Selenium Group Research Articles

Complementary medicine use during adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer.

e12088 Background: Complementary medicine (CM) is used widely in cancer patients, mostly in palliative treatment regimes or during chemotherapy. In contrast, the use of CM during curative Radiotherapy (RT) is less frequent.The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of CM with regard to toxicity and recurrence during postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer. Methods: Between 2010 and 2013 all patients intended for adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer received a questionnaire concerning the use of CM e.g. Vitamins, trace elements, enzymes, natural herbs etc. (yes / no) and if yes what kinds. Radiotherapy was applied with 50.4 Gy to the whole breast and a Boost of 10.8 Gy in 6.5 weeks.6 weeks after radiotherapy the side effects were analyzed. Follow up for progression rates was done yearly. Results: A total number of 879 patients with breast cancer completed the questionnaire, 641 (73%) did not take any CM and 238 (27%) took CM. There were almost 40 different products mentioned and the most common were magnesium (n=71) and selenium (n=38). The RT side effects (Dermatitis RTOG grade 0, I, II, III/IV) 6 weeks after completion of RT were as follow: in the non CM group 53% grade 0, 41% grade I, and 6% grade II, 0% grade III/IV. And in the CM group 54%, 39%, 9%, and 0% respectively. The corresponding side effects for the group taking magnesium were 35% 42%, 6% and 1% and for the selenium group 47%, 47%, 5% and 0%. There was no significant difference in side effects between the non CM and CM patients, respectively magnesium and selenium group . The sum of all registered disease progression (0 years – 5 years) were in the non CM group 6.4%, in the CM group 6.3%, in the magnesium group 5.6% and in the selenium group 7.9%, no significant difference could be detected between all groups. Conclusions: In this cohort, 27 % of patients used CM during adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer. The most commonly product is magnesium followed by selenium. A measurable influence of CM on RT side effects or disease progression could not be identified.

Selenium modulates MMP2 expression through the TGFβ1/Smad signalling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and rabbits following lipid disturbance

BackgroundA high-fat diet is a major risk factor for coronary heart diseases. Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) expression is changed in many cardiovascular diseases. Selenium, which is an important trace element in animals, has a close relationship with cardiovascular diseases. The TGFβ1/Smad signalling pathway is ubiquitous in diverse tissues and cells, and it is also associated with the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine selenium's effect on lipid metabolism, atherosclerotic plaque formation, and MMP2 expression, as well as the underlying functional mechanism. Methods and resultsIn vivo tests: 24 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: regular diet, high-fat diet, high-fat diet+selenium and regular diet+selenium groups. The high-fat diet induced the lipid disturbances of rabbits at week 12. Selenium supplementation lowered total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels (p<0.01). Selenium supplementation also suppressed MMP2 over-expression in thoracic aortas. In vitro tests: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with different concentrations of selenium or ox-LDL. Ox-LDL promoted MMP2 expression by increasing TGFβ1, pSmad2, pSmad3 and Smad3 expression (p<0.01). Selenium attenuated MMP2 over-expression by regulating the TGFβ1/Smad signalling pathway. ConclusionsSelenium suppressed high-fat diet-induced MMP2 over-expression in vivo by improving lipid metabolism. In vitro, selenium attenuated MMP2 over-expression through the TGFβ1/Smad signalling pathway.

Dietary linseed oil supplemented with organic selenium improved the fatty acid nutritional profile, muscular selenium deposition, water retention, and tenderness of fresh pork

Cross-bred pigs were fed a control diet (with 0.3ppm sodium selenite and 1.5% soybean oil) or organic selenium diets (0.3ppm Se-Yeast with 1.5% soybean or linseed oil) to investigate nutrient supplement effects on meat quality and oxidative stability. The organic selenium diets increased muscular selenium content up to 54%, and linseed oil increased n-3 fatty acids two-fold while lowering the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio from 13.9 to 5.9 over the selenite control diet (P<0.05). Organic selenium yeast treatments with linseed oil reduced pork drip loss by 58–74% when compared with diets with soybean oil. Lightness of fresh pork was slightly less for organic selenium groups than inorganic (P<0.05), but redness was mostly similar. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) and protein oxidation (sulfhydryl) during meat storage (4°C up to 6days) showed no appreciable difference (P>0.05) between diets, in agreement with the lack of notable difference in endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity between these meat groups.

Selenium Administration Attenuates 5-Flurouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis

ABSTRACTChemotherapy-induced mucositis is mediated by the release of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Selenium has several metabolic functions, including the protection of membrane lipids and macromolecules against oxidative damage. However, to date, there is little evidence on the effect of trace elements on intestinal mucositis after chemotherapy. This study investigated the protective effect of selenium against chemotherapy-induced mucositis in rats. Twenty-four 9-wk-old female Wistar rats were randomized to 4 groups: control, selenium, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and 5-FU plus selenium. Mucositis was induced by a single dose of 5-FU (400 mg/kg BW) via intraperitoneal injection, and selenium was administered by a single intraperitoneal dose of sodium selenite (0.2 mg/kg BW). Diarrhea and weight loss after 5-FU administration were attenuated by selenium treatment. The mean villus height in the 5-FU plus selenium group was significantly taller than rats administered with 5-FU alone, but not significantly different compared to the control group. Interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA expression were significantly lower in the 5-FU plus selenium group than in the 5-FU only group (IL-1β, P < 0.01; TNF-α, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that selenium protects the mucosa during chemotherapy via its anti-inflammatory effects and its suppression of cytotoxic cytokine production.

Effect of selenium supplementation for protection of salivary glands from iodine-131 radiation damage in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

In the current study, we examined whether selenium supplementation during iodine-131 (131I) treatment had a radio-protective effect on salivary glands. Sixteen patients with differentiated thyroid cancer were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients after total thyroidectomy, before 131I treatment, were divided into two groups; 8 patients in the selenium group and 8 patients in the control group. Patients in the selenium group received 300νg of selenium orally for 10 days, from 3 days before to 6 days after 131I treatment. The control group received a placebo over the same period. To assess salivary gland function, salivary gland scintigraphy was performed before and 6 months after 131I treatment. Serum amylase and whole blood selenium levels were measured before and 2 days and 6 months after 131I treatment. Using salivary gland scintigraphy, maximum uptake ratio (MUR), maximum secretion percentage (MSP), and ejection fraction (EF) of each salivary gland were calculated. Baseline clinical characteristics, baseline amylase and selenium levels, and parameters of baseline salivary gland scintigraphy were not significantly different between selenium and control groups (P>0.05). On a blood test performed 2 days after 131I treatment, the selenium group showed a significantly higher whole blood selenium level (P=0.008) and significantly lower serum amylase level (P=0.009) than the control group. On follow-up salivary gland scintigraphy, the control group showed significantly decreased, MUR of the bilateral parotid and left submandibular glands, MSP of the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands, and EF of the left submandibular glands (P<0.05), while the selenium group only had a significant decrease in MSP of the right submandibular gland and EF of the left submandibular gland (P<0.05). Selenium supplementation during 131I treatment was effective to reduce salivary glands damage by 131I radiation in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Role of Selenium from Different Sources in Prevention of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Syndrome in Broiler Chickens.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) syndrome in broilers is associated with hypoxia, which prevails at high altitude. Oxidative stress is the pathogenic mechanism underlying PAH. Because selenium is key element in the structure of antioxidant enzymes, we evaluated pulmonary hypertensive responses in broiler chickens fed with diets supplemented with organic or nano-selenium. One hundred forty-four broilers (starting at 5days old) were fed with (i) control group: birds received a standard diet; (ii) nano-selenium group: birds were fed with basal diet supplemented with nano-selenium at 0.3mg/kg; and (iii) organic selenium group: birds received basal diet supplemented with organic selenium at 0.3mg/kg. We assessed growth performance, carcass characteristics, antioxidant variables, blood parameters, and small intestine morphology. Although Se supplementation did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, and organ weight (P>0.05), the right to total ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV), malondialdehyde concentration in the liver, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were significantly lower in the nano-selenium group relative to the control (P<0.05). Chickens that received nano-selenium also elicited significantly higher antibody titers after 24h of an injection of sheep red blood cells (P<0.05). Nano-selenium supplementation also significantly increased villus height, absorptive surface area, and lamina propria thickness relative to the control (P<0.05) in different segments of the small intestine. In contrast, organic selenium supplement improved intestinal morphometry only in the jejunum. We conclude that dietary supplementation of 0.30mg/kg nano-selenium could prevent right ventricular hypertrophy as reflected by reduced RV:TV, reduced levels of lipid peroxidation in the liver, and improved gut function.

Protecting Role of Selenium on the Cytotoxic Effect of Profenofos on Rabbit Fertility

Profenofos is an Organophosphorous compound and acaricide used in Egypt with cumulative toxic effects causing reproductive dysfunction and increase in reactive oxygen species production. Protective and anti-oxidant effects of selenium can improve the activity of radical scavenger. So, the aim of this study was to elucidate the protective effects of Selenium against reproductive toxicity induced by Profenofos in male and female New Zealand rabbits (n=18). Three experimental groups (3 males and 3 females per each group) receiving a combination of Profenofos (70 mg/ kg b. w.) and/or selenium in drinking water (25 mg/ kg b. w.) for 90-day was divided as follows: non treated (control), Profenofos alone and Profenofos + selenium group. Profenofos caused a decrease in body and organs weights compared to control group. It had a fetotoxic effect resulting in a significant reduction in pregnancy rate and the number of viable feti in treated animals. Also, Profenofos caused a significant elevation in ALT, AST, MDA, urea and creatinine, while a significant decrease was noticed in SOD, GSH, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone in all treated rabbits compared to control group. Concomitant administration of selenium with Profenofos alleviated the induced alterations. In addition to, histopathological results revealed that testes, epididymis, ovary and uterus alterations represented by degenerative and inflammatory changes as a result of Profenofos exposure. Profenofos had a carcinogenic effect on uterus as leiomyoma with rhabdomyosarcoma which gave positive immunoreactivity with Desmin and Smooth muscle actin. Also, Profenofos caused histopathological and histochemical effects in liver and kidney tissues. There was intensive positive immunoreactivity for caspase- 3 (dark brown granules) was observed in the cytoplasm of apoptotic testicular, ovarian and uterine cells that indicating the severity of Profenofos toxicity. On the other hand, examined tissues of Profenofos in combination with selenium treated group showed apparent reduction of caspase-3 immunoreactivity to be more or less similar to the control group. In conclusion, selenium is a valuable cytoprotective which reduced the oxidative stress toxicity induced by Profenofos in the reproductive system of male and female as well as liver and kidney albino rabbits.

Early Administration of Selenium in Patients with Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Double-blinded Controlled Trial.

Aim:The present study was carried out to examine this hypothesis that administration of selenium can prevent the development of injuries by brain trauma and thus can modulate patients’ functional recovery and also improve posttraumatic outcome.Materials and Methods:This double-blinded controlled trial was carried out on 113 patients who were hospitalized following traumatic brain injury (TBI) with Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4–12 that were randomly assigned to receive selenium within 8 h after injury plus standard treatment group or routine standard treatment alone as the control. The primary endpoint was to assess patients’ functional recovery at 2 months after the injury based on extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score (GOS-E). Secondary outcomes included the changes in Full Outline of Unresponsiveness score (FOUR) score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III score, side effects of selenium, length of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, and length of hospital stay.Results:There was no difference in the length of ICU and hospital stay, the trend of the change in FOUR and SOFA scores within 15 days of first interventions, and the mean APACHE III score on the 1st and 15th days between the two groups. Mortality was 15.8% in selenium group and 19.6% in control group with no between-group difference. No difference was revealed between the two groups in appropriate outcome according to GOS-E score at 60 ± 10 days and also 30 ± 5 days according to the severity of TBI.Conclusion:This human trial study could not demonstrate beneficial effects of intravenous infusion of selenium in the improvement of outcomes in patients with acute TBI.

The Effect of High-dose Parenteral Sodium Selenite in Critically Ill Patients following Sepsis: A Clinical and Mechanistic Study.

Introduction:Severe sepsis and septic shock is characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. Selenium levels have been reported to be low due to loss or increased requirements during severe sepsis and septic shock. We investigated the effect of high-dose parenteral selenium administration in septic patients.Methods:A prospective, randomized control clinical trial was performed in septic patients. After randomization, patients in selenium group received high-dose parenteral sodium selenite (2 mg intravenous [IV] bolus followed by 1.5 mg IV continuous infusion daily for 14 days) plus standard therapy and the control group received standard therapy. The primary endpoint was mortality at 28 days. Changes in the mean levels of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) protein and superoxide dismutase (SOD), duration of vasopressor therapy, incidence of acute renal failure, and 60 days’ mortality were secondary endpoints.Results:Fifty-four patients were randomized into selenium group (n = 29) and control group (n = 25). There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality. No significant difference between the two groups with respect to the average levels of HMGB-1 protein and SOD at any point in time over the course of 14 days had observed.Conclusion:In early administration within the first 6 h of sepsis diagnosis, our study demonstrated that high-dose parenteral selenium administration had no significant effect either on 28-day mortality or the mean levels of HMGB-1 and SOD (Trial Registration: IRCT201212082887N4 at WHO Clinical Trial Registry, August 29, 2014).

Sodium selenite ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced chronic colitis in mice by decreasing Th1, Th17, and γδT and increasing CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T-cell responses.

AIMTo assess the effect of sodium selenite on the severity of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice.METHODSMice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10/group): normal group, selenium (Se) group, chronic colitis group, and Se + chronic colitis group. The mice were sacrificed on day 26. Survival rates, clinical symptoms, colon length, and histological changes were determined. The percentages and absolute numbers of immune system cells in the lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL) of the colon, the expression of mRNA in colon tissue, and the concentrations of Th1, Th17, and Treg cytokines in LPL from the large intestine, were measured.RESULTSSe significantly ameliorated the symptoms of colitis and histological injury (P < 0.05 each), increasing the proportions of neutrophils and CD4+ CD25+ T cells (P < 0.05 each) and decreasing the proportions of γδT cells, CD4+, CD4+CD44+, and CD4+ CD69+ T cells in LPL (P < 0.05 each). Moreover, Se reduced the expression of IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-21, T-bet, and RORγt (P < 0.05 each), but enhanced the expression of IL-10 and Foxp3 (P < 0.05 each).CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that Se protects against DSS-induced chronic colitis perhaps by increasing the number of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs that suppress the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and populations of Th1, Th17, and γδT cells.

Effects of Sodium Selenite on Formaldehyde Induced Renal Toxicity in Mice

Background: Formaldehyde is widely used for industrial applications. Renal injury is an adverse effect associated with formaldehyde. Few studies have explored the potential benefits of protective factors on formaldehyde induced renal toxicity. This study evaluated the dose dependent effects of sodium selenite on the biochemical and histopathological effects of formaldehyde on murine kidney. Methods: Forty eight adult Balb/c male mice were randomized into six groups: a control group, a formaldehyde group and experimental III-VI groups. Formaldehyde group was injected with 10 mg/kg formaldehyde and groups III-VI received intraperitoneally doses of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg/kg selenium. After two weeks, a stereological study was done in accordance with the principle of Cavalieri and serum concentrations of urea and creatinine were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and SPSS software. Results: Glomerosclerosis, necrosis and vacuolization were observed in the convoluted tubules of animals treated with formaldehyde. The biochemical markers, volume and count of glomeruli in the group treated with formaldehyde was significantly difference compared to the control group (P<0.05). The volume of the glomeruli in the group treated with 0.2 and 0.4 mg selenium and urea level in the group treated with 0.4 and 0.1 mg/kg selenium was significantly difference compared to the control group (P <0.05). The count of glomeruli and creatinine level in the selenium group was significantly difference compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: A dose of 0.2 mg/kg of sodium selenite caused partial protective effect on the renal tissue and function in exposed to formaldehyde.

Clinical and Metabolic Response to Selenium Supplementation in Pregnant Women at Risk for Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Data on the effects of selenium supplementation on clinical signs and metabolic profiles in women at risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are scarce. This study was designed to assess the effects of selenium supplementation on clinical signs and metabolic status in pregnant women at risk for IUGR. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 60 women at risk for IUGR according to abnormal uterine artery Doppler waveform. Participants were randomly assigned to intake either 100μg selenium supplements as tablet (n=30) or placebo (n=30) for 10weeks between 17 and 27weeks of gestation. After 10weeks of selenium administration, a higher percentage of women in the selenium group had pulsatility index (PI) of <1.45) (P=0.002) than of those in the placebo group. In addition, changes in plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P<0.001), glutathione (GSH) (P=0.008), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P=0.004) in the selenium group were significant compared with the placebo group. Additionally, selenium supplementation significantly decreased serum insulin (P=0.02), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P=0.02), and homeostatic model assessment for B-cell function (HOMA-B) (P=0.02) and significantly increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (P=0.04) and HDL-C levels (P=0.02) compared with the placebo. We did not find any significant effect of selenium administration on malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and other lipid profiles. Overall, selenium supplementation in pregnant women at risk for IUGR resulted in improved PI, TAC, GSH, hs-CRP, and markers of insulin metabolism and HDL-C levels, but it did not affect MDA, NO, FPG, and other lipid profiles.Clinical trial registration number http://www.irct.ir : IRCT201601045623N64.

Impact of DDGS-supplemented diet with or without vitamin E and selenium supplementation on the fatty acid profile of beef

Abstract The impact of supplementation of vitamin E or organic selenium in DDGS (dried distillers grains with solubles) diet on fatty acid composition in two meat cuts of finishing Holstein bulls was investigated. Twenty-four Holstein bulls were allotted to treatments in three groups of eight bulls per group for a 100-day trial. The treatments were adequate Se and vitamin E supplementation in control group (C), supranutritional vitamin E supplementation in vitamin Group E (E), supranutritional Se supplementation in selenium group (Se). At similar age, slaughtering Group C had higher slaughter/carcass weight and EUROP fat score than Se counterparts. The killing out percentage and proximate composition of muscles differed among treatments. Inclusion of the vitamin E or Se supplement led to expected increases (P &lt; 0.05) in vitamin E and Se contents of the brisket and loin. Higher vitamin E concentration caused significant lower SFA and greater PUFA. Higher Se level influenced significant SFA in brisket and PUFA in both muscles. Vitamin E or Se dietary treatments in DDGS-supplemented diet resulted in beef meat cuts considerably beneficial PUFA/SFA but markedly higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio and even higher health index in both meat samples opposite to Group C.

Substituent Effects in BODIPY in Live Cell Imaging.

Small-molecule organoselenium-based fluorescent probes possess great capacity in understanding biological processes through the detection of various analytes such as reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), biothiols (cysteine, homocysteine and glutathione), lipid droplets, etc. Herein, we present how substituents on the BODIPY system play a significant part in the detection of biologically important analytes for in vitro conditions and live cell imaging studies. The fluorescence of the probe was quenched by 2-chloro and 6-phenyl selenium groups; the probe shows high selectivity with NaOCl among other ROS/RNS, and gives a turn-on response. The maximum fluorescence intensity is attained within ≈1-2 min with a low detection limit (19.6 nm), and shows a ≈110-fold fluorescence enhancement compared to signals generated for other ROS/RNS. Surprisingly, in live cell experiments, the probe specifically located and accumulated in lipid droplets, and showed a fluorescence turn-on response. We believe this turn-on response occurred because of aggregation-induced emission (AIE), which surprisingly occurred only by introducing one lipophilic mesityl group at the meso position of the BODIPY.

Selenium Supplementation Significantly Reduces Thyroid Autoantibody Levels in Patients with Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Selenium supplementation may decrease circulating thyroid autoantibodies in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), but the available trials are heterogenous. This study expands and critically reappraises the knowledge on this topic. A literature search identified 3366 records. Controlled trials in adults (≥18 years of age) with AIT, comparing selenium with or without levothyroxine (LT4), versus placebo and/or LT4, were eligible. Assessed outcomes were serum thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin (TgAb) autoantibody levels, and immunomodulatory effects. After screening and full-text assessment, 16 controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Random-effects meta-analyses in weighted mean difference (WMD) were performed for 3, 6, and 12 months of supplementation in two different populations: one receiving LT4 therapy and one newly diagnosed and LT4-untreated. Heterogeneity was estimated using I2, and quality of evidence was assessed per outcome, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. In LT4-treated populations, the selenium group had significantly lower TPOAb levels after three months (seven studies: WMD = -271 [confidence interval (CI) -366 to -175]; p < 0.0001; I2 = 45.4%), which was consistent at six months (three studies) and 12 months (one study). TgAb decreased at 12 months, but not at three or six months. In LT4-untreated populations, the selenium group showed a decrease in TPOAb levels after three months (three studies: WMD = -512 [CI -626 to -398]; p < 0.0001, I2 = 0.0%), but not after 6 or 12 months. TgAb decreased at 3 months, but not at 6 or 12 months. Quality of evidence was generally assessed as low. Study participants receiving selenium had a significantly higher risk than controls of reporting adverse effects (p = 0.036). Selenium supplementation reduced serum TPOAb levels after 3, 6, and 12 months in an LT4-treated AIT population, and after three months in an untreated AIT population. Whether these effects correlate with clinically relevant measures remains to be demonstrated.

Physiological effect Of Selenium&amp; Green treatment on Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

The present study was a trial to investigate the physiological effect of Selenium& Green tea as natural antioxidant on cisplatin- induced nephrotoxicity in rates. Thirty two adult male albino rats (Sprague – Dawley) were divided into two main groups. First group: 8 rats were fed on standard diet (S.D.), as a negative control group. Second group: 24 rats were injected with a single dose of Cisplatin (CP) for inducing nephrotoxicity (2.5 mg/Kg BW) then it was divided to three subgroups (8 rats/ subgroup). Subgroup (1): fed on (S.D.) as a positive control group (nephrotoxic group). Subgroup (2): fed on (S.D.) + Selenium (0.6 mg/Kg BW/day).Subgroup (3): fed on (S.D.) +Green Tea (100 mg /kg BW/day). The experimental period was four weeks. The results proved that selenium& green tea groups showed significant increase in body weight gain (BWG) and food efficiency ratio (FER) when compared with nephrotoxic group. Rats treated with Selenium and Green tea showed significant increase in antioxidant level: serum vitamin E & kidney glutathione when compared with nephrotoxic group. The results showed that Selenium and Green tea groups showed significant reduction in kidney function indices: serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, nitric oxide and serum sodium in compared with nephrotoxic group. Best results in histopathological examination of kidney were in Selenium group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the use of selenium& green tea could be beneficial in improving kidney functions in nephrotoxic rats, through a significant decrease in peroxidative levels and increase in antioxidant status.

Phase III randomised chemoprevention study with selenium on the recurrence of non-invasive urothelial carcinoma. The SELEnium and BLAdder cancer Trial

BackgroundIn Belgium, bladder cancer (BC) is the fifth most common cancer in men. The per-patient lifetime cost is high. Previous epidemiological studies have consistently reported that selenium concentrations were inversely associated with the risk of BC. We therefore hypothesised that selenium may be suitable for chemoprevention of recurrence of BC. MethodThe Selenium and Bladder Cancer Trial (SELEBLAT) was an academic phase III placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised clinical trial designed to determine the effect of selenium on recurrence of non-invasive urothelial carcinoma conducted in 14 Belgian hospitals. Patients were randomly assigned by a computer program to oral selenium yeast 200 μg once a day or placebo for three years, in addition to standard care. All study personnel and participants were blinded to treatment assignment for the duration of the study. All randomised patients were included in the intention to treat (ITT) and safety analyses. Per protocol analyses (PPAs) included all patients in the study three months after start date. ResultsBetween September 18, 2009 and April 18, 2013, 151 and 141 patients were randomised in the selenium and placebo group. Patients were followed until December 31, 2015. The ITT analysis resulted in 43 (28%; 95% CI, 0.21–0.35) and 45 (32%; 95% CI, 0.24–0.40) recurrences in the selenium and placebo group. The hazard ratio (HR) was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.56–1.29; p = 0.44) while the HR for the PPA resulted in 42 and 39 (28%; 95% CI, 0.20–0.35) recurrences in the selenium and placebo group (HR = 0.96 [95% CI, 0.62–1.48]; p = 0.93). ConclusionSelenium supplementation does not lower the probability of recurrence in BC patients.

Effect of magnesium and selenium on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-20 and kallikrein 4 in fluorosis mice

To study the effect of magnesium/selenium on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-20(MMP-20) and kallikrein 4(KLK4) during fluorosis in mice and to explore the formation mechanism of dental fluorosis. Eighty SPF male ICR mice were randomly divided into 8 groups according to body weight: control group, magnesium group, selenium group, magnesium-selenium group, fluoride group, magnesium-fluorine group, selenium-fluorine group and magnesium-selenium-fluorine group. Mice in control, magnesium, selenium and magnesium-selenium groups were fed double steamed water, and mice in the other four groups were feddouble steamed water with 50 mg/L F(-). Mice in control and fluoride groups were fed conventionally. Mice in magnesium and magnesium-fluorine groups were fed conventionally by adding MgSO4·7H2O 162.5 mg/kg. Mice in selenium and selenium-fluorine groups were fed conventionally by adding Na2SeO3·5H2O 2 mg/kg. Mice in magnesium-selenium and magnesium-selenium-fluorine groups were fed conventionally by adding MgSO4·7 H2O 162.5 mg/kg + Na2SeO3·5H2O 2 mg/kg. Incisor specimens were obtained after the mice were put into death when they were 42 days. The expressions of MMP-20 and KLK4 were observed by using immunohisto-chemicalstain. The meangray value of MMP-20 of fluoride group(133.1±10.3) was significantly higher than that of control group(116.8±10.0), magnesium group (113.6 ± 9.6), magnesium-selenium group(108.2 ± 15.2), magnesium-fluorine group(111.1 ± 8.1) and magnesium-selenium-fluorine group(108.2 ± 11.0), respectively(F=3.864, P<0.05). The mean gray value of MMP-20 of magnesium-selenium-fluorine group(108.2±11.0) was significantly lower than that of selenium group(125.4 ± 7.9), fluoride group (133.1 ± 10.3) and selenium-fluorine group(126.2 ± 2.8), respectively(F= 3.864, P<0.05). The mean gray value of KLK4 of magnesium-selenium group(117.2±11.7) was significantly lower than others(137.3±7.9 of control group, 144.2±7.7 of magnesium group, 138.9±13.3 of selenium group, 149.7 ± 12.4 of fluoride group, 148.9 ± 7.5 of magnesium-fluorine group, 140.6 ± 17.0 of selenium-fluorine group and 140.7 ± 7.3 of magnesium-selenium-fluorine group, F=3.668, P<0.05). In factorial analysis of fluorosis mice, magnesium had effect on the expression of MMP-20(F=42.613, P<0.05), selenium had effect on the expression of KLK4(F=6.649, P<0.05). The excessive fluoride could inhibit the expressions of MMP-20. The excessive fluoride hadno significant influence on the expression of KLK4. Magnesium and selenium had antagonistic effect on the dental fluorosis.

Selenium Protects Retinal Cells from Cisplatin-Induced Alterations in Carbohydrate Residues.

Investigate alterations in the expression and localization of carbohydrate units in rat retinal cells exposed to cisplatin toxicity. The aim of the study was to evaluate putative protective effects of selenium on retinal cells subjected to cisplatin. Animal experiment. Eighteen healthy Wistar rats were divided into three equal groups: 1. Control, 2. Cisplatin and 3. Cisplatin+selenium groups. After anesthesia, the right eye of each rat was enucleated. Histochemically, retinal cells of control groups reacted with α-2,3-bound sialic acid-specific Maackia amurensis lectin (MAA) strongly, while cisplatin reduced the staining intensity for MAA. However, selenium administration alleviated the reducing effect of cisplatin on the binding sites for MAA in retinal cells. The staining intensity for N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc residues) specific Griffonia simplicifolia-1 (GSL-1) was relatively slight in control animals and cisplatin reduced this slight staining for GSL-1 further. Selenium administration mitigated the reducing effect of cisplatin on the binding sites for GSL-1. A diffuse staining for N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) specific wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was observed throughout the retina of the control animals. In particular, cells localized in the inner plexiform and photoreceptor layers are reacted strongly with WGA. Compared to the control animals, binding sites for WGA in the retina of rats given cisplatin were remarkably decreased. However, the retinal cells of rats given selenium reacted strongly with WGA. Cisplatin reduces α-2,3-bound sialic acid, GlcNAc and GalNAc residues in certain retinal cells. However, selenium alleviates the reducing effect of cisplatin on carbohydrate residues in retinal cells.

The antioxidant effect of Beackea frutescence microemulsions dietary supplements on skin absorption studies

Objective: To study the effect of two different microemulsions containing Beackea frutescence supplements composed of nerolidool, selenium and vitamin E on absorption effect related to skin health and skin aging.Materials and methods: A total of 39 volunteers with normal and healthy skin were divided into three groups (n = 13) and supplemented for a period of 12 weeks. Group 1 received a mixture of lutein (3 mg/day), lycopene (3 mg/day), α-tocopherol (10 mg/day), selenium (75 μg/day) and β-nerolidool (4.8 mg/day) and Group 2 was supplemented with a mixture of β-nerolidool (4.8 mg/day), lycopene (6 mg/day), selenium (75 μg/day) and α-tocopherol (10 mg/day). Group 3 was the placebo control. Wrinkling, smoothness, scaling and roughness of the skin were determined by Surface Evaluation of Living Skin (Visioscan).Results: Upon supplementation, serum levels of selected nerolidool increased in both groups. Skin thickness and density were determined by ultrasound measurements. A significant increase for both parameters was determined in the serum groups. Roughness and scaling were improved by the supplementation with antioxidant micronutrients. In the placebo group, no changes were found for any of the parameters.Conclusion: Beackea frutescence microemulsion supplements have shown significant change in the texture of human skin as well as scaling, wrinkling, smoothness and roughness were improved by the supplementation.