Se Status Research Articles

Bioavailable Selenium Concentration and Bioavailability in Tissues of Beef Cattle

The aim of the study was to compare the levels of bioavailable Se between different organs in beef cattle with regard to selenium status. The animals were divided into two groups based on serum selenium concentration, viz. normal and deficient Se status. Bioavailable selenium was extracted from the organs by simulated in vitro digestion, and its concentration was determined by spectrofluorimetry. The percentage of bioavailable Se was calculated in the liver, kidney, lung, spleen, heart, and longissimus dorsi muscle, based on the total Se content. In all animals tested, the highest bioavailable selenium concentrations were found in the kidney (0.175–0.408 µg/g) and the lowest in the longissimus dorsi muscle (0.04–0.042 µg/g), regardless of Se status. The highest bioavailability of Se was recorded in bulls, reaching 56.6% in the longissimus dorsi muscle, and the lowest in the kidney (21.4%). The study showed that cattle with Se deficiency had a higher percentage of bioavailable Se in their tissues than those with normal Se levels. This is most likely related to the fact that the body seeks to ensure optimal levels of the element in the organs during insufficient supply. Despite balanced feeding, there was a deficiency of Se. This is most likely related to the fact that, in plants, it occurs mainly in its inorganic form, which is less well-utilised by the animals and does not cover their needs for this element.

1H NMR-Based Metabolomic Profiling and Comparison of Human Milk Across Different Lactation Stages in Secretors and Non-Secretors: A Study of Chinese Lactating Women

BackgroundHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and other milk-derived metabolites are crucial for infant health, influencing gut microbiota and overall development. ObjectiveThis study aims to uncover insights into the variations of HMOs and non-HMO metabolites based on secretor (Se) status, lactation time, mode of delivery, and infant sex. MethodsAn exploratory cross-sectional study was designed to compare the levels of HMOs and non-HMOs metabolites in milk samples from 129 lactating Chinese women within 1 year postpartum. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was employed for the identification and quantification of the metabolites. The metabolites measured were grouped into sugars, free amino acids, fatty acids, and metabolites related to energy metabolism. The influence of delivery mode and infant sex on milk metabolite composition were explored. ResultsUniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) analysis of HMOs profiles revealed distinct clustering based on Se status, with significant differences in 2'-FL and 3-FL levels observed between Se+ and Se- groups. A decreasing trend for 2'-FL and 6-’SL levels, along with an increase in 3-FL levels, was observed with increasing lactating period within 12 months postpartum. Non-HMOs metabolite analysis indicated that Se status only affected glutamate levels. An increase in glutamine levels was observed 3–9 months postpartum. A continuous increase in o-phosphocholine levels was noted in 12 months postpartum, along with reductions in citrate and sn-glycero-phosphocholine levels. Delivery mode and infant sex did not affect both HMOs and non-HMOs levels. ConclusionsMetabolomic analysis of human milk reveals significant variation of HMOs, but not in non-HMOs, based on Se status. Changes in certain HMOs and non-HMOs levels were also observed over the one year of lactation. Understanding how these metabolites change over time may influence recommendations for maternal diet, supplementation, and the timing of breastfeeding to ensure optimal nutrient delivery to the infant.

Unequal cannabis use among European adolescents: the mediating role of perceived access and risk

Abstract Introduction Cannabis use among adolescents is a public health concern, because of its association with the use of other illicit drugs, mental health disorders, and social problems. Most studies show that adolescents from low socioeconomic status (SE) background are more likely to use cannabis, but the causes of SE inequalities remain to be understood. We test whether access and risk perceptions of cannabis use among disadvantaged adolescents explain the SE gradient. Objectives The aim of this study was to measure the mediating effect of access perception and risk perception on the association between SE status and cannabis use among European adolescents in 2019. Methods A cross-sectional, observational, analytical study was conducted, among 16-year-old students, based on data from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Drugs (ESPAD) in 2019. The outcome was cannabis use (experimental, regular, and problematic) and the exposure was SE status (parental education and subjective social status). Mediating variables were perceived accessibility and perceived risk of cannabis use. We used logistic regressions, where the odds ratio (OR) reduction measures the part of the association explained by the mediators. Results Regular and problematic cannabis use was significantly more prevalent among adolescents with a lower SE background (low parental education and low subjective social status, p < 0,001). This relationship remained significant after adjustment for perceived access and risk, and the modification of ORs was of a small magnitude (a non-significant reduction of the association). Conclusions Perceived accessibility and risk showed a weak mediating effect of the association between SE background and cannabis use. Consequently, these factors cannot be considered as major explanations for the higher use among worse-off adolescents. Reinforcing information or imposing stronger barriers in access may not help reduces SE inequalities in cannabis consumption. Key messages • Perceived accessibility and risk hardly explain the association between socioeconomic background and cannabis use among European adolescents. • Reinforcing information or imposing stronger barriers in access may not help reduces socioeconomic inequalities in cannabis use.

Effects of organic and inorganic selenium mixes in pregnant sows on piglet growth, selenium levels in serum and milk, and selenium deposition in newborn piglet tissues.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic selenium mixes in pregnant sows on piglet growth, selenium levels in serum and milk, and selenium deposition in newborn piglet tissues. A total of 44 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight (BW), backfat thickness, and parity were assigned to one of the three treatments with 14 or 15 sows per treatment in a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: i) Control, corn-soybean meal-based diet with no addition of selenium premix; ii) ISOS(mixed inorganic selenium and organic selenium) 30, a basal diet supplemented with 0.15 ppm of inorganic Se and 0.15 ppm of organic Se; iii) ISOS50, a basal diet supplemented with 0.25 ppm of inorganic Se and 0.25 ppm of organic Se. At day 21 of lactation, supplementing a high level of mixed Se at 0.50 ppm resulted in higher piglet BW and weight gain than adding a low level of mixed Se at 0.30 ppm (p<0.05). Selenium concentration of colostrum in sows fed ISOS50 diet was significantly higher than those in sows fed ISOS30 diet (p<0.05). Selenium concentrations in the serum at days 90 and 110 of gestation and 24 hours postpartum were highest when sows were fed ISOS50 diet (p<0.05). Additionally, increasing levels of mixed Se led to an increase in piglet serum Se concentration at 24 hours postpartum (p<0.05). Before ingesting colostrum, piglets from sows fed a mixed selenium (Se) diet had significantly higher kidney Se concentrations compared to those from the control group, with the ISOS50 treatment showing the most significant difference (p<0.05). Supplementation of the gestation diet with 0.5 ppm of mixed Se may improve piglet growth performance, increase Se concentrations in milk, and enhance Se status in the serum of sows, as well as in the serum and tissues of their offspring.

PSLBII-17 Supplementation with organic versus inorganic selenium during pregnancy to support ewe and lamb health

Abstract Selenium (Se) is essential for optimal ovine health and production, and sheep raised on Se-deficient soils can be vulnerable to Se deficiencies that can affect immune function. Organic or inorganic forms of Se supplementation can remedy these consequences. While inorganic Se is less costly, organic Se is more bioavailable and may be more efficient in providing Se to ewes and lambs. The objectives of this study were to determine how organic versus inorganic Se supplementation affects ewe Se status, Se transfer from ewes to lambs, and the antibody-mediated immune response and dermal hypersensitivity response (DHR) of ewes and their lambs. Dorset-Rideau ewes (n = 100) were enrolled in a randomized complete block design study. From gestation d (gd) 110 to postpartum d (ppd) 50, ewes were fed either a Se-deficient diet and supplemented with no Se, 0.3 mg inorganic Se, or 0.3 mg or 0.6 mg organic Se. Sera were collected on gd 110, 130, 140, and ppd 10 and 50 to determine ewe Se status. On gd 110 and 120, ewes received an intramuscular injection of 0.5 mg ovalbumin (OVA) antigen, and on gd 130 the DHR to OVA was assessed by measuring change in skinfold thickness 0, 6, 24 and 48 h post intradermal injection. To measure the transfer of Se from ewe to lamb, a subset of lambs was euthanized at ppd 10, and longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected and analyzed for Se content. On ppd 20 and 30, lambs received an intramuscular injection of 0.5 mg hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) antigen, and on ppd 40 the DHR to HEWL was assessed using the aforementioned protocol. Analysis of ewe sera showed a positive correlation between organic Se supplementation and greater Se concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Moreover, statistical analyses of the DHR results using a generalized least squares linear model (RStudio) indicate that Se supplementation increased the immune response compared with the non-supplemented ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.01). However, no significant differences between organic and inorganic Se supplementation were found. In lambs, greater ewe Se supplementation resulted in greater Se muscle content (P &amp;gt; 0.01). and organic Se supplementation to ewes significantly increased lamb Se muscle content compared with inorganic Se supplementation (P &amp;gt; 0.01). Finally, analyses of the lamb DHR showed that maternal organic Se supplementation improved the lamb immune response compared with the control group (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Therefore, organic Se supplementation optimally enhances ewe and lamb Se status and their adaptive immune response compared with the inorganic and control groups. This knowledge will guide optimal ewe Se-supplementation choices during pregnancy and postpartum, thus promoting lamb and ewe health.

210 Maternal dietary organic selenium improves selenium status in neonatal lambs compared with single maternal or neonatal injection of inorganic selenium

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of three industry standard practices for improving the selenium (Se) status in neonatal lambs. Pregnant Polypay ewes (n = 27) at around 40 d pre-partum were enrolled in the study. The ewes were fed with grass silage and grain and, at 40 d from expected lambing, randomly allocated to one of three groups: 1) a single injection of 25 g sodium selenate as BO-SE/kg body weight (BW) at 4 wk before expected parturition (Inj-E) and not injection in the lambs; 2) no injection of BO-SE in the ewe but injection of 4.38 mg sodium selenite as BO-SE at 3 d of life of the lambs (Inj-L); and 3) no injection of BO-SE to the ewes or lambs but the ewes were fed 3.6 mg Se/day as Se-yeast (Yst-E) through the duration of the study (40 d prepartum + 30 d postpartum). Lambs were nursed by their own dams for 30 d without access to other feed (i.e., only milk). Blood was collected from the lambs at d 3 and 10 of life to measure 14 minerals, including Se, using ICP-MS. Glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) was measured using a commercial kit. Data were analyzed using a GLIMMIX of SAS with an ARH covariance with treatment and time as the main effect, with lambs nested in ewe as a random effect. The number of lambs/ewes was used as a covariate. The injection of BO-SE in the ewes did not affect concentrations of Se in the lambs at birth, as there were no differences in whole blood Se between lambs in Inj-E and lambs in Inj-L at 3 d of life (i.e., before Inj-L received the BO-SE). The injection of BO-SE did not affect the level of Se in the whole blood of lambs 7 d after the injection compared with baseline (i.e., 3 d of life). Consequently, there was no difference in whole blood Se between lambs in Inj-E and Inj-L groups (177 vs. 167 ng/mL, respectively). However, injection of Se in pre-parturient dams did improve GPx activity in offspring (P = 0.04). Lambs in Yst-E had significantly greater concentrations of Se in whole blood compared with the other two groups at both 3 and 10 d of life (281 ng/mL; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Our data demonstrate that the typical industry standard approach of injecting inorganic Se in prepartum ewes or neonatal lambs is ineffective while feeding Se-yeast to dams was effective in improving Se status in lambs.

Selenium, Zinc, and Plasma Total Antioxidant Status and the Risk of Colorectal Adenoma and Cancer.

Selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) are known to be involved in carcinogenesis and participate in the defence against reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of serum Se, Zn, and Cu concentrations and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal adenoma (CRA) in a population of low Se and borderline Zn status. Based on clinical examination and colonoscopy/histopathology, the patients (n = 79) were divided into three groups: colorectal cancer (n = 30), colorectal adenoma (n = 19), and controls (CONTROL, n = 30). The serum Se concentration was lower in the CRC group than in the CRA group (by 9.1%, p < 0.0001) and the CONTROL group (by 7.9%, p < 0.0001). In turn, the serum Zn concentration was decreased in the CRA group (by 17.9%, p = 0.019) when compared to the CONTROL group. Plasma TAS was lower in the CRC group (by 27.8%, p = 0.017) than in the CONTROL group. In turn, the serum Zn concentration was decreased in the CRA group when compared to the CONTROL group. Plasma TAS was lower in the CRC group than in the CONTROL group. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis revealed that the Se level was of the highest diagnostic utility for the discrimination of the CRC group from both the CRA group (area under ROC curve (AUC) 0.958, sensitivity 84.21%, specificity 100%) and the CONTROL group (AUC 0.873, sensitivity 100%, specificity 66.67%). The Zn and TAS levels were significantly accurate in the differentiation between the groups. An individualised risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer approach could comprise Se, Zn, and TAS assays in the population.

Selenium Status Associates with Thyroid Hormone and Thyroid Dysfunction in Older Chinese Adults.

Selenium (Se) is physiologically essential for thyroid function. However, epidemiological studies on the association between Se status and thyroid function are limited and the results are inconsistent. Therefore, we explored this association in an elderly Chinese population sample. Participants in the cross-sectional study were people aged 65 years or older who provided fingernail and whole blood samples. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were defined by serum thyroid hormones concentrations, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT3), and free thyrotropin (FT4). Significant positive association was observed between whole blood and fingernail Se concentrations (r = 0.672, P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest Se quartile (Q1), the other fingernail Se quartile groups had lower TSH, higher FT3 and FT4 levels, and Q2 had higher TT3 levels after adjusting for covariates; the other whole blood Se quartile groups had lower TSH levels, Q2 had higher FT3, FT4 and TT3 levels, Q3 had higher FT3 levels, and Q4 had higher FT4 levels after adjusting for covariates. Compared with Q1, the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of hypothyroidism for Q4 of whole blood Se was 0.141 (0.029,0.675), and the adjusted OR (95%CIs) of hyperthyroidism for Q2 and Q3 of fingernail Se were 4.121 (1.233,13.733) and 3.614 (1.095,11.926). Higher Se levels were significantly associated with lower TSH levels and higher levels of TT3, FT3 and FT4. Meanwhile, higher Se levels were associated with lower risk of hypothyroidism and higher risk of hyperthyroidism.

Identification of Factors on Blood Selenium Levels in the US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and its low or high concentration in vivo is associated with the high risk of many diseases. It is important to identify influential factors of Se status. The present study aimed to explore the association between several factors (Se intake, gender, age, race, education, body mass index (BMI), income, smoking and alcohol status) and blood Se concentration using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020 data. Demographic characteristics, physical examination, health interviews and diets were compared among quartiles of blood Se concentration using the Rao-Scott χ2 test. Se levels were compared between the different groups of factors studied, measuring the strength of their association. A total of 6205 participants were finally included. The normal reference ranges of blood Se concentration were 142.3 (2.5th percentile) and 240.8 μg/L (97.5th percentile), respectively. The mean values of dietary Se intake, total Se intake and blood Se concentration of the participants were 111.5 μg/day, 122.7 μg/day and 188.7 μg/L, respectively, indicating they were in the normal range. Total Se intake was the most important contributor of blood Se concentration. Gender, race, education status, income, BMI, smoking and alcohol status were associated with blood Se concentration.

Proteomic and transcriptomics profiles of serum selenium concentrations in patients with heart failure are associated with immunoregulatory processes

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Dutch Research Council, through the Open Competition ENW-KLEIN grant Background Low selenium concentrations are associated with worse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Therefore, we aimed to contrast serum selenium concentrations to blood proteomic and transcriptomic profiles in patients with HF. Methods Circulating proteins, whole blood transcriptomics and serum selenium measurements in a cohort of 2328 patients with worsening HF (BIOSTAT-CHF) were utilized to assess underlying pathophysiology. Penalized linear regression and gene expression analysis were used to assess proteins and transcriptomics profiles based on selenium concentrations, respectively. String database v11.5 was used for enrichment analyses. Additionally analyses of the association between genes encoding selenoproteins in relation to serum selenium and all-cause mortality were performed. Potential causality was investigated by supplementing human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with selenium and measuring the concentrations of 18 different cytokines. Results From 356 biomarkers and 20 clinical features, the penalized linear regression model yielded 44 variables with &amp;lt;5% marginal false discovery rate as predictors of serum selenium. Biomarkers associated positively with selenium concentrations included: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), IFN-gamma-R1, CD4, GDF15, and IL10. Biomarkers associated negatively with low selenium concentrations included: PCSK9, SPON2, TNFSF13, FGF21 and PAI. In addition, 148 RNA transcripts were found differentially expressed between high and low Se status (Padj.&amp;lt;0.05; fold change&amp;lt;|0.25|). Enrichment analyses of the selected biomarkers and the selected RNA transcripts identified similar enriched processes, including regulation processes of leukocyte differentiation and activation, as well as cytokines production. The expression of two gene encoding selenoproteins (MSRB1 and GPX4) were strongly correlated with serum selenium after multiple corrections, while GPX4, SELENOK, and SELENOS were associated with prognosis. In the in-vitro setting, PBMCs supplemented with selenium showed significantly lower abundance of several (pro-)inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion These data suggest that immunoregulation is an important mechanism through which selenium might have beneficial roles in heart failure. The beneficial effects of higher serum selenium concentrations are likely because of global immunomodulatory effects on the abundance of cytokines. MSRB1 and GPX4 are interesting targets as potential modulators of this immunoregulatory effect of selenium and should be pursued in future research.Cytokines concentrations

Study on Sustainable Development Model of Community Renewal based on the Green Development Model

The community is an important part of the city. With the city's development, it is faced with the problem of renewal and reconstruction of the old community. It is necessary to explore the sustainable development of the community. In this paper, evaluation and analysis of the coordinated development of the ecological environment and economy of the community are studied. The indicators were selected appropriately to reflect the SE and EE development status comprehensively. The results show that Nanjing, Wuhan and Xi'an take the top spot in terms of CCD, meaning it has the most harmonious relationship between the social-economic subsystem and eco-environment subsystem; Xi'an has the highest SE value, while Lianyungang has the lowest evaluation result. Nanjing has the highest EE value, indicating it has the best eco-environment development, while Suqian has the worst. This study provides a scientific basis and effective measures for sustainable development in China.

Selenium levels in colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of serum, plasma, and colorectal specimens

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health problem. Several clinical studies have shown a potentially protective effect of selenium (Se), but the reports are inconsistent. The objective of the study was to examine the evidence for relation between serum/tissue Se status and CRC. Method and materialsIn this Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, we searched Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, EMBASE, ProQuest, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies reporting serum/plasma/whole blood/tissue Se concentrations in CRC patients and controls for articles published till August 2023. Meta-analysis was performed, and study quality, heterogeneity, and small study effects were assessed. Based on a random effects model, summary mean differences in serum levels of Se between CRC patients and healthy controls, and Se levels between malignant and matched non-malignant tissue specimens were assessed. ResultsAfter initial screening, a total of 24 studies (18 serum and 6 tissue studies) with a pooled total of 2640 participants were included in the meta-analysis. CRC patients had significantly lower serum Se levels than healthy controls, being the difference between the two equal to 3.73 µg/dl (95% CI: 6.85–0.61). However, the heterogeneity was very high, I2= 99% (p < 0.01). Our meta-analysis showed higher Se levels in CRC cancerous specimens than in matched healthy colon tissue: the increase was equal to 0.07 µg/g wet tissue weight (95% CI: 0.06–0.09; p= 0.02). ConclusionsCRC patients have lower serum and higher colon cancerous tissue Se levels. Some factors, such as Se levels in different tumor grades of CRC need to be further considered for a more conclusive association between Se levels and risk of CRC.

The effect of supplementary selenium source on apparent and true absorption, retention, performance, and selenium status in lactating Holstein cows

Selenium is an essential trace mineral for dairy cattle and can be provided in the diet in various forms that may differ in bioavailability. The objective of this study was to determine how source of Se affects animal performance, Se status, retention, and apparent and true absorption. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 24; 597 ± 49 kg body weight) were blocked by days in milk (DIM; 161 ± 18) and randomly assigned to receive 0.3 mg Se/kg of dry matter (100% of NASEM requirements) of either organic Se (ORG; selenized yeast) or inorganic Se (INO; sodium selenite). The Se premix was top-dressed on a common total mixed ration fed daily and mixed into the top 15 cm directly before feeding. Following an 11-wk adaptation period, cows received simultaneous infusions of an intraruminal isotope dose of 77Se in the same chemical form as the premix, and an intravenous dose of 82Se in an inorganic form. Infusions were followed by a 4-d period of blood and rumen fluid sampling, and total collection of feces, urine, and milk. Daily dry matter intake (23 ± 0.6 kg), milk yield (35 ± 1.2 kg), and serum Se (0.11 ± 0.003 µg/g) were not different between treatments during the adaptation period, but milk Se concentrations were greater for ORG compared with INO. Serum 77Se maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) were not different between treatments for 72 h following infusion, but rumen fluid 77Se AUC was higher for ORG than INO. Apparent absorption (64 ± 1.4%), and retention (44 ± 1.5%) of the 77Se dose did not differ between treatments. True absorption was calculated using 82Se enrichment in serum and feces and was determined to be 69 ± 1.3% and did not differ between treatments. Fecal excretion of the 77Se dose was not different between treatments (36 ± 1.4%), but ORG had lower urinary excretion and higher milk excretion compared with INO. These results indicate that organic Se resulted in greater Se concentration of milk and lower urinary Se excretion into the environment, but absorption, Se status, and performance of the cow were not affected by Se source at this supplementation level.

Urine Se concentration poorly predicts plasma Se concentration at sub-district scales in Zimbabwe, limiting its value as a biomarker of population Se status.

The current study investigated the value of urine selenium (Se) concentration as a biomarker of population Se status in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Urine and plasma Se concentrations were measured among children aged 6-59 months (n = 608) and women of reproductive age (WRA, n = 781) living in rural Zimbabwe (Murehwa, Shamva, and Mutasa districts) and participating in a pilot national micronutrient survey. Selenium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and urine concentrations were corrected for hydration status. The median (Q1, Q3) urine Se concentrations were 8.4 μg/L (5.3, 13.5) and 10.5 μg/L (6.5, 15.2) in children and WRA, respectively. There was moderate evidence for a relationship between urine Se concentration and plasma Se concentration in children (p = 0.0236) and WRA (p = < 0.0001), but the relationship had poor predictive value. Using previously defined thresholds for optimal activity of iodothyronine deiodinase (IDI), there was an association between deficiency when indicated by plasma Se concentrations and urine Se concentrations among WRA, but not among children. Urine Se concentration poorly predicted plasma Se concentration at sub-district scales in Zimbabwe, limiting its value as a biomarker of population Se status in this context. Further research is warranted at wider spatial scales to determine the value of urine Se as a biomarker when there is greater heterogeneity in Se exposure.

A follow-up study on factors affecting the recovery of patients with hypothyroidism in different selenium environments

BackgroundHypothyroidism is a major manifestation of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). We previously reported that a low selenium (Se) status was linked to an elevated prevalence of thyroid diseases. We hypothesized that Se status may also influence the restoration of thyroid function. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the recovery of thyroid function in patients with (sub-)clinical hypothyroidism, with a specific focus on Se status.MethodsWe conducted a 6-year prospective cohort study comparing two counties with different Se concentrations. Demographic and disease data were collected from 1,190 individuals (549 Se-adequate and 641 Se-deficient) who completed a follow-up study in 2019. In addition, urinary iodine (I) levels, thyroid function, and serum and nail Se levels were measured. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between Se deficiency and recovery of thyroid function.ResultsSex and smoking status was similar between the two counties studied. Thyroid function recovery rate was significantly higher in Se-deficient counties (46.0% vs. 30.6%, P = 0.008). In the multivariate analysis, our results show that female sex (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 1.875 (1.080–3.257), P = 0.026] and increasing age [OR (95%CI) = 1.028(1.007–1.049), P = 0.009] were associated with the recovery rate. Additionally, our study revealed that while Se status was significant in the univariate analysis, this association appeared to disappear in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionsFemale sex and increasing age have unfavorable effects on the recovery of thyroid function in patients over 30 years of age with (sub-) clinical hypothyroidism.

Comparison of different organic selenium supplementations on selenium status and serum biomarkers in dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of two different organic selenium (Se) supplements, selenomethionine (Se-Met) and selenohomolanthionine (Se-Hlan), on the serum biochemical parameters and Se status of dairy cows. Different dietary Se supplementation treatments were set as follows: a control group (CON, adding sodium selenite at 0.3mg Se/kg dry matter [DM]), 0.3 and 0.5 Se-Met (adding Se-Met at 0.3 and 0.5mg Se/kg DM, respectively), as well as 0.3 and 0.5 Se-Hlan (adding Se-Hlan at 0.3 and 0.5mg Se/kg DM, respectively). The experiment lasted 8weeks. The serum measurements showed that both organic Se treatments resulted in higher uric acid than CON. Se-Met produced higher aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, urea, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase than Se-Hlan. Regarding the Se status, the highest milk Se values appeared in 0.5 Se-Met, with intermediate values in 0.3 Se-Met and 0.5 Se-Hlan, whereas the highest and lowest serum Se levels were presented in 0.5 Se-Met and 0.3 Se-Hlan, respectively. Our results suggest that Se-Hlan was not as efficient in boosting serum or milk Se as Se-Met and differences in serum biomarkers between Se-Met and Se-Hlan may be associated with distinct metabolic pathways for different forms of organic Se.

Assessment of Se, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb content status in Ankang tea plantations of China

Assessment of Se, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb content status in Ankang tea plantations of China

Selenium bioactive compounds produced by beneficial microbes.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element present as selenocysteine (SeCys) in selenoproteins, which have an important role in thyroid metabolism and the redox system in humans. Se deficiency affects between 500 and 1000 million people worldwide. Increasing Se intake can prevent from bacterial and viral infections. Se deficiency has been associated with cancer, Alzheimer, Parkinson, decreased thyroid function, and male infertility. Se intake depends on the food consumed which is directly related to the amount of Se in the soil as well as on its availability. Se is unevenly distributed on the earth's crust, being scarce in some regions and in excess in others. The easiest way to counteract the symptoms of Se deficiency is to enhance the Se status of the human diet. Se salts are the most toxic form of Se, while Se amino acids and Se-nanoparticles (SeNPs) are the least toxic and most bio-available forms. Some bacteria transform Se salts into these Se species. Generally accepted as safe selenized microorganisms can be directly used in the manufacture of selenized fermented and/or probiotic foods. On the other hand, plant growth-promoting bacteria and/or the SeNPs produced by them can be used to promote plant growth and produce crops enriched with Se. In this chapter we discuss bacterial Se metabolism, the effect of Se on human health, the applications of SeNPs and Se-enriched bacteria, as well as their effect on food fortification. Different strategies to counteract Se deficiency by enriching foods using sustainable strategies and their possible implications for improving human health are discussed.

Selenium status of beef cattle in the Czech Republic

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of selenium (Se) deficiency in Angus Aberdeen (AA) cows and calves during the grazing season on several farms in different geographical locations of the Czech Republic. Selenium deficiency was diagnosed by measuring Se concentrations in whole blood. A total of 78 cows and 78 calves aged 3 to 6 months were examined in eight herds. The reference range of blood Se in cows and calves is 80 to 120 ug/l. Lower values are indicative of deficiency. Overall, Se deficiency was observed in 39.75% cows and 80.76% calves. Suboptimal Se status was mainly a consequence of low Se concentration in pasture vegetation. The Se concentration in plants ranged from 0.032 to 0.086 mg/kg on dry matter basis. Selenium deficiency adversely affected fertility and natality in cattle. In the herd with the highest prevalence of Se deficiency (Herd 2), the number of calves reared till 6 months of age per 100 cows (natality) was as low as 80. The findings show that the grazing cattle suffered from major Se deficiency. The results of the study highlight the importance of implementing early diagnosis, effective prevention, and use of appropriate mineral supplements.

Selenoprotein-p as Biomarker of Selenium Status in Obese Children and Adolescents

Background: The child and adolescent obesity have become a major public health problem. Selenoprotien p1 (SEPP1) is widely acknowledged to be among the most delicate functional indicators of Se status and it plays a role in the metabolism of Se and in anti-oxidative defense. So, we aimed to assess Selenoprotein-p level in obese children and adolescents.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional comparative work included 60 children: 30 obese children and the control group consisted of 30 children who were healthy and matched in terms of gender and age. A comprehensive taking of history and clinical assessment with anthropometric measurements were conducted on all children and adolescents. Basic investigations and serum selenoprotien-p1 level were performed.&#x0D; Results: Serum selenoprotien-p1 (SEPP1) levels were substantially decreased in obese children contrasted to controls.&#x0D; Conclusions: Selenoprotien p1 levels were substantially decreased in obese children and adolescent. Selenoprotien p1 could be a sensitive functional biomarker of selenium status.