Mean Serum Selenium Concentration Research Articles

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.

Serum Selenium and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) Trial: Nested Case-Control Study.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral with potential interest for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention owing to its antioxidant properties. Epidemiological data on selenium status and CVD remain inconsistent. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether low serum selenium (SSe) concentrations are related to an increased risk of a first CVD event in a population at high cardiovascular risk. We undertook a case-control study nested within the "PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea" (PREDIMED) trial. A total of 207 participants diagnosed with CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death) during the follow-up period (2003-2010) were matched by sex, age, and intervention group to 436 controls by incidence density sampling. Median time between serum sample collection and subsequent CVD event occurrence was 0.94 years. SSe levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Covariates were assessed through validated questionnaires, in-person interviews, and medical record reviews. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs). Among women, the mean SSe concentration was lower in cases than in controls (98.5 μg/L vs. 103.8 μg/L; p = 0.016). In controls, SSe levels were directly associated with percentage of total energy intake from proteins and fish intake (p for linear trend &lt; 0.001 and 0.049, respectively), whereas SSe concentrations were inversely associated with age, body mass index, and percentage of total energy intake from carbohydrates (p for linear trend &lt; 0.001, 0.008 and 0.016 respectively). In the total group, we observed an inverse dose-response gradient between SSe levels and risk of CVD in the fully-adjusted model (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27-0.81; ptrend = 0.003). Among elderly individuals at high cardiovascular risk, high SSe concentrations within population reference values are associated with lower first CVD incidence.

Correlation of Selenium Deficiency with Anthropometric Parameters among Primary School Children in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Selenium is of fundamental importance to health, being an essential trace element involved in many immunological, endocrine, and antioxidant pathways. Its deficiency is associated with growth failure, poor immune function, cognitive decline and increased risk of morbidity and mortality especially among school aged children. The study aims at determining the serum level of selenium among primary school pupils in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area and its correlations with their socioeconomic characteristics and the anthropometric indices. Method : Children aged 6 to 12 years old were recruited from registered public and private primary schools. A semi-structured questionnaire designed for the study was used to obtain relevant data. Serum selenium levels was estimated using Human Selenium Binding Protein. Chi-square test of independence was used to examine the association between selenium levels and each of socio-demographic variables and anthropometric indices while Pearson moment correlation was used to determine the correlation between selenium levels and socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometric indices of the study population. Results : The mean age of the subjects was 8.35 ± 1.61 years. Majority (86.7%) of the subjects were from middle and high socio-economic classes. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, overweight and obesity was found to be 8.8%, 4.3%, 1.8% and 2.0% respectively. The mean serum selenium concentration was 0.51 ± 0.30ng/ml while mean serum albumin was 40.4 ± 8.13 g/l. Selenium deficiency was 36.5% and low serum protein and albumin was found in 15.1% and 27% of the study population respectively. Serum selenium level was significantly associated with age, family size and gender. There was a negative correlation between age group, family size and serum selenium levels while a positive correlation exist between socio-economic class and selenium levels. Weight-for age and height-for-age has a positive correlation with selenium levels while stunting and selenium levels were negatively correlated. Conclusion: Prevalence of selenium deficiency is high among subjects and it is an important public health challenge in the country. Socio-demographic characteristics like age, family size, gender and socio-economic class are significantly associated with selenium status of the school children. Selenium deficiency was significantly related to the nutritional status of the study population.

Biofortified Maize Improves Selenium Status of Women and Children in a Rural Community in Malawi: Results of the Addressing Hidden Hunger With Agronomy Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Selenium deficiency is widespread in the Malawi population. The selenium concentration in maize, the staple food crop of Malawi, can be increased by applying selenium-enriched fertilizers. It is unknown whether this strategy, called agronomic biofortification, is effective at alleviating selenium deficiency.Objectives: The aim of the Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial was to determine whether consumption of maize flour, agronomically-biofortified with selenium, affected the serum selenium concentrations of women, and children in a rural community setting.Design: An individually-randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted in rural Malawi. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either intervention maize flour biofortified with selenium through application of selenium fertilizer, or control maize flour not biofortified with selenium. Participant households received enough flour to meet the typical consumption of all household members (330 g capita−1 day−1) for a period of 8 weeks. Baseline and endline serum selenium concentration (the primary outcome) was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Results: One woman of reproductive age (WRA) and one school-aged child (SAC) from each of 180 households were recruited and households were randomized to each group. The baseline demographic and socioeconomic status of participants were well-balanced between arms. No serious adverse events were reported. In the intervention arm, mean (standard deviation) serum selenium concentration increased over the intervention period from 57.6 (17.0) μg L−1 (n = 88) to 107.9 (16.4) μg L−1 (n = 88) among WRA and from 46.4 (14.8) μg L−1 (n = 86) to 97.1 (16.0) μg L−1 (n = 88) among SAC. There was no evidence of change in serum selenium concentration in the control groups.Conclusion: Consumption of maize flour biofortified through application of selenium-enriched fertilizer increased selenium status in this community providing strong proof of principle that agronomic biofortification could be an effective approach to address selenium deficiency in Malawi and similar settings.Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN85899451, identifier: ISRCTN85899451.

Association of dietary and serum selenium concentrations with glucose level and risk of diabetes mellitus: A cross sectional study of national health and nutrition examination survey, 1999-2006

BackgroundThe associations among dietary selenium intake, serum selenium concentration, plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and diabetes risk remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate these associations in adults from the United States. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of participants aged 18 years and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Between 1999 and 2006, a total of 41,474 participants were initially included in this study. Multivariable linear or logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between dietary selenium intake and serum selenium concentrations, glucose level, and diabetes risk. ResultsThe average age of the participants was 30.32 ± 23.95 years, and 48.72 % were men. Their mean dietary selenium intake and mean serum selenium concentration were 98 ± 55 μg per day and 129 ± 22 ng/mL, respectively. Compared with t he lowest quartile of dietary selenium intake, the highest quartile was associated with elevated plasma glucose levels (β = 2.412, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.420, 4.403, P = 0.018), glycosylated hemoglobin levels (β = 0.080, 95 % CI: 0.041, 0.119, P < 0.001), and diabetes risk (odds ratio [OR] = 2.139, 95 % CI: 1.763, 2.596, P < 0.001). Higher serum selenium was also associated with increased plasma glucose levels (β = 12.454, 95 % CI: 4.122, 20.786, P = 0.003) and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (β = 0.326, 95 % CI: 0.187, 0.465, P < 0.001). A generalized additive model with a spline curve suggested a nonlinear relationship between dietary selenium intake, serum selenium and glucose levels, and diabetes risk. ConclusionsDietary selenium intake and serum selenium were positively associated with elevated levels of plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, and the relationships were nonlinear. Additional selenium supplementation for patients with diabetes may not be recommended.

Gender Differences with Dose⁻Response Relationship between Serum Selenium Levels and Metabolic Syndrome-A Case-Control Study.

Few studies have investigated the association between selenium and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to explore the associations between the serum selenium level and metabolic syndrome as well as examining each metabolic factor. In this case-control study, the participants were 1165 adults aged ≥40 (65.8 ± 10.0) years. Serum selenium was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The associations between serum selenium and metabolic syndrome were examined by multivariate logistic regression analyses. The least square means were computed by general linear models to compare the serum selenium levels in relation to the number of metabolic factors. The mean serum selenium concentration was 96.34 ± 25.90 μg/L, and it was positively correlated with waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in women, but it was only correlated with fasting glucose and HOMA-IR in men. After adjustment, the odds ratios (ORs) of having metabolic syndrome increased with the selenium quartile groups (p for trend: <0.05), especially in women. The study demonstrated that the serum selenium levels were positively associated with metabolic syndrome following a non-linear dose–response trend. Selenium concentration was positively associated with insulin resistance in men and women, but it was associated with adiposity and lipid metabolism in women. The mechanism behind this warrants further confirmation.

Cross sectional study of serum selenium concentration and esophageal squamous dysplasia in western Kenya

BackgroundLow serum selenium status has been associated with increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). East Africa is a region of high ESCC incidence and is known to have low soil selenium levels, but this association has not previously been evaluated. In this study we assessed the association of serum selenium concentration and the prevalence of esophageal squamous dysplasia (ESD), the precursor lesion of ESCC, in a cross-sectional study of subjects from Bomet, Kenya.Methods294 asymptomatic adult residents of Bomet, Kenya completed questionnaires and underwent endoscopy with Lugol’s iodine staining and biopsy for detection of ESD. Serum selenium concentrations were measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (95% CI) for associations between serum selenium and ESD were calculated using unconditional logistic regression.ResultsThe mean serum selenium concentration was 85.5 (±28.3) μg/L. Forty-two ESD cases were identified (14% of those screened), including 5 (12%) in selenium quartile 1 (Q1), 5 (12%) in Q2, 15 (36%) in Q3, and 17 (40%) in Q4. Higher serum selenium was associated with prevalence of ESD (Q4 vs Q1: OR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.05–8.74) and this association remained after adjusting for potential confounders (Q4 vs Q1: OR: 3.87; 95% CI: 1.06–14.19).ConclusionThis is the first study to evaluate the association of serum selenium concentration and esophageal squamous dysplasia in an African population at high risk for ESCC. We found a positive association between higher serum selenium concentration and prevalence of ESD, an association contrary to our original hypothesis. Further work is needed to better understand the role of selenium in the etiology of ESCC in this region, and to develop effective ESCC prevention and control strategies.

High serum selenium levels are associated with impaired fasting glucose and elevated fasting serum glucose in Linyi, China

BackgroundThe relationship between selenium level and impaired fasting glucose or elevated fasting serum glucose remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate these associations in China. MethodsThis observational population study adopted a cluster sampling approach to enroll participants. Baseline information on selenium categories was tested using one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis equality-of-populations rank tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between serum selenium level and impaired fasting glucose or elevated fasting serum glucose. ResultsThe mean serum selenium concentration was 121.5μg/L which in a relatively high baseline Se status. Differences were observed among individuals with normal, impaired fasting glucose and elevated fasting serum glucose levels in their basic information, physical examination results and laboratory findings. After adjusting for their basic information, physical examination results and laboratory findings, compared with the low-selenium group, the high-selenium groups (124.9–143.9 and above 143.9μg/L) had ORs for elevated fasting serum glucose of 2.31 (1.37–3.90) and 2.67 (1.59–4.48), respectively (both P<0.05). A sex-difference was observed, and a significant association between selenium levels and impaired fasting glucose was observed for males but not for females. ConclusionsThe findings of this observational study suggest that relatively high selenium levels might be positively associated with elevated fasting serum glucose and relatively high selenium levels might be positively associated with impaired fasting glucose in men.

Supplementation with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 Reduces Cardiovascular Mortality in Elderly with Low Selenium Status. A Secondary Analysis of a Randomised Clinical Trial.

BackgroundSelenium is needed by all living cells in order to ensure the optimal function of several enzyme systems. However, the selenium content in the soil in Europe is generally low. Previous reports indicate that a dietary supplement of selenium could reduce cardiovascular disease but mainly in populations in low selenium areas. The objective of this secondary analysis of a previous randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial from our group was to determine whether the effects on cardiovascular mortality of supplementation with a fixed dose of selenium and coenzyme Q10 combined during a four-year intervention were dependent on the basal level of selenium.MethodsIn 668 healthy elderly individuals from a municipality in Sweden, serum selenium concentration was measured. Of these, 219 individuals received daily supplementation with selenium (200 μg Se as selenized yeast) and coenzyme Q10 (200 mg) combined for four years. The remaining participants (n = 449) received either placebo (n = 222) or no treatment (n = 227). All cardiovascular mortality was registered. No participant was lost during a median follow-up of 5.2 years. Based on death certificates and autopsy results, all mortality was registered.FindingsThe mean serum selenium concentration among participants at baseline was low, 67.1 μg/L. Based on the distribution of selenium concentration at baseline, the supplemented group was divided into three groups; <65 μg/L, 65–85 μg/L, and >85 μg/L (45 and 90 percentiles) and the remaining participants were distributed accordingly. Among the non-treated participants, lower cardiovascular mortality was found in the high selenium group as compared with the low selenium group (13.0% vs. 24.1%; P = 0.04). In the group with the lowest selenium basal concentration, those receiving placebo or no supplementation had a mortality of 24.1%, while mortality was 12.1% in the group receiving the active substance, which was an absolute risk reduction of 12%. In the middle selenium concentration group a mortality of 14.0% in the non-treated group, and 6.0% in the actively treated group could be demonstrated; thus, there was an absolute risk reduction of 8.0%. In the group with a serum concentration of >85 μg/L, a cardiovascular mortality of 17.5% in the non-treated group, and 13.0% in the actively treated group was observed. No significant risk reduction by supplementation could thus be found in this group.ConclusionsIn this evaluation of healthy elderly Swedish municipality members, two important results could be reported. Firstly, a low mean serum selenium concentration, 67 μg/L, was found among the participants, and the cardiovascular mortality was higher in the subgroup with the lower selenium concentrations <65 μg/L in comparison with those having a selenium concentration >85 μg/L. Secondly, supplementation was cardio-protective in those with a low selenium concentration, ≤85 at inclusion. In those with serum selenium>85 μg/L and no apparent deficiency, there was no effect of supplementation. This is a small study, but it presents interesting data, and more research on the impact of lower selenium intake than recommended is therefore warranted.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT01443780

Selenium and Antioxidant Status in Dairy Cows at Different Stages of Lactation.

Thirty-five multiparous Holstein cows averaging 550 ± 50 kg of body weight and in 2 to 4 parity were divided into three groups according to lactation stage (group A: nine cows from 4 to 1 weeks prepartum; group B: 11 cows from 1 to 30 days postpartum; group C: 15 cows from 30 to 100 days postpartum). Selenium concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity, and total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum were determined to evaluate selenium and antioxidant status in dairy cows at different stages of lactation. The results showed that mean serum selenium concentration, MDA level, and GSH-Px activity of cows in early lactation increased significantly (P < 0.05) when compared with cows in the dry period and peak lactation. Conversely, serum TrxR activity and TAS declined during this period (P < 0.05). The increase of serum MDA level during early lactation indicate that the reactive oxygen species, including lipid hydroperoxides, increase in this period, thus placing the cows at a greater risk of oxidative stress. The significant decrease in TrxR activity that is accompanied with a decrease in TAS during early lactation suggests that dairy cows have low antioxidant defense in this period and TrxR may be an important antioxidant defense mechanism in transition dairy cows.

Relationship between serum Se concentration in dogs and incidence of some disease conditions

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine if there is a relationship between serum selenium concentration in dogs and their health, and to assess the relationship between selenium concentration and morphological parameters of blood. Mean serum selenium concentration in dogs ranged from 0.169 to 0.273 mg/ml. Dogs diagnosed with malignant neoplasm had a significantly lower mean concentration of serum selenium compared to healthy dogs and those from the groups studied. The present study showed no statistically significant differences in Se serum content according to sex, age, and food type. Dogs diagnosed with malignant neoplasm had a significantly lower mean serum selenium concentration compared to healthy dogs and those from the other groups analysed, namely with hip dysplasia, allergy and fractures and with non-malignant tumour. Healthy dogs were characterized by the highest mean serum selenium concentration, significantly higher compared to dogs with non-malignant tumour, malignant neoplasm, allergy and fractures. Low levels of selenium contribute to the incidence of neoplasms and allergies and increase the risk of bone fractures in dogs. Additional laboratory tests should be conducted when certain diseases are diagnosed to determine Se concentration in dogs, thus making it possible to take preventive measures or therapeutic action.

The effect of selenized yeast supplementation on some performance parameters in sheep

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of serum selenium in coarse-haired Pomeranian sheep and to evaluate the effect of the oral supplementation of selenized yeast on selected performance parameters in such sheep. The sheep were divided into 2 groups, with 53 ewes forming the experimental group and 34 ewes forming the control group. The concentration of serum selenium in all 87 sheep from the 2 groups was analyzed. The sheep in the experimental group received selenized yeast for the 3 days before and 3 days after mating (1 g preparation/animal daily, with 1 g of preparation = 1 mg of Se), and in the 7 days before parturition (0.5 g preparation/animal daily). Blood for assays was then collected from the jugular vein (vena jugularis) into tubes, without anticoagulant. The blood samples were taken 14 days after the withdrawal of each supplementation of selenized yeast. Analysis of the concentrations of serum selenium in the sheep showed this element to be deficient in all animals examined. At the start of the experiment, the mean concentration of selenium in the analyzed sheep was 0.013 µg/mL. The use of selenized yeast significantly increased the mean Se concentration, which rose to 0.108 µg/mL. The highest mean serum selenium concentration was recorded after the second administration of selenized yeast. In a group of lambs born from the ewes that had been administered the selenium yeast, a lower mortality rate, a higher birth weight, and a higher number of lambs born alive were all observed compared to the control group. Lambs born from the sheep in the experimental group were characterized by a significantly higher body weight at both 33 days (P Keywords: Sheep, selenium, reproduction, body weight gains

Serum selenium levels in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Background:Selenium is a trace mineral which has the role of multiple biologic functions. In free-living animals and humans, selenium is mostly in the form of two selenium-containing amino acids as selenocysteine and selenomethionine. The present study aimed to obtain more data on the relationship between serum selenium in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).Materials and Methods:Serum selenium levels were measured in 51 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) as patients group and in 40 non-hospitalized healthy individuals as control group.Results:Selenium was recognized by atomic absorption spectrometer. Decreased mean serum selenium concentrations were observed in the group with chronic lymphocytic leukemia as compared to normal ones (P = 0.005). Serum selenium concentrations were examined in stages 0 and I. They observed a significant difference between the mean serum concentrations of selenium in stage 0, I and II and that of stage IV and V patients with CLL (P = 0.01). The groups were compared and significant differences were observed i.e., low serum selenium levels in the stage III and IV CLL (P = 0.001). The second selenium test was designed in 21 out of 48 patients within 10 weeks from the beginning of chemotherapy. Serum selenium concentration was tested again in 21 patients, and significant differences have been observed between the time before the treatment and after it (P = 0.02).Conclusions:Our results show that in patients with CLL the mean serum selenium levels are lower than that of normal.

Sponge in the belly; postoperative imaging findings of oxidized cellulose (Surgicel®)

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of serum selenium in coarse-haired Pomeranian sheep and to evaluate the effect of the oral supplementation of selenized yeast on selected performance parameters in such sheep. The sheep were divided into 2 groups, with 53 ewes forming the experimental group and 34 ewes forming the control group. The concentration of serum selenium in all 87 sheep from the 2 groups was analyzed. The sheep in the experimental group received selenized yeast for the 3 days before and 3 days after mating (1 g preparation/animal daily, with 1 g of preparation = 1 mg of Se), and in the 7 days before parturition (0.5 g preparation/animal daily). Blood for assays was then collected from the jugular vein (vena jugularis) into tubes, without anticoagulant. The blood samples were taken 14 days after the withdrawal of each supplementation of selenized yeast. Analysis of the concentrations of serum selenium in the sheep showed this element to be deficient in all animals examined. At the start of the experiment, the mean concentration of selenium in the analyzed sheep was 0.013 µg/mL. The use of selenized yeast significantly increased the mean Se concentration, which rose to 0.108 µg/mL. The highest mean serum selenium concentration was recorded after the second administration of selenized yeast. In a group of lambs born from the ewes that had been administered the selenium yeast, a lower mortality rate, a higher birth weight, and a higher number of lambs born alive were all observed compared to the control group. Lambs born from the sheep in the experimental group were characterized by a significantly higher body weight at both 33 days (P

Serum trace mineral variations in Nili-Ravi buffaloes suffering with prepartum vaginal prolapse in two different agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan

The present study was conducted during 2005 and 2006 on 200 Nili-Ravi buffaloes kept in two agroecological zones (irrigated [zone 1] and rain-fed [zone-2]) of Punjab, Pakistan, with the objective to determine the level of trace minerals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Se) in serum of the buffaloes suffering from vaginal prolapse and to compare them with their healthy counterparts. In each zone 50 buffaloes suffering from prepartum vaginal prolapse during their seventh month of gestation were identified through survey. Vaginal prolapse-affected buffaloes belonging to zone 1 were identified as group VPB1 (N = 50), whereas buffaloes belonging to zone 2 were recognized as VPB2 (N = 50). The buffaloes of control group in zone 1 and zone 2 were identified as NCB1 and NCB2, respectively. The blood samples in all four groups of buffaloes were collected three times, i.e., first when these animals were in the eighth month of gestation, second during the eighth to ninth month of gestation, and finally when these animals were in the ninth or later month of gestation. The mean serum copper concentrations in buffaloes of group VPB1 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in comparison with NCB1 and NCB2, whereas there were nonsignificant differences (P > 0.05) in copper concentrations between VPB1 and VPB2. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) of iron concentration in VPB1 compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Similarly, VPB2 also had significantly lower (P < 0.05) iron concentrations compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Serum zinc concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in animals of the VPB1 group when compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Similarly, lower zinc concentrations were observed in VPB2 in comparison with NCB1 and NCB2. There was significantly lower (P < 0.05) zinc concentration in affected buffaloes (VPB1 and VPB2) from the ninth month of gestation to term when compared with those in the eighth to ninth mo of gestation, and with those not yet in the eighth month of gestation. Serum selenium concentration were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in control group buffaloes (NCB1 and NCB2) in comparison with vaginal prolapse-affected buffaloes (VPB1 and VPB2). During different stages of gestation, mean serum selenium concentrations varied nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) within each group of buffalo. Based on information obtained from this study, it was concluded that the low serum concentration of copper and selenium are linked to increased incidence of vaginal prolapse in buffaloes during the last trimester of gestation.

Determination of Selenium in Serum Samples of Preterm Newborn Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Using a Validated Hydride Generation System

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), also known as chronic lung disease, is one of the most challenging complications in premature newborn infants. Selenium plays a role in antioxidant system by protecting cell membranes and neutralizing the deleterious effects of free radicals. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between selenium concentration and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia using a validated analytical method. Umbilical cord blood and blood samples 30 days after the birth were collected from 38 preterm newborn infants with gestation age of 32 weeks or less, and the separated serums were kept at -70°C until analysis time. Selenium concentration of serum was determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The method was validated on the basis of standard validation techniques. The analytical method was linear in the range of 1 to 500 μg/L with the limit of detection of 0.4 μg/L. Samples were collected from 38 infants whose gestation age was 32 weeks or less. The blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord blood at birth in 19 cases. In 25 cases, blood samples were collected 1 month after birth. Of the 15 patients diagnosed with BPD, 10 were boys (p = 0.02). The mean serum selenium concentration was not different at birth between patients with and without BPD, but it was significantly lower at 30 days after birth in patients with BPD (38.5 ± 14.1vs. 45.4 ± 18.7 μg/L, p = 0.02). Preterm newborn infants with BPD had lower serum selenium concentrations 1 month after birth.

Selenium Concentration and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px) Activity in Serum of Cows at Different Stages of Lactation

The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the concentration of selenium in Holstein-Friesian cows at different stages of lactation. Selenium was determined spectrofluorimetrically and GSH-Px activity using a Sigma CGP1 Glutathione Peroxidase Cellular Activity Assay kit. Mean serum selenium concentration was highest in early-lactation multiparous cows (0.18 μg/ml) and the lowest in dry cows (0.111 μg/ml). In early lactation, serum selenium concentration was significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher in multiparous cows than in cows from the other groups. Mean GSH-Px activity in the serum of dry cows was over twice lower than in late-lactation cows (P ≤ 0.01) and over four times lower than in first-calving heifers and multiparous cows in early lactation (P ≤ 0.01). The coefficients of Spearman's rank correlation between GSH-Px activity and selenium concentration in the cows at different stages of lactation were not significant. A significant (P ≤ 0.01) mean positive correlation (0.46) was found between GSH-Px activity and serum selenium concentration for all the cows analysed together. The highest Se concentration and GSH-Px activity found in the serum of cows during the first stage of lactation may suggest that the generation of reactive oxygen species and their derivatives was higher during this period compared to the other stages, thus placing the cows at a greater risk of oxidative stress. It is therefore essential to give particular attention during this period to meeting the cows' requirement for selenium and other feed components that increase, directly or indirectly, the capacity of the body's antioxidant system.

A Case-Control Study of Nutritional Factors Associated with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in Yemeni Children

Background: Undernutrition and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in children are common in low resource settings but there are few studies of their interactions. Aim: To evaluate nutritional factors associated with CSOM in Yemeni children. Methods: A case-control study of 75 children with CSOM and 74 healthy controls. Assessment included dietary history, anthropometry, haemoglobin, and serum analytes zinc, copper, selenium, iron, calcium, phosphate and total 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]. Results: Cases had lower mean z scores for weight-for-age, weight-for-height, body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) (all P< 0.05), and lower mean concentrations of serum zinc (P=0.032), selenium (P< 0.001) and calcium adjusted for albumin (P=0.026). Age-adjusted haemoglobin and iron biomarkers did not differ between cases and controls. There was high prevalence of low serum zinc concentration (≥90%), and vitamin D deficiency in both cases (80%) and controls (96%). Duration of ear discharge was negatively correlated with total 25(OH)D, calcium adjusted for albumin, phosphate, transferrin receptor/log ferritin ratio, and copper (all P< 0.05); and positively correlated with child age and MUAC (both P< 0.001). Conclusions: Children with CSOM were more undernourished than controls with lower mean serum zinc, selenium and calcium concentrations. Vitamin D deficient and iron replete children had longer duration of infection although this association was lost with age adjustment. Trials evaluating specific micronutrients are required in order to investigate specific nutrient-infection interactions in CSOM.

Selenium status and blood lipids: the cardiovascular risk in young finns study

Concern has been recently raised about possible adverse cardio-metabolic effects of high selenium status, such as increased risks of diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. However, most of the evidence comes from selenium-replete populations such as that of the United States. To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of serum selenium with cardiovascular risk factors in Finland where selenium levels were amongst the lowest in the world until the early 1980s before the implementation of a nationwide selenium fertilization programme. Serum selenium was measured in 1235 young Finns aged 3-18 years at baseline in 1980 (prefertilization) and in a subgroup (N = 262) at the 6-year follow-up (1986, postfertilization). During the 27-year follow-up, serum lipids, blood pressure, body mass index and smoking were assessed five times (1980, 1983, 1986, 2001 and 2007). Mean (±SD) serum selenium concentrations were 74.3 ± 14.0 ng mL(-1) in 1980 and 106.6 ± 12.5 ng mL(-1) in 1986 (average increase 32.3 ng mL(-1); 95% CI: 30.3 to 34.3, P < 0.0001). In univariate and multivariable cross-sectional models in 1980 and 1986, increased serum selenium levels were consistently associated with increased total, HDL and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, the average longitudinal changes in lipids were -0.20 mmol L(-1) (95% CI: -0.30 to -0.10, P < 0.0001) for total cholesterol, 0.06 mmol L(-1) (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.10, P < 0.0001) for HDL cholesterol, and -0.23 mmol L(-1) (95% CI: -0.31 to -0.14, P < 0.0001) for LDL cholesterol. Selenium measured in 1986 was not associated with lipids assessed in 2001 and 2007. Cross-sectional findings from the Young Finns study corroborate positive associations of selenium status with serum lipids. However, longitudinal evidence does not support the causality of this link.

A case–control study of nutritional factors associated with chronic suppurative otitis media in yemeni children

BackgroundUndernutrition and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in children are common in low resource settings but there are few studies of their interactions.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine...