Low Selenium Levels Research Articles

The Influence of Selenium on Telomere Length and DNA Damage as Indicators of Age-Related Changes: A Systematic Literature Review

The study aimed to analyze the relationship of selenium to telomere length and DNA damage that reflect aging-related changes at the genome and cellular level. This study used the Systematic Literature Review method to summarize evidence regarding the potential of selenium as an anti-aging agent. It was conducted in April and May 2023. The initial stage was to identify research questions consisting of PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome). The population involved adults and intervened with selenium, did not use a comparator, and used non-epigenetic biomarker outcomes, namely telomere length and DNA damage which reflect aging-related changes at the genome and cellular level. The reviews were obtained from various countries, including Sweden, France, the United States, Australia, and Brazil. The research subjects used were also diverse and at wide intervals, ranging from young people (20-30 years) to adults (> 70 years). A total of 4 of the 7 studies used a cross-sectional study scheme, 1 case-control, and 2 used an experimental design. Adequate selenium intake can potentially affect telomere length and telomere length maintenance. However, the relationship between selenium and telomere length can be affected by other factors, such as the individual's age and health conditions. Selenium intake may be an important factor in maintaining telomere length and preventing age-related diseases. Selenium supplementation may be beneficial for people with low selenium levels or who are at risk of age-related diseases. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to determine the optimal dose of selenium for maintaining telomere length.

The effect of selenium concentration on growth and stress markers in two Iranian strains of Dunaliella salina Teodoresco

Selenium toxicity and selenium stress were investigated by comparison of molecular, physiological and genetic response in plants and algae recently. In this study, the phycological responses of two strains of Dunaliella salina (Gavkhooni and Maharloo) to different Na2SeO3 concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2 mg/l) were evaluated. Our results showed that carotenoid, astaxanthin, total antioxidant, proline content, and activity of enzymatic antioxidant (especially CAT and APX) increased by adding low concentration of Na2SeO3 (up to 1 mg/l) in the medium, which also was accompanied by increase cell division, chlorophyll pigments content in both strains. Selenite concentration higher than 1 mg/l in the medium, resulted a decrease in the activity of SOD (about 19%, and 41% in Gavkhooni and Maharloo treated with 2 mg/l Na2SeO3 respectively), CAT, and APX as well as the total antioxidant capacity (about 39%, and 23% in Gavkhooni and Maharloo treated with 2 mg/l Na2SeO3 respectively) that led to increased electrolyte leakage (98%, and 62% increase in Gavkhooni and Maharloo treated with 2 mg/l Na2SeO3 respectively)and MDA content (45% and 31% in Gavkhooni and Maharloo at highest Na2SeO3 concentration respectively)in both strains. Consequently, the cell number and growth of both strains decreased in the high selenium concentration medium. The cell division of Gavkhooni strain was statistically higher than Maharloo strain under low level of selenium. Moreover, a delay in the growth of Maharloo strain was illustrated under selenium stress. Generally, it can be concluded that the better growth of Gavkhooni under low level of Se can probably be caused by the increase in the power of total antioxidant, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

Association of Trace Element Levels with Outcomes in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

The primary objective of this study was to compare the plasma levels of copper, selenium, and zinc between critically ill COVID-19 patients and less severe COVID-19 patients. The secondary objective was to investigate the association of these trace element levels with adverse outcomes, including the duration of mechanical ventilation, occurrence of septic shock, and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. All COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of the Geneva University Hospitals between 9 March 2020 and 19 May 2020 were included in the study. Plasma levels of copper, selenium and zinc were measured on admission to the ICU and compared with levels measured in COVID-19 patients hospitalized on the ward and in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. To analyze the association of trace elements with clinical outcomes, multivariate linear and logistic regressions were performed. Patients in the ICU had significantly lower levels of selenium and zinc and higher levels of copper compared to COVID-19 patients hospitalized on the ward and in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In ICU patients, lower zinc levels tended to be associated with more septic shock and increased mortality compared to those with higher zinc levels (p = 0.07 for both). Having lower copper or selenium levels was associated with a longer time under mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). These associations remained significant in multivariate analyses (p = 0.03 for copper and p = 0.04 for selenium). These data support the need for interventional studies to assess the potential benefit of zinc, copper and selenium supplementation in severe COVID-19 patients.

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.

Low Serum Levels of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin D3 Are Biomarkers of Airway Inflammation and Poor Asthma Control: A Two-Centre Study.

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with its control beingaffected by underlying oxidative stress. Trace elements, along with vitamin D3, play an important role in immune alterations leading to an imbalance of Th1/Th2 helper cells. However, their role in asthma pathogenesis and control is inconsistent and inconclusive. The objective of our study was to assess levels of serum trace elementslike zinc, copper, selenium, iron, magnesium,vitamin D3 levels, IgE, and HsCRP in asthmatic children, compare with healthy controls, and assess their association with the level of asthma control. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 enrolling 100 asthmatic children and 75 healthy controls. The level of asthma control was assessed as uncontrolled, partly controlled, and controlled asthma as per GINA Guidelines. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for each element and mean differences between groups were analyzed by student t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean age was 8.75±2.89 yrs in cases and 9.04±2.79 in controls. A total of 57.6% of cases had atopic comorbidities. The mean serum zinc levels were 51±12.8 mg/dl, which was very low in asthmatic children as compared to 60±18.2mg/dl (p-value 0.0002) in healthy controls. Serum selenium was 13±3 µg/dl in asthmatics vs. 15±4 µg/dl (p-value 0.0002) in healthy controls. Serum copper was 115.2±21.92µg/dl vs. 125.3±31.99µg/dl (p-value 0.015), Serum vitamin D3 levels were 13.07±7.82ng/ml vs. 17.82±14.62 ng/ml(p-value 0.006) in both groups, respectively. SIgE and HsCRP were high in asthmatic children suggestive of eosinophilic inflammation. Serum zinc was 49±5.45 mg/dl in the uncontrolled group, 53±6.1 in the partly controlled, and 58±8.0 in the well-controlled group (p<0.0001). Serum selenium was 10± 3.0 µg/dlin the uncontrolled group vs. 13± 2.0 and 14± 2.0 µg/dl in the partly controlled and well-controlled groups, respectively (p-value <0.0001). Vitamin D3 wassignificantly low (9.32±5.95ng/dl) in the uncontrolled group vs. 12.99±4.97 and 13.40±5.92 ng/dl(p<0.005) in the partly controlled and well-controlled groups respectively. Vitamin D3 showed a strong positive correlation with zinc (r=0.4,p< 0.0001) and a negative correlation with inflammatory markers like SIgE and HsCRP. Conclusion Children with asthma had low zinc, selenium, and vitamin D3 levels, and were associated with airway inflammation and poor asthma control.

A homozygous mutation in the human selenocysteine tRNA gene impairs UGA recoding activity and selenoproteome regulation by selenium.

The selenocysteine (Sec) tRNA (tRNA[Ser]Sec) governs Sec insertion into selenoproteins by the recoding of a UGA codon, typically used as a stop codon. A homozygous point mutation (C65G) in the human tRNA[Ser]Sec acceptor arm has been reported by two independent groups and was associated with symptoms such as thyroid dysfunction and low blood selenium levels; however, the extent of altered selenoprotein synthesis resulting from this mutation has yet to be comprehensively investigated. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to engineer homozygous and heterozygous mutant human cells, which we then compared with the parental cell lines. This C65G mutation affected many aspects of tRNA[Ser]Sec integrity and activity. Firstly, the expression level of tRNA[Ser]Sec was significantly reduced due to an altered recruitment of RNA polymerase III at the promoter. Secondly, selenoprotein expression was strongly altered, but, more surprisingly, it was no longer sensitive to selenium supplementation. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed a tRNA isoform with unmodified wobble nucleotide U34 in mutant cells that correlated with reduced UGA recoding activities. Overall, this study demonstrates the pleiotropic effect of a single C65G mutation on both tRNA phenotype and selenoproteome expression.

Global DNA methylation and the association between metal exposure and chronic kidney disease.

Prior studies indicate that exposure to metals may alter DNA methylation. Evidence also shows that global DNA methylation is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to examine the association between CKD and 5-methyl-2-deoxycytidine (5mdC, %), a marker of global DNA methylation, and to evaluate the interaction between metal exposures and 5mdC (%) on CKD. We also explored the mediation effect of 5mdC (%) on the association between metal exposures and renal function (i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR). A total of 218 CKD patients and 422 controls were recruited in this case-control study. 5mdC (%), concentrations of blood lead and cadmium, plasma selenium, and total urinary arsenic were measured. CKD cases were clinically defined among patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months and without hemodialysis. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by logistic regression models to examine the association between metal exposures, 5mdC (%), and CKD, adjusted for confounders. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between metal exposures, 5mdC (%), and eGFR. CKD cases compared to controls had 6.06-fold (95% CI: 3.11-11.81) higher odds of having high blood cadmium and high 5mdC (%) levels. A positive interaction on an additive scale was identified between blood cadmium and 5mdC (%) on CKD. Cases compared to controls had 4.73-fold (95% CI: 2.65-8.45) higher odds of having low plasma selenium and high 5mdC (%) levels; and a significant multiplicative interaction between plasma selenium and 5mdC (%) on CKD was observed. In addition, we found that blood lead and cadmium concentrations were positively associated, while plasma selenium concentrations were inversely associated, with 5mdC (%). The associations of blood lead and plasma selenium with eGFR were partially mediated by 5mdC (%). Our results suggest that 5mdC (%) may interact with plasma selenium and blood cadmium to influence the risk of CKD. The 5mdC (%) also potentially mediates the associations between exposure to metals and renal function.

Relationships Between Hair Chemical Elements and Nutritional Status in Oldest-Old and Centenarian Populations.

Hair chemical elements reflect physical condition over time. Collection, transporting, and storing hair is more convenient than handling blood. Hair elements show higher levels for a long time, which allows for more accurate and sensitive results than using blood. Studies explored the relationships between elements and age, without full consideration of nutritional status, in older people. This study explored the relationships between hair chemical elements and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in oldest-old and centenarian populations to provide an updated reference for nutritional evaluation of older people. A total of 152 participants over 80 years old underwent home interviews and physical examinations. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to detect hair chemical elements. Women accounted for 77.0% of participants. Women had lower levels of zinc, and higher levels of selenium, manganese, lead, iron, and copper than men (P<0.05 for all). Ninety-two participants formed the 80-99 year group, and 60 participants formed the 100+ year group. Centenarians had lower levels of selenium, lead, iron, and copper than those aged 80-99 years (P<0.05 for all). Hair selenium levels were positively associated with GNRI (odds ratio: 11.55, 95% confidence interval: 3.42-19.68, P < 0.05) based on a multivariate linear regression analysis. Other chemical elements had no significant associations with GNRI based on a multivariate linear regression analysis. Chemical elements and nutrient status were altered based on age and gender, and an association existed between hair selenium and nutritional status in older people. Chemical elements may influence and indicate nutritional status in older people.

Evaluation of the selenium deficiency impact on metabolic parameters of people of working age

Background. Among the population living in Russia, the frequency of selenium deficiency in the body is more than 80%. An unbalanced diet in terms of the level of selenium supply to the body leads to metabolic disorders among the adult population.&#x0D; Aim. Study of the relationship between the insufficient level of selenium supply of the body in different periods of the year and changes in body composition, basal metabolism among the adult population aged 2550 years.&#x0D; Material and methods. In the autumn, winter and spring periods, the adult population aged 2550 years, living in the Leninogorsk district of the Republic of Tatarstan, of the 1st group of physical activity (n=143, of which 47% were men) was examined. The body composition was assessed using the ABC-01 Medass analyzer for bioimpedansometry. The content of selenium in the hair was studied using an atomic emission spectrometer. An assessment of the obesity and overweight prevalence in the adult population with selenium content below the reference values and the boundaries of the 95% confidence interval was made. Laboratory studies of dishes and foodstuffs for selenium content were carried out using an atomic absorption spectrometer. To assess the actual consumption of food products and dishes, the method of 24-hour (daily) reproduction of nutrition by questioning respondents on a 14-day menu was used. Statistical processing of the studied indicators was performed by the Spearman correlation method, mathematical and centile methods.&#x0D; Results. In bioassays with a low level of selenium in the hair (25 centile interval), the largest proportion of subjects with selenium deficiency was noted in autumn in more than 60% of cases, both among men with a 95% confidence interval Z-score=248, and among women with 95% confidence interval Z-score=240, while in spring only 18% and 42% at 95% confidence interval Z-score=72 and 168, respectively. When studying the relationship of selenium content in hair with morphofunctional indicators, significant correlations were found using the Spearman method with body mass index (RNovember=0.389), active cell mass (RFebruary=0.260; RMay=0.318), and basal metabolism (RMay=0.313; RNovember=0.294). Analysis of diets revealed a lack of selenium content in food products and ready-made meals in the autumn-winter period in both men (4046%, n=67) and women (5461%, n=76), in spring-summer period in 35 and 42% of cases, respectively. The lower the level of selenium in the hair (in the body), the higher the body mass index, the lower the active cell mass and the basal metabolism. There is no correlation with fat and skeletal muscle mass. The basic exchange is reduced at an insufficient of selenium supply in the body.&#x0D; Conclusion. The results indicate an insufficient intake of selenium in the body with a daily diet and the relationship of body mass index, basal metabolism with an insufficient level of selenium in the body.

Review on the health-promoting effect of adequate selenium status.

Selenium is an essential microelement involved in various biological processes. Selenium deficiency increases the risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Selenium possesses anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and intestinal microbiota-regulating properties. The non-linear dose-response relationship between selenium status and health effects is U-shaped; individuals with low baseline selenium levels may benefit from supplementation, whereas those with acceptable or high selenium levels may face possible health hazards. Selenium supplementation is beneficial in various populations and conditions; however, given its small safety window, the safety of selenium supplementation is still a subject of debate. This review summarizes the current understanding of the health-promoting effects of selenium on the human body, the dietary reference intake, and evidence of the association between selenium deficiency and disease.

Effect of Selenium and Lycopene on Radiation Sensitivity in Prostate Cancer Patients Relative to Controls.

Almost half of prostate cancer (PC) patients receive radiation therapy as primary curative treatment. In spite of advances in our understanding of both nutrition and the genomics of prostate cancer, studies on the effects of nutrients on the radiation sensitivity of PC patients are lacking. We tested the hypothesis that low plasma levels of selenium and lycopene have detrimental effects on ionising radiation-induced DNA damage in prostate cancer patients relative to healthy individuals. The present study was performed in 106 PC patients and 132 age-matched controls. We found that the radiation-induced micronucleus (MN) and nuclear buds (NBuds) frequencies were significantly higher in PC patients with low selenium (p = 0.008 and p = 0.0006 respectively) or low lycopene (p = 0.007 and p = 0.0006 respectively) levels compared to the controls. The frequency of NBuds was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in PC patients who had low levels of both selenium and lycopene compared to (i) controls with low levels of both selenium and lycopene and (ii) PC patients with high levels of both selenium and lycopene (p = 0.0001). Our results support the hypothesis that low selenium and lycopene levels increase the sensitivity to radiation-induced DNA damage and suggest that nutrition-based treatment strategies are important to minimise the DNA-damaging effects in PC patients receiving radiotherapy.

Sexual dimorphism in selenium deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome and prevalence of heart disease

BackgroundSerum selenium levels have been associated with the incidence of heart failure (HF) and signs of the metabolic syndrome. In addition, notable differences have been reported between males and females in food intake and micronutrient metabolism, possibly explaining different health outcomes.ObjectiveOur objective was to elucidate sex-specific, cross-sectional phenotypic differences in the association of serum selenium concentrations with parameters of metabolic syndrome and HF.MethodsWe investigated data from individuals from a community-based cohort (PREVEND; N = 4288) and heart failure cohort (BIOSTAT-CHF; N = 1994). In both populations, cross-sectional analyses were performed for potential interaction (p < 0.1) between sex and serum selenium with overlapping signs and clinical parameters of the metabolic syndrome and HF.ResultsBaseline selenium levels of the total cohort were similar between PREVEND (85.7 μg/L) and BIOSTAT-CHF (89.1 μg/L). Females with lower selenium levels had a higher BMI and increased prevalence of diabetes than females with higher selenium, in both PREVEND (pinteraction < 0.001; pinteraction = 0.040, resp.) and BIOSTAT-CHF (pinteraction = 0.021; pinteraction = 0.024, resp.), while opposite associations were observed for males. Additionally, in females, but not in males, lower selenium was associated with a higher prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) in PREVEND (pinteraction = 0.021) and BIOSTAT-CHF (pinteraction = 0.084).ConclusionLower selenium was associated with a higher BMI and increased prevalence of diabetes in females, opposite to males, and was also associated with more MI in females. Interventional studies are needed to validate this observation.

S-08-4: SELENIUM LEVELS AND FUNCTIONAL STATE OF LIVER IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is significant medical problem due to high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is chronic disease, with gradual progression and is one of main causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Researches show controversies in Selenium levels in NAFLD patients. According to data, lower Selenium levels can increase risks of development of hypertension, while its increase can promote protective effect. Research in this area is actual due to insufficient data on Selenium metabolism in patients with HTN and NAFLD comorbidity, especially depending on liver damage grade. Aim: was to investigate levels of Selenium in patients with hypertension and NAFLD depending on functional state of liver. Materials and methods: We examined 100 patients. Main group: 49 hypertensive NAFLD patients (33 (67.3%) females and 16 (32.7%) males). Comparison group: 51 non-hypertensive NAFLD patients (30 (58.8%) females and 21 (41.2%) males).Control group: 20 relatively healthy individuals (11 (55.0%) females and 9 (45.0%) males). Median age in main group was 51.0 [45.0–56.0] years; comparison group: 52.0 [47.0–54.0] years (p = 0.564); control group: 51.0 [45.0–55.5] years. In the main group hypertension 1 stage was diagnosed in 14 (28.6%) patients, 2 stage: in 35 (71.4%) patients; 1 and 2 grade was diagnosed respectively in 16 (32.7%) and 33 patients (67.3%). In the main group steatosis was found in 27 (55.1%) patients; steatohepatitis: in 22 (44.9%) patients; in comparison group 30 (58.8%) and 21 (41.2%) patients respectively (p = 0.707). Selenium levels were assessed using Humal Selenium ELISA kit. Ultrasound of liver was performed according standard procedure using Samsung (Medison) SonoAce X8. Statistical calculations were made using IBM SPSS 25.0. Results: Median systolic and diastolic blood pressure in main group was 150.0 [145.0–158.0] mm Hg. and 90.0 [85.0–90.0] mm Hg. In comparison group:125.0 [115.0–130.0] and 80.0 [70.0–80.0] mm Hg. Respectively Selenium levels were significantly (p &lt; 0.001) increased in patients of comparison group: 67.2 [61.5–77.4] mkg/l vs. 43.5 [39.9–49.1] mkg/l in main group. In control group its levels were 108.0 [96.9–118.8] mkg/l, which was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) higher than in other groups. Analysis of Selenium levels depending on liver damage grade did not show significant differences. However patients with hypertension and steatohepatitis had higher Selenium levels than patients with steatohepatitis, while non-hypertensive patients had reversed trend (table 1) Conclusions: Hypertension is main trigger of decrease in Selenium levels in patients with comorbid NAFLD, which can be connected with its increased metabolism due to providing antihypertensive homeostasis and protection of vascular endothelium via antioxidant mechanisms.

Selenium serum levels in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The nutritional status is a determinant of the immune response that promotes a cellular homeostasis. In particular, adequate selenium levels lead to a better antioxidant and immune response. The aim of this work is to assess whether blood selenium levels, at time of SARS-CoV-2 infection, have an impact on the development and severity of COVID-19. A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative and descriptive studies using MeSH terms, selenium and COVID-19 was performed. We searched bibliographic databases up to 17 July 2022 in PubMed and ScienceDirect. Studies that reported data on blood selenium levels were considered. A total of 629 articles were examined by abstract and title, of which 595 abstracts were read, of which 38 were included in the systematic review and 11 in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted to mean difference (MD) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity was tested by I2 with random factors with a MD between selenium levels, mortality, morbidity and healthy subjects with a P-value of 0⋅05. Selenium levels were higher in healthy people compared to those in patients with COVID-19 disease (six studies, random effects MD: test for overall effect Z = 3⋅28 (P = 0⋅001), 97 % CI 28⋅36 (11⋅41-45⋅31), P < 0⋅00001), but without difference when compared with the degree of severity in mild, moderate or severe cases. In conclusion, the patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infection had lower selenium levels than the healthy population. More studies are needed to evaluate its impact on clinical severity through randomised clinical trials.

Association between maternal selenium levels and pregnancy outcome among human immunodeficiency virus-positive and human immunodeficiency virus-negative pregnant women in a tertiary health-care center in Owerri, Nigeria: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection constitutes a major medical complication of pregnancy and is associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes. However, the relationship between maternal serum selenium levels and pregnancy outcomes has been inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal serum selenium status and pregnancy outcome in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in a tertiary health facility. A. HIV-positive pregnant women had significantly lower mean serum selenium concentration compared with HIV-negative pregnant women (64.3 ± 19.6 μg/L vs. 100.1 ± 30.9 μg/L; P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant association between serum selenium concentration and birth weight among both HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women (P < 0.001). Similarly, a statistically significant association was seen between serum selenium and maternal PCV in HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women (P = 0.024 and P < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no association found between serum selenium and other pregnancy outcomes. HIV-positive pregnant women had a lower mean serum selenium level compared to HIV-negative pregnant women. There was a significant association between low maternal serum selenium level and maternal anemia, as well as low birth weight, especially in HIV-positive pregnant women.

Associations between hair trace mineral concentrations and the occurrence of treponeme-associated hoof disease in elk (Cervus canadensis)

BackgroundTrace minerals are important for animal health. Mineral deficiency or excess can negatively affect immune function, wound healing, and hoof health in domestic livestock, but normal concentrations and health impairment associated with mineral imbalances in wild animals are poorly understood. Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is an emerging disease of free-ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Selenium and copper levels identified in a small number of elk from areas where TAHD is established (i.e., southwestern Washington) suggested a mineral deficiency may have increased susceptibility to TAHD. Our objectives were to determine trace mineral concentrations using hair from elk originating in TAHD affected areas of Washington, California, Idaho, and Oregon and assess their associations with the occurrence of the disease.ResultsWe identified limited associations between TAHD occurrence and severity with hair mineral concentrations in 72 free-ranging elk, using Firth’s logistic regression and multinomial regression models. We found consistent support for a priori hypotheses that selenium concentration, an important mineral for hoof health, is inversely associated with the occurrence of TAHD. Less consistent support was observed for effects of other minerals previously associated with hoof health (e.g., copper or zinc) or increased disease risk from potential toxicants.ConclusionTrace mineral analysis of hair is a non-invasive sampling technique that offers feasibility in storage and collection from live animals and carcasses. For some minerals, levels in hair correlate with visceral organs that are challenging to obtain. Our study using hair collected opportunistically from elk feet submitted for diagnostic investigations provides a modest reference of hair mineral levels in elk from the U.S. Pacific Northwest that may be useful in future determination of reference ranges. Although our results revealed high variability in mineral concentrations between elk, consistent relationship of possibly low selenium levels and TAHD suggest that further investigations are warranted.

The Role of rs713041 Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism on Disease Susceptibility in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aim: The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs713041, located in the regulatory region, is required to incorporate selenium into the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and has been found to have functional consequences. This systematic review aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to determine whether there is an association between GPX4 (rs713041) SNP and the risk of diseases in humans and its correlation with selenium status. Material and methods: A systematic search for English-language manuscripts published between January 1990 and November 2022 was carried out using six databases: CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess a relationship between GPX4 (rs713041) SNP and the risk of different diseases based on three genetic models. Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 4 software were used to perform the meta-analysis and carry out Egger’s test for publication bias. Results: Data from 21 articles were included in the systematic review. Diseases were clustered according to the physiological system affected to understand better the role of GPX4 (rs713041) SNP in developing different diseases. Carriers of the GPX4 (rs173041) T allele were associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in additive and dominant models (p = 0.02 and p = 0.004, respectively). In addition, carriers of the T allele were associated with an increased risk of developing stroke and hypertension in the additive, dominant and recessive models (p = 0.002, p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, the GPX4 (rs713041) T allele was associated with a decreased risk of developing pre-eclampsia in the additive, dominant and recessive models (p < 0.0001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.0005, respectively). Moreover, selenium levels presented lower mean values in cancer patients relative to control groups (SMD = −0.39 µg/L; 95% CI: −0.64, −0.14; p = 0.002, I2 = 85%). Conclusion: GPX4 (rs713041) T allele may influence colorectal cancer risk, stroke, hypertension and pre-eclampsia. In addition, low selenium levels may play a role in the increased risk of cancer.

Assessment of selenium supply in adolescents living in a rural area

Background. It has been found that selenium deficiency is one of the risk factors for the development of thyroid pathology, in particular autoimmune one. The evidence base for this statement includes the association of low selenium levels with enlarged thyroid gland, heterogeneity, and the presence of hypoechogenicity, which are ultrasonographic signs of thyroid lymphoid infiltration. Given that the inhabitants of rural areas consume mainly vegetables and fruits of local origin and water from local sources, the levels of selenium in them largely reflect the supply of this trace element in specific territories. Aim: to determine the degree of selenium availability of adolescent girls in rural areas of Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions of Ukraine. Materials and methods. The level of selenium was studied in the hair of adolescent girls aged 13–15 years. Measurements were made using an atomic absorption spectrometer ICE 3500 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). Selenium content of more than 0.8 μg/g was considered normal. Results. It was found that selenium level in the hair was lower than the reference values in 15 of 16 residents of Zaporizhzhia region (93.6 %), in 16 of 18 residents of the Balakliia district (88.9 %) and in all the examined girls from Chuhuiiv district of Kharkiv region (100.0 %). At the same time, the median and minimum levels of selenium supply in all groups of patients were lower than the lower threshold of reference norms. In 12 of 16 examinees in group I (75.0 %), 9 of 12 in group II (75.0 %) and 14 of 18 in group III (77.77 %), thyroid sizes exceeded the age norm. Conclusions. The results of the research show that adolescent girls living in rural areas of Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions have a high frequency of selenium deficiency against the background of which the majority of the examined patients has increased thyroid volume. Such data require regular monitoring of the health of adolescents in the specified areas with the mandatory participation of endocrinologists. In addition, there is a need to develop special organizational measures that would ensure timely detection of children with selenium deficiency with a rational schedule for their further examination.

Esophagus cancer and essential trace elements.

Numerous epidemiological and laboratory studies on essential trace elements have reported protective associations in developing various cancer types, including esophagus cancer (EC). However, the results are not always consistent. Some essential trace elements could play a vital role in preventing esophagus cancer. Some showed no association with esophageal cancer risk, while others harmed individuals. This article reviews the association between the intake or supplementation of essential trace elements (especially zinc, copper, iron, and selenium) and the risk of esophageal cancer. Generally, zinc intake may decrease the risk of esophageal cancer (EC), especially in high esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prevalence regions. The association between copper supplementation and EC remains uncertain. Total iron consumption is thought to be associated with lower EC risk, while heme iron intake may be associated with higher EC risk. Selenium intake showed a protective effect against EC, especially for those individuals with a low baseline selenium level. This review also prospects the research direction of the association between EC and essential trace elements.

Association of selenium and cadmium with heart failure and mortality based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The association of selenium and cadmium with heart failure and mortality has not been thoroughly explored. We analysed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database over 12 years (1999-2000, 2003-2004 and 2011-2018), which includes blood selenium and cadmium. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used. In total, 15,689 participants were enrolled. The multivariate analysis showed that low blood selenium (odds ratio [OR] = 0.952, p < 0.001) and high blood cadmium (OR = 1.345, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors of heart failure. During 96802 person-year follow-up, 1697 deaths occurred. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71-0.95) for middle selenium levels and 0.76 (95% CI = 0.65-0.88) for high selenium levels compared to low selenium levels. Taking the low cadmium levels as reference, the multivariable adjusted HR for all-cause mortality among high cadmium levels was 1.68 (95% CI = 1.44-1.96). Furthermore, the association between selenium, cadmium and cardiovascular mortality was similar to that of all-cause mortality. A subgroup analysis of the study population showed that in individuals with heart failure, although selenium levels were not associated with risk of all-cause mortality, high selenium levels were associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.33, p = 0.0032). Low blood selenium and high blood cadmium were independent risk factors of heart failure. Blood selenium was inversely associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, whereas blood cadmium was positively associated with them. Furthermore, blood selenium was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality in individuals with heart failure.