Low Selenium Concentrations Research Articles

Low zinc and selenium concentrations in sepsis are associated with oxidative damage and inflammation

Oxidative stress with dysregulated inflammation are hallmarks of sepsis. Zinc and selenium have important antioxidant functions, such that they could be important in patients with sepsis. We used an in vitro approach to assess the effect of zinc and selenium on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory responses in conditions mimicking sepsis and related the findings to plasma concentrations and biomarkers in patients with and without sepsis. Human endothelial cells were exposed to a range of zinc and selenium concentrations in conditions mimicking sepsis. Zinc, selenium, and a series of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured in plasma from critically ill patients with and without sepsis. Culturing cells with different concentrations of zinc caused altered zinc transporter protein expression and cellular zinc content, and selenium affected glutathione peroxidase 3 activity. Although zinc or selenium at physiological concentrations had no effect on interleukin-6 release in vitro, higher concentrations of the trace elements were associated with improved mitochondrial function. Plasma zinc and selenium concentrations were low in patients [zinc: median (range) 4.6 (2.1-6.5) μM in control patients without sepsis and 3.1 (1.5-5.4) μM in patients with sepsis, P=0.002; and selenium: 0.78 (0.19-1.32) μM in control patients and 0.42 (0.22-0.91) μM in sepsis patients, P=0.0009]. Plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, other biomarkers of inflammation, and markers of oxidative damage to proteins and lipids were elevated, particularly in patients with sepsis, and were inversely related to plasma zinc and selenium concentrations. Zinc and selenium concentrations were reduced in critically ill patients, with increased oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, particularly in patients with sepsis. Oxidative stress as a result of suboptimal selenium and zinc concentrations might contribute to damage of key proteins. ClinicalTrials.gov: registration number NCT01328509.

Serum selenium levels in euthyroid nodular thyroid diseases

The thyroid gland is susceptible to nodulation. The mechanism responsible for the growth of only some follicular cells, which results in nodule formation, is not yet clear. Selenium deficiency may be a risk factor in the development of thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between selenium levels in patients with euthyroid nodular thyroid disease. Seventy patients with a solitary euthyroid thyroid nodule, 70 patients with more than one euthyroid nodule, and 60 healthy patients without thyroid nodules were included in the study. Venous serum samples were stored at -80°C and analyzed the same day using spectrometry. The selenium levels of patients with multiple thyroid nodules, solitary nodules, and patients without nodules were 57.3 ± 14.8 μg/L; 58.8 ± 15.1 μg/L; and 57.6 ± 13.3 μg/L, respectively. The mean serum selenium level of all patients included in the study was 57.9 ± 14.4 μg/L. Although serum selenium levels were slightly higher in men, a statistically significant difference was not observed. In our study, a significant relationship between serum selenium levels and nodular thyroid disease was not seen. Our study was undertaken in an iodine sufficient region. Mean serum selenium levels were lower compared with many other studies, which may be associated with the low selenium content of the soil. Nodular thyroid disease shows multifactorial features. When our study is considered together with previous studies, serum selenium levels may considered to be effective on structural thyroid diseases if combined with additional factors such as severe iodine deficiency. Further studies are required to assess the role of selenium in thyroid nodule formation.

Serum selenium and ceruloplasmin in nigerians with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

The study aimed to determine if selenium deficiency, serum ceruloplasmin and traditional birth practices are risk factors for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), in Kano, Nigeria. This is a case-control study carried out in three hospitals, and PPCM patients were followed up for six months. Critically low serum selenium concentration was defined as <70 µg/L. A total of 39 PPCM patients and 50 controls were consecutively recruited after satisfying the inclusion criteria. Mean serum selenium in patients (61.7 ± 14.9 µg/L) was significantly lower than in controls (118.4 ± 45.6 µg/L) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of serum selenium <70 µg/L was significantly higher among patients (76.9%) than controls (22.0%) (p < 0.001). The mean ceruloplasmin and prevalence of socio-economic indices, multiparity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, obesity and twin pregnancy were not different between the groups (p > 0.05). Logistic regression showed that rural residency significantly increased the odds for serum selenium <70 µg/L by 2.773-fold (p = 0.037). Baseline serum levels of selenium and ceruloplasmin were not associated with six-month mortality. This study has shown that selenium deficiency is a risk factor for PPCM in Kano, Nigeria, and is related to rural residency. However, serum ceruloplasmin, customary birth practices and some other characteristics were not associated with PPCM in the study area.

Preparation of amorphous antimicrobial selenium nanoparticles stabilized by odor suppressing surfactant polysorbate 20

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have recently drawn big attention not only as possible anticancer agents, but also as novel antimicrobials. Nevertheless, there are still strong limitations in particle preparation and their stabilization. Here, we report on synthesis of SeNPs of various sizes by a facile reduction method. Ascorbic acid was used as a reduction agent and a common emulsifier polysorbate 20 as a surfactant and to control the reaction kinetics. We characterized the quality and the size of the prepared nanoparticles by TEM and Zetasizer, respectively. The presence of selenium was assessed by AAS analysis, the amorphous structure of SeNPs by XRD measurements. Antimicrobial potential of these novel polysorbate 20 stabilized SeNPs was tested in vitro using three bacterial strains. Even at a very low concentration of selenium, SeNPs showed potent antibacterial activity against common biofilm-forming Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. This finding shows that SeNPs are a promising candidate for future medical or food-processing applications.

硒肥对马铃薯硒素吸收、转化及产量、品质的影响

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 硒肥对马铃薯硒素吸收、转化及产量、品质的影响 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201304130697 作者: 作者单位: 西北农林科技大学 资源环境学院,西北农林科技大学 资源环境学院,西北农林科技大学 资源环境学院,西北农林科技大学 资源环境学院 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 农业部"948"项目(2010-Z19);林业局"948"项目(2009-4-64);陕西省自然科学基础研究计划项目(2010JM5004);陕西省攻关项目(2010K02-12-1) Effects of three fertilizers on uptake, transformation, yield and quality of potatoes Author: Affiliation: College of Resources and Environment, Northwest A,College of Resources and Environment, Northwest A,, Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:通过设对照(CK)、保水缓释硒肥(W)、生物炭基硒肥(C)、硒酸钠硒肥(S)4个处理来研究不同硒肥对马铃薯(品种为早大白)硒素吸收、转化及产量、品质的影响。结果表明:各处理马铃薯各器官硒含量在生育期内总体上呈下降趋势,马铃薯各器官的硒含量呈现:苗期根 > 茎 > 叶片;成熟期叶片 > 茎 > 块茎的特点;随着硒肥用量的增加,W处理下的总硒、无机硒、有机硒含量呈增大趋势,产量、有机硒转化率、粗蛋白、还原糖和Vc呈先升高后降低的趋势;C处理和S处理下,马铃薯以上各指标均呈先升高后降低的趋势,在低施硒量(0.126 kg/hm2)时,3种硒肥显著降低了马铃薯块茎淀粉含量,之后随着施硒量的增加淀粉含量变化不显著;与对照相比,3种硒肥在适宜施硒量(0.379 kg/hm2)时,马铃薯产量提高了4.87%-5.44%,粗蛋白含量增加了12.18%-20.03%,还原糖提高了6.45%-12.90%,Vc含量提高-0.54%-3.11%,有机硒转化率增加13.00%-15.10%,淀粉含量增加了-0.73%-1.12%;综合考虑3种硒肥对马铃薯含硒量、产量、品质的影响,W处理最佳,C处理次之,S处理最差。 Abstract:A field experiment was conducted to study the uptake and transformation of different selenium fertilizers by potato (cv. Zao Dabai) and the effects of these fertilizers on potato yield and quality. The experiment included four fertilizer treatments: sodium selenate fertilizer (S), biological carbon selenium fertilizer (C), slow-release, water absorbent selenium fertilizer (W) and an unfertilized control (CK). Results indicated that plant selenium concentrations gradually decreased as potato plants matured. Selenium concentrations in different potato organs generally decreased in the order roots > stems > leaves. However, by maturity, selenium concentrations decreased in the order leaves > stems > tubers. W treatments initially increased selenium contents, inorganic Se and organic Se of potatoes, however, yield, the organic Se transformation rate, crude protein, the reducing sugar and Vc of potatoes initially increased and then decreased as soil selenium concentrations increased. These three kinds of selenium fertilizers decreased starch contents of potatoes at the low selenium concentration (0.126 kg/hm2), then it could not influence starch contents of potatoes. Compared with CK, When applied in proper amounts(0.379 kg/hm2), all three selenium fertilizers increased yield by 4.87%-5.44%, tuber crude protein by 12.18%-20.03%, the reducing sugar by 6.45%-12.90%, vitamin C by -0.54%-3.11%, organic Se transformation rate by 13.00%-15.10% and starch content by -0.73%-1.12% of potatoes. Considering selenium contents, the yield and qualities of potatoes, the effects of W treatments were better than B treatments and effects of S treatments were the worst. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Synthesis of alloyed Bi2TexSe(3-x) nanoparticles and thermoelectric characterization of bulk nanostructured materials obtained by their assembly

ABSTRACTThe optimization of the figure of merit of thermoelectric materials requires the simultaneous control of the material composition and microstructure. Assembly of nanoparticles obtained by a solution route is an attractive bulk fabrication method because size and shape of the nanoparticles can be tuned by variation of the synthesis conditions. Recently, new synthetic pathways were reported among which reducing agent assisted, surfactant free processes. We report here the evaluation of this method for the synthesis of Bi2TexSe3-x alloyed nanoparticles with varying selenium concentrations. X-ray diffraction studies conducted on powder and pellet samples show that two alloyed phases are present in the sample even at low selenium content. The careful study of the position of the diffraction peaks as function of the formulation shows that this behaviour could arise from the difference in reactivity of selenium and tellurium. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of the samples is shown to increase upon selenium addition while the Seebeck coefficient is reduced. Power factor shows an optimum value around 20% selenium content with a large tolerance in composition.

Maternal selenium status in pregnancy, offspring glutathione peroxidase 4 genotype, and childhood asthma

Maternal selenium status in pregnancy, offspring glutathione peroxidase 4 genotype, and childhood asthma

Electro-biochemical reactor (EBR) technology for selenium removal from British Columbia’s coal-mining waste waters

The weathering of coal mine waste rock releases iron, calcium, sulfate and associated trace elements like selenium (Se). Nitrogen species are also found in association with coal-mining drainages mainly due to the leaching of residual blasting compounds. Elevated concentrations of Se are a ubiquitous occurrence in coal-mining environments in British Columbia. A major concern with waterborne Se in British Columbia is the potential for its bioaccumulation in aquatic food chains. Treatment to remove Se from coal-mining waste waters has proven to be challenging for conventional water-treatment technologies. Compounding this challenge, many streams are characterized by high flows and low selenium concentrations. Conventional membrane and ion exchange treatments produce concentrated brine streams that are difficult to treat or require disposal. Conventional biotreatment systems use excess nutrients to provide the required electrons to compensate for inefficient and variable electron availability, as well as to adjust reactor chemistry. This paper’s electro-biochemical reactor (EBR) technology provides a controllable and consistent supply of useable electrons to the microbes directly at a low voltage potential (1–3 V) and low current. In this manner, the EBR technology overcomes the shortcomings found in conventional systems, as it reduces the required nutrient addition and provides a more controllable, efficient, economical and robust biotreatment system. Additionally, the EBR process does not produce excess solids or biomass; therefore, solids management post-treatment is not required. Laboratory EBR bench-scale and on-site pilot-scale systems were used to treat five British Columbia coal-mine waste waters; influent Se concentrations ranged from 35 µg/L to 531 µg/L. Se treatment targets for the tested waters ranged from 5 to 10 µg/L. Mean Se concentrations in EBR effluents ranged from 0.5 µg/L to 1.4 µg/L, while reducing sulfate concentrations. The test data demonstrate that the EBR technology is an effective Se removal option for British Columbia’s coal-mining waste waters.

Effects of seasonal climatic variability on several toxic contaminants in urban lakes: Implications for the impacts of climate change

Climate change is supposed to have influences on water quality and ecosystem. However, only few studies have assessed the effect of climate change on environmental toxic contaminants in urban lakes. In this research, response of several toxic contaminants in twelve urban lakes in Beijing, China, to the seasonal variations in climatic factors was studied. Fluorides, volatile phenols, arsenic, selenium, and other water quality parameters were analyzed monthly from 2009 to 2012. Multivariate statistical methods including principle component analysis, cluster analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to study the relationship between contaminants and climatic factors including temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and sunshine duration. Fluoride and arsenic concentrations in most urban lakes exhibited a significant positive correlation with temperature/precipitation, which is mainly caused by rainfall induced diffuse pollution. A negative correlation was observed between volatile phenols and temperature/precipitation, and this could be explained by their enhanced volatilization and biodegradation rates caused by higher temperature. Selenium did not show a significant response to climatic factor variations, which was attributed to low selenium contents in the lakes and soils. Moreover, the response degrees of contaminants to climatic variations differ among lakes with different contamination levels. On average, temperature/precipitation contributed to 8%, 15%, and 12% of the variations in volatile phenols, arsenic, and fluorides, respectively. Beijing is undergoing increased temperature and heavy rainfall frequency during the past five decades. This study suggests that water quality related to fluoride and arsenic concentrations of most urban lakes in Beijing is becoming worse under this climate change trend.

Plasma and breast-milk selenium in HIV-infected Malawian mothers are positively associated with infant selenium status but are not associated with maternal supplementation: results of the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition study

Selenium is found in soils and is essential for human antioxidant defense and immune function. In Malawi, low soil selenium and dietary intakes coupled with low plasma selenium concentrations in HIV infection could have negative consequences for the health of HIV-infected mothers and their exclusively breastfed infants. We tested the effects of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) that contained 1.3 times the Recommended Dietary Allowance of sodium selenite and antiretroviral drugs (ARV) on maternal plasma and breast-milk selenium concentrations. HIV-infected Malawian mothers in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition study were randomly assigned at delivery to receive: LNS, ARV, LNS and ARV, or a control. In a subsample of 526 mothers and their uninfected infants, we measured plasma and breast-milk selenium concentrations at 2 or 6 (depending on the availability of infant samples) and 24 wk postpartum. Overall, mean (± SD) maternal (range: 81.2 ± 20.4 to 86.2 ± 19.9 μg/L) and infant (55.6 ± 16.3 to 61.0 ± 15.4 μg/L) plasma selenium concentrations increased, whereas breast-milk selenium concentrations declined (14.3 ± 11.5 to 9.8 ± 7.3 μg/L) from 2 or 6 to 24 wk postpartum (all P < 0.001). Compared with the highest baseline selenium tertile, low and middle tertiles were positively associated with a change in maternal plasma or breast-milk selenium from 2 or 6 to 24 wk postpartum (both P < 0.001). With the use of linear regression, we showed that LNS that contained selenium and ARV were not associated with changes in maternal plasma and breast-milk selenium, but maternal selenium concentrations were positively associated with infant plasma selenium at 2 or 6 and 24 wk postpartum (P < 0.001) regardless of the study arm. Selenite supplementation of HIV-infected Malawian women was not associated with a change in their plasma or breast-milk selenium concentrations. Future research should examine effects of more readily incorporated forms of selenium (ie, selenomethionine) in HIV-infected breastfeeding women.

Environmental conditions causing selenium deficiency in sheep

The research was carried out on the Experimental Farm in Uhrusk, which belongs to the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. Two-year experiment were conducted in order to assess the influence of environmental conditions on the selenium content in sheep. The investigations included meadows grazed by sheep, from which samples of soils and meadow herbage were obtained for analysis of selenium content. The animal material consisted of 64 lambs and their mothers, whose blood serum was taken for determinations of the selenium content in their organism. The research results showed that the analyzed soils and meadow grasses were characterized by low selenium content. Also, the selenium content in fodder fed to the sheep and lambs was below the animals’ standard demand for this element. The low selenium level found in the sheep’s blood serum distinctly proved a deficiency of this element in their organisms. The results show that environmental conditions have a significant influence on the supply of selenium to adult sheep and their offspring. Selenium deficiency in particular trophic chain links can present a serious threat to the health of animals fed with homegrown fodders.

Cultivation Technique of Selenium-Enriched &lt;i&gt;Cordyceps militaris&lt;/i&gt;

Cordyceps militaris has similar chemical composition, nutrition value, and medicinal functions as Cordyceps sinensis. However, its main medical composition such as cordycepin is much higher than that of the wild C. sinensis species. In addition, it is easier to cultivate artificially than C. sinensis. Thus, C. militaris is chosen as the best substitution for C. sinensis. This paper introduces the pharmacological effects of C. militaris and the effect of selenium on human body. It also summarizes ways of improving the content of selenium in artificially cultivated C. militaris and the optimal conditions for its cultivation. Low concentration of selenium in the medium can stimulate the growth of C. militaris mycelium. However, selenium of high concentration in the medium prevents its growth and decreases the conversion efficiency from inorganic to organic selenium.

Investigating the Effects of Se Solid Phase Substitution in Jarosite Minerals Influenced by Bacterial Reductive Dissolution

Jarosite minerals (AB3(TO4)2(OH)6) are iron hydroxysulfate minerals that can readily incorporate trace metals into their mineral structure. A range of metals can be incorporated into the jarosite structure, including oxyanions such as selenate (SeO42−). Selenium is a micronutrient, but is toxic in relatively low doses. Selenium is present in aqueous systems in its two oxyanion forms: selenate and selenite (SeO32−). The tetrahedral sulfate coordination site can be completely substituted for selenate in jarosite minerals (NaFe3(SO4)x(SeO4)2-x(OH)6). Bacteria have been observed to reduce Se oxyanions to both more reduced forms and insoluble elemental Se. This is a pathway for selenium immobilization at contaminated sites. This experiment investigates the reductive dissolution of two Se-jarosites (solid substitution containing high and low selenium concentrations) in the presence of Shewanella putrefaciens CN32. It was observed that both Fe(III) and selenate were metabolically reduced and released into solution through jarosite dissolution . Selenate was also found to be incorporated intracellularly and reduced to particulate Se which was released upon cell lysis. Compared to the abiotic samples, enhanced dissolution was found with both the live and dead bacteria treatments.

Low plasma selenium concentrations in critically ill children: the interaction effect between inflammation and selenium deficiency.

IntroductionLow plasma selenium concentrations are frequent in critically ill patients. However, whether this is due to systemic inflammation, a deficient nutritional state or both is still not clear. We aimed to determine the factors associated with low plasma selenium in critically ill children while considering the inflammatory response and nutritional status.MethodA prospective study was conducted in 173 children (median age 34 months) with systemic inflammatory response who had plasma selenium concentrations assessed 48 hours after admission and on the 5th day of ICU stay. The normal reference range was 0.58 μmol/L to 1.6 μmol/L. The outcome variable was ‘low plasma selenium’, which was defined as plasma selenium values below the distribution median during this period. The main explanatory variables were age, malnutrition, sepsis, C-reactive protein (CRP), and clinical severity scores. The data were analyzed using a Binomial Generalized Estimating Equations model, which includes the correlation between admission and 5th day responses.ResultsMalnutrition and CRP were associated with low plasma selenium. The interaction effect between these two variables was significant. When CRP values were less than or equal to 40 mg/L, malnutrition was associated with low plasma selenium levels (odds ratio (OR) = 3.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39 to 7.63, P = 0.007; OR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.26 to 7.06, P = 0.013; OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.01 to 6.17, P = 0.049, for CRP = 10, 20 and 40 mg/L, respectively). This effect decreased as CRP concentrations increased and there was loose significance when CRP values were >40 mg/L. Similarly, the effect of CRP on low plasma selenium was significant for well-nourished patients (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.22, P <0.001) but not for the malnourished (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.08, P = 0.16).ConclusionsThere is a significant interaction between the magnitude of the inflammatory response and malnutrition on low plasma selenium. This interaction should be considered when interpreting plasma concentrations as an index of selenium status in patients with systemic inflammation as well as in the decision on selenium supplementation.

Screening of trace elements in hair of the female population with different types of cancers in Wielkopolska region of Poland.

Background. Cancer constitutes a major health problem worldwide. Thus, search for reliable and practical markers of the disease process remains the key issue of the diagnostic process. Objectives. The study aims at linking the trace element status of an organism, assessed by hair analysis, with the occurrence of cancer diseases. Material and Methods. Hair samples were collected from 299 patients with cancer diseases confirmed by a histopathological test and from 100 controls. Cancer patients were divided into three groups, depending on cancer type: hormone-dependent cancer, cancer of the alimentary tract, and cancer with high glycolytic activity. Mineral element analysis of hair was performed using an atomic emission spectrophotometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results. Statistically significantly lower concentrations of selenium, zinc, copper, germanium and boron, iron, and magnesium were observed in the three groups of cancer patients. Disturbance in the axis glucose-insulin and changes in concentrations of heavy metals and toxic elements were also noted. Conclusions. It seems safe to conclude that our results confirmed usefulness of hair element analysis in screening tests for the assessment of the biomarker of various cancer diseases in a female population.

Geographic Variation in Liver Metal Concentrations of Greater Sage-Grouse

Abstract Populations of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have declined throughout the species' range. We evaluated metal concentrations in livers sampled from greater sage-grouse collected from hunters in Eureka County, Nevada, during autumn of 2008 and 2010. We make local comparisons of metal concentrations between two populations of greater sage-grouse in Eureka County, as well as regional comparisons with previously reported values for greater sage-grouse collected in Wyoming and Montana. With one exception, tissue concentrations of lead, arsenic, and mercury were below method detection limits. Mean concentrations of iron, molybdenum, and zinc differed between the two Nevada populations, and magnesium, cadmium, molybdenum, and selenium differed between greater sage-grouse in eastern Nevada, and values reported for Wyoming and Montana. In contrast, we found no evidence for local variation in magnesium, copper, cadmium, or selenium, or for regional variation in iron, zinc, or copper. Of particular interest were low selenium concentrations in our study system relative to Wyoming and Montana. Some individuals in our study returned liver selenium values considered consistent with selenium deficiency in domestic poultry. This research adds to the small body of literature on background contaminant levels in greater sage-grouse, and provides evidence for geographic variation in metal concentrations at local and regional scales.

Serum selenium and skin diseases among Nigerians with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

BackgroundThe role of selenium as an antioxidant micronutrient has garnered the unprecedented focus of researchers in recent times. No clinical study has related serum selenium concentration to skin diseases in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.MethodsIn this study, 134 newly diagnosed HIV patients that satisfied the inclusion criteria were included. Skin diseases were clinically diagnosed and fasting venous blood was taken for assessment of serum selenium using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.ResultsThe mean age of HIV subjects with and without skin disease were not significantly different: 32.72 ± 9.21 versus 35.86 ± 8.55 years, P = 0.077, respectively. The mean of serum selenium (0.51 ± 0.48 versus 0.81 ± 0.39), CD4+ count (228.06 ± 212.89 versus 446.41 ± 182.87), and body mass index (BMI; 21.09 ± 3.58 versus 23.53 ± 3.35) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) for HIV/AIDS participants with skin disease than those without skin disease. We found significant clustering of symptoms and signs: fever (P = 0.037), weight loss (P = 0.009), oral candidiasis (P = 0.038), pallor (P = 0.037) among HIV/AIDS subjects with skin diseases than those without. Low serum selenium concentration was significantly associated with primary skin disease of HIV/AIDS, such as pruritic papular eruption of AIDS (P = 0.003), xeroderma (P = 0.030), fluffy hair (P = 0.021), blue-black nail hyperpigmentation (P = 0.033) and secondary skin disease, such as oral candidiasis (P = 0.002). There was a significant association between low serum selenium concentration and increasing frequency of skin diseases (P = 0.002), but serum selenium was not significantly related to extents of distribution of skin diseases (P > 0.05).Conclusionserum selenium concentration was lower among HIV subjects with skin diseases than those without skin disease. Pruritic papular eruption, xeroderma, fluffy hair, blue-black nail hyper pigmentation, and oral candidiasis were significantly associated with low serum selenium concentration.

A pilot study of serum selenium, vitamin D, and thyrotropin concentrations in patients with thyroid cancer.

Low serum selenium concentrations have been associated with a diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer in small studies in selenium deficient areas. We conducted a pilot study to explore associations between selenium concentrations and the diagnosis of thyroid cancer in an area of selenium sufficiency in the United States. As low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations have been associated with several malignancies, we also examined 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. This study was designed as a pilot study of prediagnostic selenium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. We identified 65 euthyroid patients at an academic medical center who were scheduled for thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, suspicion of thyroid cancer, or nodular disease. Blood samples were obtained two to four weeks prior to thyroidectomy. Samples were analyzed for thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, selenium, and 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels. Concentrations of these analytes were correlated with whether the patient was diagnosed with benign or malignant disease following their thyroidectomy. In patients with thyroid cancer, the concentrations of selenium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were correlated with various prognostic features. Although selenium concentrations were not significantly lower in patients with thyroid cancer, serum selenium concentrations were inversely correlated with disease stage (p = 0.011). There were no associations between vitamin D concentration and a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Within the thyroid cancer patients, vitamin D concentrations were not associated with disease stage or any other prognostic features. In contrast, TSH concentrations were significantly higher in patients with thyroid cancer, and were positively correlated with the number of involved lymph nodes (p = 0.011) and disease stage (p = 0.022). These data confirm the association between serum TSH and advanced thyroid cancer. In addition, they also suggest a potential association between selenium concentrations and higher thyroid cancer stage. No such association was seen for 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. Larger prospective studies will be required to confirm this association. If confirmed, future studies would need to determine if the association is causative in nature. If causation exists, it seems likely that selenium concentrations would influence thyroid cancer development via an independent mechanism from that of TSH.

Selenium Deficiency in Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure as a Consequence of Drug Shortage

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a lifesaving therapy for children with intestinal failure and can now be used chronically without the life-threatening complications of the past. Adequate intravenous trace element supplementation is required as part of a complete nutrition prescription. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the number of drug shortages, including sterile injectable agents used as PN components, has increased since 2010. Selenious acid as an individual additive was recently unavailable at our institution for 9 months due to a national shortage. To assess the impact of the selenious acid shortage, we retrospectively compiled data from existing clinical records for eligible patients. We included children with intestinal failure on full PN support who were older than 1 year at the onset of the selenium shortage. Whole-blood selenium concentrations prior to the selenious acid shortage were compared with concentrations drawn during the shortage. Five patients with intestinal failure and complete PN dependence were identified, and all 5 patients had normal serum selenium concentrations prior to the shortage. All 5 patients developed severe biochemical selenium deficiency in direct correlation with the shortage of selenium. No morbidity associated with selenium deficiency was observed. Selenium concentrations recovered after selenium supplementation was reinstituted. A national selenious acid shortage was associated with biochemical selenium deficiency in a cohort of children with intestinal failure. Despite very low selenium concentrations, none of our patients exhibited clinical signs of deficiency.

Low Blood Selenium Concentrations in Critically Ill Children with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Respiratory Dysfunction

Background: Selenium is an essential trace-element with antioxidant and immunological function. We studied the relationship between blood selenium concentrations, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and organ dysfunctions in critically ill children. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of the blood selenium concentrations of critically ill children at the time of a pediatric intensive care unit admission. Results: A total of 62 patients with a median age of 18 (5 －180) months were included in this study. The mean of blood selenium concentration (μg/dl) was 8.49 ± 2.42. The platelet count (r = -0.378) and PaCO 2 (r = -0.403) showed negative correlations with blood selenium concentration, while PaO2/FiO2 (r = 0.359) and PaO2 (r = 0.355) showed positive correlations (p ＜ 0.05, for all variables). Blood selenium concentrations were significantly lower in patients with SIRS than in those patients without SIRS (8.08 ± 2.42 vs. 9.45 ± 2.02, p = 0.011). Patients with severe sepsis and septic shock had showed significantly lower blood selenium concentrations than those without SIRS (7.03 ± 2.73 vs. 9.45 ± 2.02, p = 0.042). Patients with PaO 2/FiO2 ≤ 300 had lower blood selenium concentrations than those with PaO2/FiO2 ＞ 300 (7.90 ± 2.43 vs. 9.54 ± 2.17, p = 0.018). Blood selenium concentrations were significantly lower in patient with PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 than in those with PaO2/FiO2 ＞ 300 (7.64 ± 2.76 vs. 9.54 ± 2.17, p = 0.018). Conclusions: Patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or respiratory dysfunction showed significantly low blood selenium concentrations.