no difference in mortality rate according to TSH and fT4 levels in the active intervention group. Similarly, TSH > median and fT3 < median were associated with a decline in mental Hr-QoL measures vs. TSH < and fT3 > median in the placebo group during 4 years of follow-up, but this was wiped out in the active group.ConclusionsSupplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 had a beneficial effect on thyroid hormones with respect to CV mortality and Hr-QoL outcomes. The initial deficient selenium status was associated with an impaired thyroid function and the changes in thyroid hormone levels can be explained by increased activity of deiodinases. We conclude that a substantial part of the elderly study population might suffer from suboptimal thyroidal function with adverse clinical implications due to selenium deficiency.Trial registrationThis study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and has the identifier NCT01443780. Since it was not mandatory to register at the time the study began, the study has been registered retrospectively.

Chemical characteristics and health risk evaluation of natural waters in the Du River Source National Nature Reserve: A case study in Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China

To study the distribution of trace elements in natural water of the Du River Source National Nature Reserve and to assess the water quality and health risks, Zhushan County in Hubei Province was selected as the study area. Element content in 361 natural water samples collected from Zhushan County were measured by ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and HG-AFS. The main anions and cations present in water samples from Zhushan County are Ca2+ and HCO3−. The water chemistry is predominantly influenced by the weathering of carbonate rocks. The water samples with high content of selenium (Se) (0∼82.9 μg/L, mean 4.6 μg/L) in natural water in Zhushan County are mainly distributed in the northern part of Zhushan. The strontium (Sr) content of 49.6% of the water samples (0.001–2.177 mg/L, mean 0.234 mg/L) reached the criteria of natural mineral water for drinking in China (Sr ≥ 0.2 mg/L), which is distributed throughout the county. The high content of metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) (0.026–35.910 mg/L, mean 12.598 mg/L) and zinc (Zn) (0∼407.218 μg/L, mean 12.406 μg/L) are concentrated in northern Zhushan County. 99.7% water samples were freshwater and 98.9% meet the criteria of “good” water quality. All of the natural water samples have low health risk and low heavy metal pollution. 6.1% water samples meet the criteria of Se-type mineral water, while 45.4% meet the criteria of Sr-type mineral water, and 4.4% water samples meet the criteria of “low sodium, high Se, and high Sr” mineral water. Zhushan County has the potential for Se-type mineral water and Sr-type mineral water development. The findings of this study hold immense significance for the public health implications of drinking water in Du River Source, thereby offering valuable insights for effective water resources management.

Arsenite Mediates Selenite Resistance and Reduction in Enterobacter sp. Z1, Thereby Enhancing Bacterial Survival in Selenium Environments.

Arsenic (As) is widely present in the environment, and virtually all bacteria possess a conserved ars operon to resist As toxicity. High selenium (Se) concentrations tend to be cytotoxic. Se has an uneven regional distribution and is added to mitigate As contamination in Se-deficient areas. However, the bacterial response to exogenous Se remains poorly understood. Herein, we found that As(III) presence was crucial for Enterobacter sp. Z1 to develop resistance against Se(IV). Se(IV) reduction served as a detoxification mechanism in bacteria, and our results demonstrated an increase in the production of Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) in the presence of As(III). Tandem mass tag proteomics analysis revealed that the induction of As(III) activated the inositol phosphate, butanoyl-CoA/dodecanoyl-CoA, TCA cycle, and tyrosine metabolism pathways, thereby enhancing bacterial metabolism to resist Se(IV). Additionally, arsHRBC, sdr-mdr, purHD, and grxA were activated to participate in the reduction of Se(IV) into SeNPs. Our findings provide innovative perspectives for exploring As-induced Se biotransformation in prokaryotes.

Effects of Selenium Ions on the Growth of Rice Seedlings

For investigating the effect of selenium on the growth of rice seedlings, this study used different concentrations of selenium ions (0, 0.5, 5, 10 and 20 µmol/L) to treat rice seedlings hydroponically. The experimental findings demonstrated that rice seedlings could grow and develop properly in the presence of a selenium deficiency (0 mol/L). Selenium ions had a positive impact on the development of rice seedlings at low and middle selenium concentrations of 0.5 mol/L and 5 mol/L, boosting plant height, above-ground fresh and dry weights. Selenium ions had a substantial inhibitory impact on the development of rice seedlings at high selenium concentrations of 10 mol/L and 20 mol/L.

Antioxidant Minerals Modified the Association between Iron and Type 2 Diabetes in a Chinese Population.

Inconsistent findings exist regarding the relationship between heme iron intake and type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Western and Eastern populations. Easterners tend to consume a plant-based diet which is abundant in antioxidant minerals. To examine the hypothesis that antioxidant mineral may modify the relationship between iron and T2D, we performed a case-control study by measuring the serum mineral levels in 2198 Chinese subjects. A total of 2113 T2D patients and 2458 controls were invited; 502 T2D patients and 1696 controls were finally analyzed. In the total population, high serum iron showed a positive association with T2D odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27 [1.04, 1.55]); high magnesium (OR = 0.18 [0.14, 0.22]), copper (OR = 0.27 [0.21, 0.33]), zinc (OR = 0.37 [0.30, 0.46]), chromium (OR = 0.61 [0.50, 0.74]), or selenium concentrations (OR = 0.39 [0.31, 0.48]) were inversely associated with T2D odds. In contrast, in individuals with higher magnesium (>2673.2 µg/dL), zinc (>136.7 µg/dL), copper (>132.1 µg/dL), chromium (>14.0 µg/dL), or selenium concentrations (>16.8 µg/dL), serum iron displayed no association with T2D (p > 0.05). Serum copper and magnesium were significant modifiers of the association between iron and T2D in individuals with different physiological status (p < 0.05). Our findings support the idea that consuming a diet rich in antioxidant minerals is an effective approach for preventing T2D.

Native selenium in the apical rocks of the Gaisky copper-pyrite deposit

Research subject. Selenium mineralization in altered rocks of the Gaisky deposit. Aim. Determination of formation conditions of native selenium in altered rocks. Results. Selenium mineralization is established in three zones of altered rocks in the sides of the 3rd quarry and is confined to the upper part of the sulfur-quartz rocks. Layers with a high content of native selenium and tiemannite are distinguished by a carbon-black color against the general background of yellow-green sulfur-quartz rocks, forming subvertical trickle textures. The maximum propagation of selenium mineralization was found in the southwestern zone of the quarry. Here, selenium-containing rocks are traced vertically by 6 m, forming a lens with a diameter of up to 70 cm. The accumulation of selenium occurs due to its physical properties. Selenium is similar to sulfur in volatility, although it undergoes more intense condensation under decreased temperatures. The accumulation of selenium condensate is facilitated by a silicic acid gel, which prevents the removal of selenium by a hydrothermal flow. Conclusion. The native selenium of the Gaisky deposit is characterized by a hydrothermal genesis, which, along with the presence of monoclinic native sulfur in the rocks, indicates the hydrothermal formation of the entire complex of altered rocks.

Selenium and Heavy Metals in Soil–Plant System in a Hydrogeochemical Province with High Selenium Content in Groundwater: A Case Study of the Lower Dniester Valley

The bioaccumulation of selenium (Se) and heavy metals (HMs) in plants is important because it can affect plant health and human nutrition. Recognizing the factors affecting Se accumulation in plants may have important implications for agricultural practices and human health in selenium-rich regions. The study primarily focused on the interactions between Se and HMs in the soil–plant system of the Lower Dniester Valley. Total concentrations of HMs (Cu, Mn, Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, while Se concentrations were determined by a sensitive single-test-tube fluorometric method in solutions and extracts. Water-soluble Se (0.09 ± 0.03 mg·kg−1) in soils was 32.1% of the total Se (0.33 ± 0.13 mg·kg−1) and increased with the total rising Se content (r = 0.845). The results indicated that plants had a greater Zn accumulation capacity than that of the other HMs, suggesting its importance as a trace element for plant requirements. Se also had a high bioaccumulation rate. Se and Zn accumulation varied in different soil types, reflecting differences in bioavailability. In contrast, Mn and Cu showed low bioaccumulation, which varied with soil conditions and anthropogenic Cu pollution. Despite the Cu contamination of the soils in the investigated region, it can be inferred that the hydrogeochemical province with high Se content in groundwater has favorable conditions for Se mobilization in soils. The absence of antagonistic interactions with HMs in the soil–plant system contributes to the enhanced Se accumulation in plants in the Lower Dniester Valley. These results emphasize the complexity of the interactions between Se and HMs in the soil–plant system and their potential impact on agricultural practices.

Comparative characteristics of selenium content in students from different regions of the world

The study was performed to determine Selenium level in a first year foreign students' biosubstrates who came for an education to Peoples' Friendship University of Russia - RUDN University. The number of students who participated in the study was in total 583 and contained of students from North and Tropical Africa, Latin America, the Near and Middle East, East and South-East Asian, Central Asia and Russia (Moscow). The analysis of selenium concentration in hair, blood serum and urine was made with Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The conducted study demonstrated that the highest hair selenium level was in the Tropical Africa and Latin America students’ samples. The highest selenium concentration in the blood serum and urine characterized Latin America students’ samples. In the result of the study the selenium deficiency was not demonstrated in any participated students’ group.

Risk Factors of Low Bone Mineral Density in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with an increasing worldwide incidence. IBD is frequently diagnosed during childhood in the adolescent period of ongoing growth and development, and it can affect patients' linear growth, puberty, nutrition, and bone health. Therefore, its treatment and monitoring are critical to prevent secondary outcomes. However, few studies have highlighted the association between pediatric IBD and skeletal outcomes in Asian populations. We aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean children and adolescents with newly diagnosed IBD. Patients aged 10-18 years diagnosed with either Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) who underwent lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) and femoral bone mineral density (FBMD) analyses via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the time of IBD diagnosis were included. Low BMD was considered when the age- and sex-matched BMD Z-score was <-1.0. The LSBMD and FBMD Z-scores were correlated with clinical parameters, including general characteristics, anthropometry, and IBD-associated laboratory markers. Regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for low BMD. Although the general characteristics between CD (n = 42) and UC (n = 9) groups did not differ, the mean Z-scores of LSBMD and FBMD of the 51 subjects were -0.11 ± 1.24 and -0.58 ± 1.38, respectively. Furthermore, 7.8% and 18% of the study subjects had LSBMD and FBMD Z-scores < -2.0, whereas more than 50% had scores of 0--1.0. Among the clinical factors, body mass index (BMI) Z-score, duration of clinical manifestations, and serum alanine aminotransferase and selenium levels were associated with LSBMD Z-scores in the final multivariate regression analyses. Odds ratios of BMI < -2.0 standard deviation for low LSBMD and FBMD Z-scores were 31.97 and 41.45, respectively. A BMI Z-score < -0.93 was determined as the best cut-off for predicting low BMD. In newly diagnosed pediatric IBD, a substantial number of children are likely to have low BMD in prior to initial treatment while lower BMI, longer duration of clinical manifestation, and higher selenium concentration could affect initial BMD status. Routine bone health surveillance from initial IBD diagnosis throughout the treatment's completion is recommended for preventing the early development of secondary osteoporosis.

The Beneficial Effect of Selenium-Enriched Broccoli on the Quality Characteristics of Bread

Broccoli is one of the most valuable representatives of the Brassicaceae family, characterized by high levels of glucosinolates and fiber, antioxidant status and tolerance to high selenium (Se) concentrations. To evaluate the efficiency of Se-enriched broccoli utilization in bread production, 4% of dry broccoli powder was added to dough using non-fortified and Se-biofortified broccoli florets. The resulting functional products were characterized by enhanced porosity, crump acidity and a specific volume exceeding those of the control bread by 109–110%, 114–121% and 107–112%, respectively, with the lower levels typical to bread with broccoli non-fortified with Se. By supplying broccoli powder to bread, the dietary fiber content of the product was enhanced by 2.1 times. Selenium-enriched broccoli powder supply improved the ascorbic acid and total phenolic content in bread by 37.5 and 2.03 times compared with the control. The effect was less pronounced in case of non-fortified broccoli supplementation due to the beneficial effect of Se on broccoli florets’ antioxidant status. Selenium-enriched broccoli supply significantly decreased the intensity of bread crumb hardening during storage. High Se-biofortification level (5.6) and insignificant Se losses during bread baking (less than 4%) confirm high prospects of Se-enriched broccoli utilization in the production of new functional bread with elevated levels of antioxidants, Se and dietary fiber.