Hair Selenium Research Articles

Characteristics and migration patterns of selenium in soil, crops, and hair within a typical alkaline arid agricultural region of Northwest China

The soil is the primary source of selenium intake for humans and animals. Investigating selenium's migration from soil to crops and the human body holds significant scientific value in assessing agroecosystems and human well-being. This study analyzes selenium levels in soils, crops, and human hair in Aksu, Xinjiang, a selenium-rich farmland, focusing on the Selenium-Crop-Hair System (SCHS). In Aksu's selenium-rich farmland, soil selenium ranged from 0.09 to 4.60 mg/kg, averaging 0.356 mg/kg. Among crops, average selenium content ranked as follows: wheat (0.084 mg/kg) > rice (0.079 mg/kg) > maize (0.065 mg/kg) > carrot (0.058 mg/kg) > walnut (0.044 mg/kg) > apple (0.042 mg/kg) > jujubes (0.039 mg/kg). Human hair displayed selenium content ranging from 0.34 to 0.57 mg/kg, averaging 0.46 mg/kg. Overall, selenium levels in soils, crops, and human hair fall within selenium-moderate to selenium-sufficient ranges. Comparatively, bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of rice/soil (0.22) and hair/soil (1.28) in Aksu surpass those in other Chinese regions, indicating higher selenium bioavailability in the northwestern, China. Rice and carrots, under intense irrigation, exhibited a strong correlation in selenium content among crops, rhizosphere soil, and background soil. Conversely, weak correlations were observed between the edible part of apples, walnuts, jujubes, wheat, maize, rhizosphere soil, and background soil. Intensively irrigated farmland showed higher selenium content in rhizosphere soil and crops compared to rainfed fields, suggesting that irrigation, potentially coupled with intercropping and residue management, may enhance selenium migration and circulation in soils. However, crop selenium content may be more influenced by biological absorption characteristics.

Comparative characteristics of selenium content in students from different regions of the world

The study was performed to determine Selenium level in a first year foreign students' biosubstrates who came for an education to Peoples' Friendship University of Russia - RUDN University. The number of students who participated in the study was in total 583 and contained of students from North and Tropical Africa, Latin America, the Near and Middle East, East and South-East Asian, Central Asia and Russia (Moscow). The analysis of selenium concentration in hair, blood serum and urine was made with Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The conducted study demonstrated that the highest hair selenium level was in the Tropical Africa and Latin America students’ samples. The highest selenium concentration in the blood serum and urine characterized Latin America students’ samples. In the result of the study the selenium deficiency was not demonstrated in any participated students’ group.

Hair concentrations of selenium in the Moldovan population

BACKGROUND: There is a substantial body of evidence indicating that the ecosystems in the Republic of Moldova contain a significant amount of selenium. However, little is known regarding the levels of this essential element in the hair of the country's population.
 AIM: To assess hair concentrations of selenium in the population of the Republic of Moldova.
 METHODS: A cross-sectional study. Hair samples were collected from 301 participants aged 194 years. The data were presented and analyzed by gender and across the following age-groups: under 18, 1844, 4559 and 60+ years old. Determination of hair selenium concentration was carried out by fluorimetric method using Fluorat 02-5M fluorimeter (Lumex, Russia). Hair sample GBW 09101b was used as a reference standard. The statistical software package SPSS 23.0 was used for data processing. Normal distribution of the continuous variables was tested using KolmogorovSmirnov tests with Lilliefors significance correction. MannWhitney tests were used for comparing selenium concentrations while Kruska-Wallis tests were used for selenium concentrations across age-groups.
 RESULTS: Selenium concentrations in the hair of the population of Moldova ranged between 148 and 5000 g/kg with arithmetic mean (М)=697 g/kg, 95% confidence interval CI: 636758 g/kg, standard deviation (SD)=538 g/kg, geometric mean (G)=598 g/kg, median (Me)=584 g/kg. The average values of selenium concentration in the hair of the women (M=659 g/kg, G=565 g/kg) were significantly lower than those among the men (M=769 g/kg, G=666 g/kg), p=0.004. Geometric means of selenium concentrations increased with age (540585601741 g/kg), p = 0.026.
 CONCLUSION: This is the first study providing the evidence on hair concentration of selenium among the residents of Moldova. The results are congruent with earlier findings from the neighboring Odesa region of Ukraine with similar biogeochemical conditions. Significant gender differences in the concentration of selenium were observed. Moreover, hair concentration of selenium increased with age.

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

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

Characterizing variability in total mercury hair:blood ratio in the general Canadian population

Background/objectivesThe body burden of mercury in humans can be measured through hair or blood biomarkers. To compare results from different studies, it is often required to convert mercury in hair to an equivalent level in blood, using a default hair:blood ratio of 250:1 by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the actual ratio may vary within and between populations. The objectives of this study were to analyze the hair:blood mercury ratio in the general Canadian population, explore factors associated with higher/lower ratios, and determine if the standard ratio of 250:1 is supported. MethodsThe Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Cycle 5 (2016–2017) measured total mercury (THg) in both hair and blood of 1168 participants 20–59 years of age. We calculated geometric mean (GM) concentrations of THg for this entire sample and subgroups. The subgroups included biological sex, women of childbearing age, race, hair treatments, categories of blood and hair selenium, urinary arsenobetaine/arsenocholine, categories of blood and hair mercury, and food consumption. We calculated a hair:blood ratio for each participant and determined population-level ratios from the GMs of the distributions. Differences by subgroups, and agreement with the WHO ratio of 250:1, were tested. The combined effect of factors on the THg hair:blood ratio was explored using staged regression analysis. ResultsFor participants with paired hair and blood mercury measurements, the GM of the hair:blood THg ratio was 293 (95%CI:273–316), and significantly >250. In women of childbearing age, the ratio did not differ from 250. The GMs of the ratio were higher (i.e.>300) for second tertile blood selenium (365, 95%CI:307–433), third and fourth quartiles hair mercury (347, 95%CI:308–390 and 376, 95%CI:336–422), and consumers of shellfish (338, 95%CI:308–371). Shellfish consumption was the only statistically significant factor associated with the hair:blood ratio as identified in the regression model. ConclusionsThe mean hair:blood THg ratio among Canadians generally exceeded the default ratio of 250:1. Higher ratios were observed in certain subgroups, such as seafood consumers, and shellfish consumption was the most important variable associated with the ratio. Our results suggest that population-specific hair:blood THg ratios be considered, if possible, when converting mercury levels from hair to blood to better characterize the variation around the conversion.

Selenium and toxic metals in human hair of the Dashan Region, China: Concentrations, sources, and antagonism effect

The Dashan Region was a Se-rich region of China. In this study, 131 residents’ human hair samples were collected. The concentrations of Se and toxic metals were analyzed, and the health risk was estimated using the concentration data. Cd and As concentrations were significantly higher than in East China. Se and most toxic metal concentrations increased with age (except for the aged people). Furthermore, gender and smoking habits might have a significant impact on toxic metals and Se levels. Multivariable statistics analysis revealed that Se and toxic metals primarily originate in the environment and are then transferred to the human body via the food chain. Dietary habits had an effect on the Se and As concentrations in hair, according to the results of stable isotope analysis. To assess detoxification ability, the Se/ toxic metal molar ratio was used as an indicator. The results demonstrated that the antagonistic effect of Se and Cd, As, Cr, and Hg (molar ratio > 1) could effectively protect residents in the study area from Cd and As pollution in daily life.

A county-level spatial epidemiological study of hair selenium and Keshan disease.

No spatial analysis of hair selenium and Keshan disease (KD) on a nationwide county-level has been performed. Selenium deficiency is a recognized environmental risk factor for KD. Hair selenium is one of the recognized biomarkers of selenium nutrition. This study aimed to perform a geographically precise and visualized assessment of the achievement of KD prevention and control at the level of selenium nutrition in terms of etiology. A spatial ecological study was conducted. The hair selenium content of the residents was assayed using an atomic fluorescence spectrometer. The spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS. The median of the hair selenium levels of the 3,028 participants in the 1,174 counties was 0.38 mg/kg, and the content of inhabitants in KD endemic counties was significantly lower than that in KD non-endemic counties (0.34 vs. 0.39 mg/kg, z = -10.03, P < 0.0001). The proportion of Se-deficient and Se-marginal counties in KD endemic counties was significantly higher than that in KD non-endemic counties (59.4 vs. 29.0%, z = -7.45, P < 0.0001). The global autocorrelation analysis was not statistically significant (Moran's I = 0.0005, P = 0.68). Local autocorrelation analysis identified 174 low-low clusters of hair selenium levels, 83 (47.7%) of which are KD endemic counties located in KD endemic provinces of Henan, Gansu, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. The hair selenium featured a positive correlation with per capita GDP (r s = 0.20, P < 0.0001). The median of the hair selenium levels of inhabitants living in KD endemic counties was significantly lower than that in KD non-endemic counties. All the 83 KD endemic counties with low-low clusters of hair selenium levels should be prioritized in KD precision prevention and control. These findings are geographically precise and visualized evidence of the assessment of the effectiveness of KD prevention and control at the level of selenium nutrition in terms of etiology.

Hair Selenium of Residents in Keshan Disease Endemic and Non-endemic Regions in China.

Few nationwide investigations on hair selenium (Se) and Keshan disease (KD) have been conducted. KD is closely associated with Se deficiency. Hair Se is an important biomarker for selenium nutrition. This research aimed to provide evidence for assessment of KD prevention, control, and elimination at the molecular level from the etiological perspective of selenium nutrition. The hair Se of the residents living in the KD endemic and non-endemic areas were determined through atomic fluorescence spectrometer. The median of the hair Se levels of the inhabitants living in KD endemic counties was significantly lower than that in KD non-endemic counties (0.34 vs 0.39 mg/kg, U = -10.03, P < 0.0001). The proportion of Se-deficient or Se-marginal residents in KD endemic counties was significantly higher than that in KD non-endemic counties (56.9% vs 36.6%, U = -9.57, P < 0.0001). The medians of the hair Se levels in KD endemic provinces of Shannxi, Heilongjiang, and Gansu were the lowest (0.35mg/kg), and in the category of Se-marginal status. The hair Se level featured a positive Spearman correlation with per capita disposable income (rs = 0.20, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the median of the hair Se contents of residents living in KD endemic counties was significantly lower than that in KD non-endemic counties. The hair Se contents of nearly 57% of inhabitants living in KD endemic regions were in Se-deficient or Se-marginal status. The KD endemic provinces of Shannxi, Heilongjiang, and Gansu should be given high priority in KD prevention and control.

Association of oxidative stress and Kashin–Beck disease integrated Meta and Bioinformatics analysis

To explore the association between oxidative stress (OS) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Terms associated with "KBD" and "OS" were searched in the six different databases up to October 2021. Stata 14.0 was used to pool the means and standard deviations using random-effect or fixed-effect model. The differentially expressed genes in the articular chondrocytes of KBD were identified, the OS related genes were identified by blasting with the GeneCards. The KEGG pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis was conducted using STRING. The pooled SMD and 95% CI showed hair selenium (-4.59;-6.99,-2.19), blood selenium (-1.65;-2.86,-0.44) and glutathione peroxidases (-4.15;-6.97,-1.33) levels were decreased in KBD, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.12; 0.60, 1.64), nitric oxide (2.29; 1.31, 3.27), nitric oxide synthase (1.07; 0.81, 1.33) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (1.69; 0.62, 2.77) were increased compared with external controls. Meanwhile, hair selenium (-2.71;-5.32,-0.10) and glutathione peroxidases (-1.00;-1.78,-0.22) in KBD were decreased, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.42; 1.04, 1.80), nitric oxide (3.08; 1.93, 4.22) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (0.81; 0.00, 1.61) were elevated compared with internal controls. Enrichment analysis revealed apoptosis was significantly correlated with KBD. The significant biological processes revealed OS induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. The cellular component of OS located in the mitochondrial outer membrane. The OS levels in KBD were significantly increased because of selenium deficiency, OS mainly occurred in mitochondrial outer membrane, released of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and induced apoptotic signaling pathway.

Hair Trace Elements and Mineral Content in Moroccan Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Case-Control Study.

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) around the world continues to increase while the pathophysiology remains insufficiently elucidated. Genetics, environment, and epigenetic changes are often implicated. Abnormal level in trace elements and minerals is among environmental factors assumed to be involved. The purpose of this article is to assess hair concentrations of toxic and essential elements in children with ASD and children with neurotypical development in the city of Marrakech. Two hundred and twenty-seven children (107 with ASD and 120 controls) aged 3 to 14years old were recruited. The results of analysis by ICP-MS showed a significant decrease in hair levels of copper, zinc, iron, and selenium (25%, 13%, 17%, 11%) of children with ASD. The most significantly reduced concentrations in children with ASD are that of manganese by 34%. Hair aluminum level was significantly elevated by 29% in ASD compared to controls. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that copper, selenium, and iron content in hair were significantly inversely associated with ASD, similarly, hair aluminum content was significantly associated with ASD. Adjusted model for demographic parameters increased the predictive ability of the model, father's age was a significant predictor. In addition, ASD and gender were significant predictors of hair levels of aluminum, selenium, and manganese.These results support the hypothesis of the disparity of trace elements and minerals levels in children with ASD and highlight the potential interest of micronutrient supplementation in the eventual improvement of ASD symptoms. Future research should explore the pathophysiology of these micronutrient deficiencies.

Evaluating the use of hair as a non-invasive indicator of trace mineral status in woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou).

Trace mineral imbalances can have significant effects on animal health, reproductive success, and survival. Monitoring their status in wildlife populations is, therefore, important for management and conservation. Typically, livers and kidneys are sampled to measure mineral status, but biopsies and lethal-sampling are not always possible, particularly for Species at Risk. We aimed to: 1) determine baseline mineral levels in Northern Mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou; Gmelin, 1788) in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, and 2) determine if hair can be used as an effective indicator of caribou mineral status by evaluating associations between hair and organ mineral concentrations. Hair, liver, and kidney samples from adult male caribou (nHair = 31; nLiver, nKidney = 43) were collected by guide-outfitters in 2016–2018 hunting seasons. Trace minerals and heavy metals were quantified using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and organ and hair concentrations of same individuals were compared. Some organ mineral concentrations differed from other caribou populations, though no clinical deficiency or toxicity symptoms were reported in our population. Significant correlations were found between liver and hair selenium (rho = 0.66, p<0.05), kidney and hair cobalt (rho = 0.51, p<0.05), and liver and hair molybdenum (rho = 0.37, p<0.10). These findings suggest that hair trace mineral assessment may be used as a non-invasive and easily-accessible way to monitor caribou selenium, cobalt, and molybdenum status, and may be a valuable tool to help assess overall caribou health.

НОВЫЙ НЕИНВАЗИВНЫЙ СПОСОБ ОЦЕНКИ АЛИМЕНТАРНОЙ ОБЕСПЕЧЕННОСТИ СЕЛЕНОМ IN VIVO

Selenium (Se) is essential trace element in human nutrition. The aim of this study was to assess selenium nutritional status by analyzing Se frequency distribution in the long-term biological indicator tissue of hair (H∙Se) and in the short-term biological indicator tissue of whole blood (WB∙Se). Hair selenium was analyzed in 1073 apparently healthy adult Croats (339 ♂ and 734 ♀) and the whole blood selenium was analyzed in a random subsample of 91 ♂ and 143 ♀. Samples were analyzed by the ICP-MS at the Center for Biotic Medicine, Moscow, Russia. There were no significant gender dependent difference in the selenium adequate linear reference range which was (µg∙g1) for H∙Se 0.078–0.701 and for WB∙Se 0.120–0.200, respectively. Hair selenium concentrations below 0.078 and 0.120 for WB∙Se indicate selenium deficiency. The estimated upper adequate selenium limits for H∙Se and WB∙Se are set at 0.701 and 0.200 µg∙g1, respectively. The linear segment of the generated H∙Se logistic distribution sigmoid curve is considered to represent adequate Se intake range. This adequate selenium intake segment can be itself partitioned by a 60:30:10 percentage ratio into Sparsely adequate (♀ 0.078–0.405, ♂ 0.1740.474), Adequate (Optimal) (♀ 0.4050.573, ♂ 0.474–0.608), and Ample adequate segment (♀ 0.5730.623, ♂ 0.608–0.709). These reference dose data are essential for continuous monitoring of the selenium nutritional status and selenium supplementation medication The noninvasive selenium status assessment is especially important when dealing with a vulnerable segments of human population like pregnant and lactating women, and their infants. The Median Derivatives Bioassay provides a new public health asset for general medical practice.

The Status of Selenium and Zinc in the Urine of Children From Endemic Areas of Kashin-Beck Disease Over Three Consecutive Years.

Selenium deficiency is one of the main risk factors for Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). This study aimed to detect the status of selenium and zinc in the urine of children from endemic areas of KBD over three consecutive years and to evaluate whether selenium and zinc levels in children in Shaanxi Province remain normal after stopping selenium supplementation. The samples of urine were collected in consecutive years (2017–2019) to detect selenium content by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HGAFS) and to detect zinc content by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Generalized estimation equation (GEE) analysis was integrated to assess the comprehensive nutritional status and dietary structure of children. Data were processed in duplicate and analyzed by SPSS 18.0. This study included 30 X-ray-positive KBD cases and 123 healthy children aged 7–12 years. A total of 424 urine and 137 hair samples were collected over three consecutive years for selenium determination. The mean value of urinary selenium in all subjects was 6.86 μg/l (2017), 8.26 μg/l (2018), and 4.04 μg/l (2019), and the mean value of urinary zinc in all subjects was 0.36 mg/l (2017), 0.39 mg/l (2018), and 0.31 mg/l (2019) for the three consecutive years of 2017–2019. The mean values of urinary selenium were 6.56 and 6.94 μg/l (2017), 8.69 and 8.14 μg/l (2018), and 4.57 and 3.90 μg/l (2019) in the KBD-X and normal groups, respectively; and the mean value of urinary zinc were 0.38 and 0.35 mg/l (2017), 0.41 and 0.39 mg/l (2018), and 0.43 and 0.28 mg/l (2019) in the KBD-X and normal groups, respectively. The mean value of hair selenium in 137 subjects was 275.08 μg/kg and the mean values of hair selenium were 267.48 and 276.61 μg/kg in the KBD-X group and normal group, respectively. The level of selenium/zinc showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing during the three consecutive years. The level of selenium in all subjects from the endemic areas was lower than normal, which reminds us to monitor the state of KBD constantly and adjust selenium salt supplementation in accordance with the changes in the KBD state.

Determination of scalp hair selenium concentrations in Algerian psoriatic individuals usingk0-standardization based on neutron activation analysis method

AbstractPsoriasis is a dermatological disease that affects 2–3% of the Algerian population. Selenium has a positive impact on psoriasis. Selenium plays an important role in protecting free radical damage as a component of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme. The objective of this investigation was to assess the status of selenium in the hair of Algerian patients suffering from psoriasis. Fifty-eight scalp hair samples were collected from Algerian patients with psoriasis, classified by gender and four age groups: 36 females and 22 males, aged between 9 and 79 years. Thirty healthy subjects aged 9–74 years were also surveyed for control purposes. Selenium content was measured for all scalp hair samples using thek0-standardization of neutron activation analysis. The average selenium concentration for controls and patients were 0.39 ± 0.18 and 0.28 ± 0.13 μg/g respectively. Selenium concentration for female and male controls and patients, were 0.35 ± 0.17, 0.47 ± 0.19, 0.28 ± 0.14, and 0.28 ± 0.11 μg/g, respectively. There is a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between selenium level in patients and in controls. Selenium concentrations in psoriatics’ scalp hair can be affected by both gender and age. Measured selenium contents have been approved by the quality assurance and quality control procedure (QA/QC).

A Spatial Ecological Study on Hair Selenium Level of Residents in Keshan Disease Endemic and Non-endemic Areas in Heilongjiang Province, China.

This study was aimed to provide, by mapping the spatial distribution of hair selenium levels of residents, visualized evidence for assessment of KD elimination from a perspective of selenium nutrition of the residents living in the KD-endemic and non-endemic areas. Using a spatial ecological research design, 401 male permanent residents in KD-endemic and non-endemic areas participated in this study. Demographic information and hair samples were obtained through a questionnaire survey and sample collection, respectively. Hair selenium was measured using hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Thematic maps were created, and spatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS 9.0. The median of hair selenium of the participants was 0.30 (IQR, 0.23-0.34) mg/kg. The median hair selenium of the residents in the KD-endemic areas was significantly lower than that of the residents of the non-endemic areas. The hair selenium levels of residents were spatially clustered, with cold spots and hot spots located in northwest and southwest regions respectively. Residents living in KD-endemic areas may still have selenium deficiency. Measuring hair selenium levels of residents in KD-endemic areas as a molecular marker of selenium nutritional status as part of KD surveillance could provide visualized evidence for the evaluation of KD elimination from a perspective of selenium nutrition of the residents living in the KD endemic areas.

Selenium Nutritional Status of Rural Residents and Its Correlation with Dietary Intake Patterns in a Typical Low-Selenium Area in China.

China is recognized as a selenium-deficient country, and nutritional selenium intake has always been a concern. To clarify the current inhabitants’ selenium nutrition status and the characteristics of dietary consumption in low-selenium areas, samples of human hair and grains were collected, and food frequency questionnaires were administered in Binxian County, Shaanxi Province, a typical low-selenium area in the Loess Plateau. The subject number of the study is 85, and the age range is from 11 to 81 years, with an average of 60. The results showed that the average hair selenium content of the residents was 231.7 μg/kg, and 62.4% of the participants had levels higher than the selenium deficiency threshold (200 μg/kg). There was a significant positive correlation between the hair selenium content and the food consumption score after adjusting for rice outsourcing. Three different dietary patterns were noted according to hierarchical cluster analysis. This study provides a tool for assessing the selenium nutrition of inhabitants in low-selenium areas and has considerable significance for improving the dietary pattern of residents.

Hair Selenium Content in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Population.

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient element for human health, and middle-aged and elderly people (age ≥ 45years old) are at higher risk of nutrient deficiency including Se due to their physiological characteristics. This study investigated the hair Se content of middle-aged and elderly people in China with the purpose of providing a reference for prescription of hair Se normal range in this population. In this study, the hair Se content of 2155 middle-aged and elderly people was detected with atomic fluorescence photometry. The participants were recruited from 15 provinces or municipalities spreading from south to north of China with a diverse Se content in soil. Additionally, the relationships between hair Se content with sex, age, and BMI were analyzed. The results found that the median and 95% quantile of hair Se content were 0.36μg/g and 0.60μg/g respectively, with a range of 0.08 to 20.04μg/g in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. The hair Se content mostly concentrated at 0.23~0.48μg/g in 81.11% of participants. The participants in Guangdong and Hunan provinces had the highest hair Se levels (medians were 0.51 and 0.50μg/g, respectively), while Henan and Shaanxi provinces had the lowest levels (medians were 0.30 and 0.29μg/g, respectively). In addition, the Se content of males was higher than that of females (p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between different ages and BMI (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study found that the hair Se content of middle-aged and elderly Chinese ranges from 0.08 to 20.04μg/g, with median and 95% quantile of 0.36μg/g and 0.60μg/g, respectively. Our results provide a reference for the establishment of hair Se content in this population and suggest that the differences of region and sex should be considered when setting up the range.

Апробация технологии выявления и коррекции элементозов молочных коров по элементному составу шерсти

Abstract. The study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a new technology for the diagnosis and correction of dairy cattle elementoses according to the chemical composition of hair, using elementoses of various etiologies. Methodology and methods. The experimental design included two studies: the first is a micropopulation of the Simmental cows with a deficiency of calcium, zinc, selenium and manganese in hair; the second is Black Spotted cows with a significant excess in the established standards for lead and cadmium against the background of a deficiency of calcium, zinc, selenium and copper. Based on a comparison of data after initial analysis of hair according to 25 parameters with physiological norm intervals a mineral premix consisting of organic forms of limited chemical elements was included in the diet for animals in the first and second experiments. In order to optimize lead and cadmium pools, sorbent of heavy metals was additionally included in the diets of experimental animals in the second experiment. Results and practical relevance. Feeding with corrective additives in the diets led to the normalization of elemental status for the vast majority of elements in both experiments. Moreover, cows in the first experiment had an increase in the yield of milk and milk fat by 7.2 % during the lactation period; in the second experiment, an increase in the number of fruitful inseminations was registered, it was accompanied by a decrease of calving interval and service periods by 4.5 and 17.7 %, with an increase in the calf yield. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the elemental profile of dairy cattle was described using distiller’s grain in feeding; the technology for identifying and correction of dairy cattle elementoses based on data of hair elemental composition has been developed in production conditions.

Selenium, Zinc, Chromium, and Vanadium Levels in Serum, Hair, and Urine Samples of Obese Adults Assessed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

The objective of this study was to investigate of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and vanadium (V) levels in blood serum, hair, and urine of adult obese patients. A total of 199 lean and 196 obese subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum, hair, and urinary metal and metalloid analysis were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at NexION 300D (PerkinElmer Inc., USA). The results established that obese subjects were characterized by 47% and 30% lower serum Cr and V levels compared with controls, respectively, whereas serum Se levels exceeded control values by 9%. In contrast, hair Cr, Se, and V content in obese subjects exceeded the control values by 51%, 21%, and 50%, respectively. In turn, hair Zn levels were found to be significantly lower by 11% compared with the lean control values. In urine, the levels of V and Zn were found to be 30% and 18% higher in obese patients. Prevalence of hypertension in obese subjects was associated with a trend for impaired Se and Zn levels. In a regression model adjusted for age, gender, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and glucose intolerance, serum Cr, V, and hair Zn were inversely associated with body mass index (BMI), whereas hair Se was considered as the positive predictor. Our data allow proposing that the observed alterations may at least partially contribute to metabolic disturbances in obesity. In turn, monitoring of Se exposure in a well-nourished adult population is required to reduce its potential contribution to obesity.

Low selenium levels are associated with decreased bone mineral densities

PurposeOsteoporosis has a high worldwide prevalence and detrimental consequences (e.g., increased fracture risk). The amount of bone mineral in bone tissue (i.e., bone mineral density [BMD]) is most widely used indicator of osteoporosis in clinical medicine. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans. It is a cofactor for antioxidant enzyme reduction (e.g., glutathione peroxidase). It also enhances immune surveillance and modulates cell proliferation. Study findings on the associations between BMD and selenium levels are inadequate and contradictory. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between hair selenium levels and lumbar spine and femur BMD values. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, we assessed the associations between hair selenium levels and BMD values in 1,167 Korean adults who underwent a health check-up. Each subject was assigned to one of two groups based on BMD (normal group [T-score ≥ -1.0] or low BMD group [T-score < -1.0]). The associations between hair selenium levels and the risk for low BMD were estimated using multivariate logistic regression models. ResultsStudy participants with lower hair selenium levels were older and had higher phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin levels. They also had lower BMDs, corrected serum calcium levels, uric acid levels, and creatinine clearance. Participants with low BMDs had significantly lower hair selenium levels (P < 0.001). After adjusting for osteoporosis-related risk factors, the risk of a low BMD was significantly greater for the lower hair selenium quartile groups (P = 0.045). ConclusionIn conclusion, this study found that lower hair selenium levels were associated with low BMD values, independent of the other osteoporosis risk factors examined. Further prospective studies are warranted to determine the role of selenium in the development of osteoporosis.