Serum Selenium Concentrations Research Articles

Selenium: A Trace Element for a Healthy Skeleton - A Narrative Review.

Inadequate serum selenium levels may delay the growth and physiological changes in bone metabolism. In humans, reduced serum selenium concentrations are associated with both increased bone turnover and reduced bone mineral density. Moreover, a reduced nutritional intake of selenium may lead to an increased risk of bone disease. Therefore, selenium is an essential nutrient playing a role in bone health, probably due to specific selenium-proteins. Some selenium-proteins have an antioxidation enzymatic activity and participate in maintaining the redox cellular balance, regulating inflammation and proliferation/differentiation of bone cells too. At least nine selenium-proteins are known to be expressed by fetal osteoblasts and appear to protect bone cells from oxidative stress at bone microenvironment. Mutations of selenium-proteins and reduced circulating levels of selenium are known to be associated with skeletal diseases such as the Kashin-Beck osteoarthropathy and postmenopausal osteoporosis. In addition, the intake of selenium appears to be inversely related to the risk of hip fragility fractures. Recent data suggest that an altered selenium state may affect bone mass even in males and selenium-proteins and selenium concentrations were positively associated with the bone mass at femoral, total and trochanteric sites. However, selenium, but not selenium-proteins, seems to be associated with femoral neck bone mass after adjustment for many bone fracture risk factors. The present review summarizes the findings of observational and interventional studies, which have been designed for investigating the relationship between selenium and bone metabolism.

The influence of selenium deficiency on chosen biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in muscles of goat kids.

The research was conducted on 40 young alpine goats (kids) divided into two groups. First group consisted of 20 kids demonstrating clinical signs of muscular dystrophy. Second group was a control and consisted of 20 animals that received intramuscular injection (2ml per animal) of vitamin E and selenium preparation containing in 1ml 50 mg of tocopherol acetate, 0.5mg of sodium selenite and solvent on 2nd day of life. The kids were clinically examined and blood for laboratory analyses was sampled three times from day 5 of their life in 10 day intervals. In addition, six 24 days old kids demonstrating clinical signs of muscular dystrophy and six control kids were subjected to biceps femoris biopsy. Serum total protein, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol as well as AST, CK and LDH were determined in all the animals. In addition, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was determined in whole blood and serum concentrations of selenium and vitamin E were deter-mined in 6 kids from each group. Total lactate dehydrogenase activity and its separation into isoenzymatic fractions were determined in the collected biopsy material. The muscle samples collected were additionally subjected to histopathological examination consisting of HE staining and HBFP staining to detect necrotic muscle fibers. Symptoms of muscular dystrophy began to appear in the first group between 17 and 23 days of age and included tremors of the limbs, poor posture, stilt gait and increased time of laying. The control animals did not show any symptoms of the disease during the experiment. Hypo-proteinemia, hypoglycemia, cholesterol reduction and elevated triglycerides level associated with lipolysis of adipose tissue have been found in the sick kids. A significant decrease in selenium, vitamin E and activity of glutathione peroxidase levels was observed in the kids with symptoms of muscular dystrophy. The activity of AST, CK and LDH was significantly higher in the animals with symptoms of the disease as well. Five isoenzymes were obtained in the electrophoretic separation of lactate dehydrogenase into isoenzymatic fractions in the muscle tissue. LDH4and LDH5 isoenzymes were dominating, and a significant increase in LDH5 fraction of the sick animals was also observed. Histopathological examination of muscle samples from sick animals revealed changes characteristic for the presence of Zenker necrosis.

Effects of High-Dose Selenium Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Critically Ill Children After Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Pediatric observational studies have indicated that most critically ill children have low serum selenium level, which is associated with the increased incidence of multiple organ failure and deteriorated clinical outcomes. Selenium plays a key role in the endogenous antioxidant defense mechanism and inflammatory pathways. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effects of high-dose selenium supplementation on the improvement of inflammatory and oxidative stress indices, as well as clinical outcomes, in pediatric patients with severe oxidative stress and inflammation following major gastrointestinal surgeries. Methods: This prospective, single-blind, randomized, parallel group superiority trial was conducted at the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Akbar Pediatric Hospital in Mashhad, Iran in 2019. Patients were assigned to the supplementation (high-dose selenium: 20 µg/kg/d) and control groups (placebo with the recommended dietary allowance doses of selenium) using stratified blocks. Among 72 eligible critically ill children after gastrointestinal surgery, 66 patients completed the study. Inflammatory markers were measured and compared between the groups, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) assay, and clinical outcomes. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 using the intention-to-treat approach. Results: Only 14 patients had optimal serum selenium concentrations before the surgery and PICU admission. At the end of the study, 90.6% of the patients (n = 29) in the intervention group and 100% (n = 34) of those in the placebo group had suboptimal serum selenium levels (< 50 ng/mL). Although supplementation with high-dose selenium decreased the inflammatory markers in the post-surgical critically ill children (-18 mg/mL and -37.5 pg/mL for hsCRP and IL-1β, respectively), the administered dose could not improve the serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) concentrations as the selenium functional marker, as well as the PAB assay as the single test to assess the balance/imbalance of the oxidants and antioxidants simultaneously. Additionally, clinical outcomes such as infections, length of ICU stay, and 28-day mortality did not improve after the intervention. Conclusions: According to the results, high-dose selenium supplementation (20 µg/kg/d) in the post-surgical critically ill children could improve the serum inflammatory markers. However, the changes were suboptimal with no significant effects of the serum GPx concentrations, antioxidant defense system, and clinical outcomes.

Preliminary study on Se-enriched Lentinula edodes mycelium as a proposal of new feed additive in selenium deficiency.

The presence of selenium in European soil is low and this causes its deficiency in livestock and, in consequence, in humans. This study aimed to obtain Lentinula (L.) edodes mycelium with the maximum content of selenium. This species was used for experiment based on its documented medicinal properties. Calves were fed with selenium-enriched L. edodes mycelium, and serum selenium concentration, average daily weight gains and selected immune parameters were estimated. The selenium-enriched mushroom was found to be safe based on cytotoxicity tests (MTT and LDH tests) and for this reason it was used for further experiments. The mean quantity of selenium in the serum of calves fed with selenium-enriched L. edodes mycelium was significantly higher than that of control calves. Additionally, the calves fed with selenium-enriched L. edodes mycelium had higher body weight gains than those of control calves. White blood cell counts and subpopulations of lymphocytes in the experimental and control calves were within the reference range. The administration of L. edodes enriched with selenium had a beneficial effect on state of health of the calves.

Supplemental selenium and coenzyme Q10 reduce glycation along with cardiovascular mortality in an elderly population with low selenium status – A four-year, prospective, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundA low intake of selenium has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality, and supplementation of selenium and coenzyme Q10 influences this. The mechanism behind is unclear although effects on inflammation, oxidative stress and microRNA expression have been reported.Fructosamine, a marker of long-term glycaemic control, is also a marker of increased risk of heart disease and death, even in non-diabetics. ObjectiveTo analyse the impact of selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the concentration of fructosamine. Also, the relation between pre-intervention serum selenium concentration and the effect on fructosamine of the intervention was studied. MethodsFructosamine plasma concentration was determined in 219 participants after six and 42 months of intervention with selenium yeast (200 μg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (200 mg/ day) (n = 118 of which 20 had diabetes at inclusion), or placebo (n = 101 of which 18 had diabetes at inclusion). Pre-intervention, the serum selenium levels were 67 μg/L (active treatment group: 66.6 μg/L; placebo group: 67.4 μg/L), corresponding to an estimated intake of 35 μg/day. Changes in concentrations of fructosamine following intervention were assessed by the use of T-tests, repeated measures of variance, and ANCOVA analyses. ResultsPost-intervention selenium concentrations were 210 μg/L in the active group and 72 μg/L in the placebo group. A lower concentration of fructosamine could be seen as a result of the intervention in the total population (P = 0.001) in both the males (P = 0.04) and in the females (P = 0.01) in the non-diabetic population (P = 0.002), and in both the younger (<76 years) (P = 0.01) and the older (≥76 years) participants (P = 0.03). No difference could be demonstrated in fructosamine concentration in the diabetic patients, but the total sample was small (n = 38). In subjects with a low pre-intervention level of serum selenium the intervention gave a more pronounced decrease in fructosamine compared with those with a higher baseline selenium level. ConclusionA significantly lower concentration of fructosamine was observed in the elderly community-living participants supplemented with selenium and coenzyme Q10 for 42 months compared to those on the placebo. As oxidative mechanisms are involved in the glycation of proteins, less glycoxidation could be a result of the supplementation of selenium and coenzyme Q10, which could have contributed to lower cardiac mortality and less inflammation, as has earlier been reported.This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, and has the identifier NCT01443780.

Maternal Serum Concentrations of Selenium, Copper, and Zinc during Pregnancy Are Associated with Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A Case-Control Study from Malawi.

Preterm birth is delivery before 37 completed weeks. A study was conducted to evaluate the association of maternal serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc and preterm birth. There were 181 women in this nested case-control study, 90/181 (49.7%) term and 91/181 (50.3%) preterm pregnant women. The overall mean serum concentration of selenium was 77.0, SD 19.4 μg/L; of copper was 2.50, SD 0.52 mg/L; and of zinc was 0.77, SD 0.20 mg/L with reference values of 47-142 μg/L, 0.76-1.59 mg/L, and 0.59-1.11 mg/L, respectively. For preterm birth, mean serum concentration for selenium was 79.7, SD 21.6 μg/L; for copper was 2.61, SD 0.57 mg/L; and for zinc was 0.81, SD 0.20 mg/L compared to that for term births: selenium (74.2; SD 16.5 μg/L; p = 0.058), copper (2.39; SD 0.43 mg/L; p = 0.004), and zinc (0.73; SD 0.19 mg/L; p = 0.006), respectively. In an adjusted analysis, every unit increase in maternal selenium concentrations gave increased odds of being a case OR 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99; 1.03), p = 0.234; copper OR 1.62 (95% CI: 0.80; 3.32), p = 0.184; zinc OR 6.88 (95% CI: 1.25; 43.67), p = 0.032. Results show that there was no deficiency of selenium and zinc and there were high serum concentrations of copper in pregnancy. Preterm birth was associated with higher maternal serum concentrations of copper and zinc.

Functional Biomarkers for the Selenium Status in a Human Nutritional Intervention Study.

Soils in Germany are commonly low in selenium; consequently, a sufficient dietary supply is not always ensured. The extent of such provision adequacy is estimated by the optimal effect range of biomarkers, which often reflects the physiological requirement. Preceding epidemiological studies indicate that low selenium serum concentrations could be related to cardiovascular diseases. Inter alia, risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are physical inactivity, overweight, as well as disadvantageous eating habits. In order to assess whether these risk factors can be modulated, a cardio-protective diet comprising fixed menu plans combined with physical exercise was applied in the German MoKaRi (modulation of cardiovascular risk factors) intervention study. We analyzed serum samples of the MoKaRi cohort (51 participants) for total selenium, GPx activity, and selenoprotein P at different timepoints of the study (0, 10, 20, 40 weeks) to explore the suitability of these selenium-associated markers as indicators of selenium status. Overall, the time-dependent fluctuations in serum selenium concentration suggest a successful change in nutritional and lifestyle behavior. Compared to baseline, a pronounced increase in GPx activity and selenoprotein P was observed, while serum selenium decreased in participants with initially adequate serum selenium content. SELENOP concentration showed a moderate positive monotonic correlation (r = 0.467, p < 0.0001) to total Se concentration, while only a weak linear relationship was observed for GPx activity versus total Se concentration (r = 0.186, p = 0.021). Evidently, other factors apart from the available Se pool must have an impact on the GPx activity, leading to the conclusion that, without having identified these factors, GPx activity should not be used as a status marker for Se.

Serum Selenium, Iron, Zinc, and Copper Concentrations in Renal Transplant Recipients Treated with Mycophenolate Mofetil

There are data available in the literature on bioelement concentrations in the serum of various groups of patients; however, very little is known about the serum concentration of selenium (Se), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in renal transplant patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs, including mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Monitoring of serum bioelement concentrations in renal transplant recipients is of profound importance, as the proper bioelement levels seem to prolong the normal function of the transplanted organ. Thus, the aim of this current study was to examine and carry out comparative analysis involving serum concentrations of Se, Fe, Cu, and Zn of renal transplant recipients treated with MMF and without MMF. The material consisted of blood samples from 115 patients of the Department of Nephrology, Transplantology, and Internal Medicine of Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 2, Pomeranian Medical University, in the city of Szczecin in the northwestern Poland. Serum Se, Fe, Cu, and Zn levels were quantified by inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Taking into account all patients, MMF increases Cu level. Cu and Fe concentrations were significantly higher in women treated with MMF; in group of younger patients treated with MMF, Se level was significantly lower comparing with those whose regimen did not include MMF. Additionally, MMF in combination with prednisone increased Se concentration in blood of transplant recipients. Our study highlights that trace elements should be monitored to allow for an early detection of trace elements deficits, which can easily be corrected for by an adjusted diet or supplemental intake.

Effect of an injectable trace mineral supplement on the immune response of dairy calves

On a spring calving, pastoral dairy farm, the first 40 heifer calves born after calving mid-point (50% of the herd calved) were blood sampled within 24 h. Thirty were selected, using stratified randomisation to form two equal groups (treatment and control) with the same distribution of serum total protein, copper, selenium, zinc, and manganese concentrations, age and breed. From the remaining 10 calves, five were randomly selected into a sentinel group to assess field exposure to Salmonella spp.All calves received two injections of a killed vaccine containing Salmonella spp. antigens at 2 and 6 weeks of age. Concurrently, the treatment group were injected with 1 mL/50 kg trace mineral supplement (TMS) containing 40 mg zinc, 10 mg manganese, 5 mg selenium, 15 mg copper per mL. Sentinel animals received no injections. All animals were bled from 2 to 9 weeks for assay of immune function. At three and four weeks, white blood cells from TMS calves had an increased percentage of cells phagocytosing (effect size = 9.36 and 4.35) and increased number of bacteria ingested per cell (effect size = 0.93 and 1.52). No differences were detected in gamma interferon response (effect size <0.15) or Salmonella sp. antibody titres (effect size <0.20).

A pilot study of alterations in oxidized angiotensinogen and antioxidants in pre-eclamptic pregnancy

The oxidation status of angiotensinogen (AGT) may have a critical role in pre-eclampsia. We used a validated, quantitative, mass spectrometry-based method to measure the oxidized and total AGT levels in plasma of pre-eclamptic women (n = 17), normotensive-matched controls (n = 17), and healthy non-pregnant women (n = 10). Measurements of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and serum selenium concentrations were performed as markers of circulating antioxidant capacity. Higher proportions of oxidized AGT in plasma from pre-eclamptic women compared to matched normotensive pregnant controls (P = 0.006), whilst maintaining a similar total plasma AGT concentration were found. In the pre-eclamptic group, blood pressure were correlated with the proportion of oxidized AGT; no such correlation was seen in the normotensive pregnant women. Plasma GPx was inversely correlated with oxidized AGT, and there was an inverse association between serum selenium concentration and the proportion of oxidized AGT. This is the first time that oxidized AGT in human plasma has been linked directly to antioxidant status, providing a mechanism for the enhanced oxidative stress in pre-eclampsia. We now provide pathophysiological evidence that the conversion of the reduced form of AGT to its more active oxidized form is associated with inadequate antioxidant status and could indeed contribute to the hypertension of pre-eclampsia.

Comparison of serum copper, chromium and selenium concentrations in diabetic and nondiabetic population and their association with glycated hemoglobin levels

Comparison of serum copper, chromium and selenium concentrations in diabetic and nondiabetic population and their association with glycated hemoglobin levels

Content of selenium in the serum of patients with autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia in the Khabarovsk region

In patients with autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (AD SCA), the level of selenium in the blood serum was lower by a factor of 1.6 than the result obtained in the control group. There is a weak correlation between the severity of ataxia and selenium content in the blood serum of patients with AD SCA, which possibly suggests the participation of selenium in the pathogenesis of the disease. Given the decrease in selenium content in blood serum in patients with AD SCA, it is probably advisable to include selenium preparations in the symptomatic therapy for these patients.

Total antioxidant status reduction conditioned by a serum selenium concentration decrease as a mechanism of the ultrasonographically measured brachial artery dilatation impairment in patients with arterial hypertension

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between serum concentrations of selenium (SeS) and zinc (ZnS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and endothelial function assessed by ultrasonographic method of dilatation of the brachial artery in 141 hypertensive patients.Patients with SeS < median were characterized by a statistically significantly lower flow-mediated dilation (FMD) than patients with SeS ≥ median. Patients with TAS < median were characterized by a significantly lower FMD than patients with TAS ≥ median. Older age, higher BMI, male gender, higher blood total cholesterol, ischemic heart disease, smoking and lower SeS constitute independent predictors of inferior endothelial function, expressed in lower FMD values. Smoking is an independent predictor of lower TAS, and the use of β-blockers and higher serum selenium levels are independent predictors of higher TAS.In summary, a decrease in TAS should be considered as a mechanism of inferior endothelial function in hypertensive patients conditioned by a decrease in SeS.

High serum concentration of selenium, but not calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, and magnesium, increased the risk of both hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in adults: A health examination center based cross-sectional study

BackgroundMetabolic disorders of glucose and lipid were associated with some mineral elements, and data were warranted from various contexts to make the association more explicit. ObjectiveTo investigate the relationships between the serum concentrations of six mineral elements (calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium) and the risk of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in adults. MethodsThe basic information and the over-night fasting serum samples of adults were randomly collected at a health examination center. The serum concentrations of glucose and lipids were measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mineral elements were measured with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Data were analyzed between the hyperglycemia group (HGg) and the normal glucose group (NGg) as well as between the dyslipidemia group (DLg) and the normal lipid group (NLg). ResultsA total of 1466 adults aged 22–81 years (male/female = 1.8) were included, 110 in the HGg and 1356 in the NGg, or 873 in the DLg and 593 in the NLg. The serum element concentration medians [P50 (P25–P75)] significantly different between the HGg and the NGg were 0.83 (0.75–0.94) vs. 0.76 (0.68–0.87) mg/L for copper and 100 (90–110) vs. 94 (87–103) μg/L for selenium (P < 0.001), while those between the DLg and the NLg were 99 (92–110) vs. 97 (90–106) mg/L for calcium, 0.78 (0.69–0.88) vs. 0.75 (0.66–0.85) mg/L for copper, 1.7 (1.4–2.0) vs. 1.6 (1.3–2.0) mg/L for iron, 24 (22–28) vs. 23 (22–27) mg/L for magnesium, and 97 (89–106) vs. 92 (84–100) μg/L for selenium (P < 0.05). When the copper and selenium between the HGg and the NGg were analyzed by logistic regression with age, gender, body mass index, and mineral elements adjusted, only the highest quartile of selenium concentration had association with the increased risk of hyperglycemia [quartile (Q) 4 against Q1: OR = 2.9, 95 % CI = 1.5–5.5, P < 0.001). When the five differed mineral elements between the DLg and the NLg were similarly analyzed, only iron and selenium had associations with the increased risk of dyslipidemia (e.g., Q4 against Q1: OR = 1.4, 95 % CI = 1.1–2.0 for iron and OR = 2.9, 95 % CI = 2.1–4.0 for selenium, P < 0.05). ConclusionIn contrast to those of calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, and magnesium, the higher serum concentration of selenium increased the risk of both hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in the study population of adult Chinese.

Dietary and serum selenium in coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality: An international perspective.

The objective of this study was to explore the associations of dietary selenium and serum selenium concentration with coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence and all-cause mortality among participants in United States. Using data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2006, 17867 individuals were included. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations between dietary selenium intake and serum selenium concentration and prevalent of CHD. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify the association between dietary selenium intake and all-cause mortality. The nonlinear relationships were assessed using generalized additive models. A U-shaped association between dietary intake of selenium and all-cause mortality was observed. Compared with the lowest quartile, the second quartile of dietary intake of selenium was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.802, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.658, 0.977, p=0.029). There was no evidence of association between dietary selenium intake and CHD risk (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.001, 95% CI: 0.999, 1.003, p=0.206). Furthermore, serum selenium concentration was negatively associated with CHD risk (OR: 0.989, 95% CI: 0.981, 0.997, p=0.006). Comparing with the lowest quartile, participants with the highest serum selenium concentration had a statistically significant decreased prevalence of CHD, with OR (95% CI) of 0.417 (0.259, 0.669) (p<0.001). The smoothing curve also showed a non-linear relationship between serum selenium and risk of CHD. This analysis suggested that a higher serum selenium concentration was associated with reduced risk of CHD, and that the relationship was non-linear. In addition, an appropriate dietary selenium intake might reduce all-cause mortality.

Unbalance of Se and nutritional status in male infertility.

Objective:To evaluate the selenium status and oxidative stress in male infertility cases selected from a private human reproduction center in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Methods:The present study had a cross-sectional quantitative approach, carried out between January and October 2013 at a Human Reproduction Center. The studied population was composed of 49 male individuals seen at the clinic, aged between 18 and 60 years. Blood samples were collected to measure serum selenium concentrations, erythrocyte activity and glutathione peroxidase. After medical diagnosis, the participants were divided into fertile and infertile groups. Blood samples were collected for establishing Se concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, and measurements of the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase in the erythrocytes.Result:it resulted in 53.1% of fertile men and 46.9% of infertile men. The average age of the fertile group was 34.1 years and the infertile group was 37.3 years. Regarding the assessment of nutritional status, the scatter diagram of the infertility group showed a higher body mass index and waist circumference, showing that this group has a higher risk of global and abdominal obesity compared to the fertile group (p<0.0001, respectively). There were similarities between the groups regarding caloric intake, macronutrient and selenium intake.Conclusion:We can conclude that the serum values of selenium, in excess and in deficiency, can be harmful to male fertility.

Serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper levels in pregnant women with fetal growth restriction

Background: Fetal growth restriction is associated with many adverse effects and increases the risk of perinatal mortality by more than ten-fold. Zinc, selenium, iron, and copper have important roles in cell proliferation, inflammation, and oxidative stress which possibly serve as the basis for development of fetal growth restriction. Objective: To compare serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper plasma levels between normal pregnancies and pregnancies with fetal growth restriction. Materials and Methods: The present was a cross-sectional study conducted at Obstetrics Emergency Unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta from February until May 2017. Normal pregnant women and pregnant women with fetal growth restriction were recruited in this study. Maternal blood samples were taken before labor, and serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper levels measurements were done. Results: Thirty normal pregnancies and 30 pregnancies with fetal growth restriction were enrolled in this study. Mean serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper levels in normal pregnancy were 42.07 µg/dL, 69.80 µg/L, 70.50 µg/dL, and 2177 µg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, mean serum zinc, selenium, iron, and copper levels in pregnancy with fetal growth restriction were 43.53 µg/dL, 80.83 µg/L, 106 µg/dL, and 2,133.5 µg/L, respectively. There were significant differences in serum selenium concentrations (p = 0.013) and serum iron concentrations (p = 0.009) between the two groups. There were no significant differences in serum zinc and copper levels between both groups. Conclusion: Serum selenium and iron levels were higher in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction. Conclusion: The present study indicates the significant roles of micronutrients and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of fetal growth restriction.

Selenium and outcome in heart failure.

AimsSevere deficiency of the essential trace element selenium can cause myocardial dysfunction although the mechanism at cellular level is uncertain. Whether, in clinical practice, moderate selenium deficiency is associated with worse symptoms and outcome in patients with heart failure is unknown.Methods and resultsBIOSTAT‐CHF is a multinational, prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled patients with worsening heart failure. Serum concentrations of selenium were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure; secondary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. To investigate potential mechanisms by which selenium deficiency might affect prognosis, human cardiomyocytes were cultured in absence of selenium, and mitochondrial function and oxidative stress were assessed. Serum selenium concentration (deficiency) was <70 μg/L in 485 (20.4%) patients, who were older, more often women, had worse New York Heart Association class, more severe signs and symptoms of heart failure and poorer exercise capacity (6‐min walking test) and quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire). Selenium deficiency was associated with higher rates of the primary endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.42] and all‐cause mortality (HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.26–1.86). In cultured human cardiomyocytes, selenium deprivation impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation, and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.ConclusionsSelenium deficiency in heart failure patients is independently associated with impaired exercise tolerance and a 50% higher mortality rate, and impaired mitochondrial function in vitro, in human cardiomyocytes. Clinical trials are needed to investigate the effect of selenium supplements in patients with heart failure, especially if they have low plasma concentrations of selenium.

A Pilot Study on Correlation Between Serum Selenium and Copper Concentrations and Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon

Abstract- The pathophysiology of coronary arteries slow flow phenomenon is related to the microvascular and endothelial disorder. The role of copper and selenium in the development of microvascular and endothelial disorders, as well as atherosclerosis, has been proven in previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum copper and selenium concentrations in patient with coronary slow flow phenomenon to find a probable relationship between them. In this study, 125 patients who referred to Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad for angiography were selected based on entry and exit criteria. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to the results of angiography. Blood samples of these patients were evaluated about the levels of copper and selenium. Finally the correlation between these levels and the intensity of coronary arteries slow flow (based on TIMI scores) was evaluated. In the present study, serum selenium and copper concentrations did not show a significant correlation with the intensity of coronary arteries slow flow (P&gt;0.05). In the present study, no significant correlation was found between copper and selenium serum concentrations and coronary arteries slow flow based on TIMI. Further studies are recommended to investigate this association.

Short Communication: Mineral assessment of rangeland-managed beef cows in the high desert region of Oregon

ABSTRACT Objective Our objective was to assess the mineral status of rangeland-managed beef cows and available forages in the Oregon high desert, which is currently unknown. Materials and Methods Mineral concentrations were measured at the end of the annual grazing season from common range forage plants and 30 randomly selected beef cows on communal range (10 cows per group): unsupplemented Angus (UA), unsupplemented Longhorn (UL), and Angus cows supplemented before the grazing season with minerals and true protein (SA). CONTRAST statements in PROC GLM were used to determine the effect of breed (UL vs. UA) and winter mineral and protein supplementation (SA vs. UA). Results and Discussion Imbalanced mineral concentrations (minerals above and below respective minimum requirements) were observed in common range forage plants and beef cattle; most beef cows were deficient for copper, sodium, selenium, and zinc. Specifically, serum selenium concentrations of unsupplemented cows were in the clinical deficiency range (2–21 ng of Se/mL). Whereas breed did not alter serum mineral concentrations, mineral and protein supplementation during winter improved serum concentrations of selenium at the end of the fall season to marginally deficient concentrations between 53 and 90 ng/mL. Implications and Applications Imbalanced mineral concentrations are prevalent in beef cows after grazing the Oregon high desert range, which can be in part improved through mineral and protein supplementation over winter. Blood analysis from a subset of animals on return to the winter feeding grounds would help to formulate a mineral supplement that addresses specific cow requirements during the winter feeding period.