Serum Se Levels Research Articles

Effect of zinc and selenium supplementation on antioxidative status of seminal plasma and testosterone, T4 and T3 level in goat blood serum

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) on antioxidative status and testosterone, T4 and T3 levels in 12 bucks aged between 2 and 4 years, weighing 25–35 kg. The experimental animals were divided in control and test groups containing six animals each. The animals of the control group were not given any supplementation, whereas test group were given supplementation of Zn and Se in the form of 150-ppm zinc sulphate and 0.50-ppm sodium selenite, respectively, for 105 days. Zn and Se levels in serum and seminal plasma, testosterone, T4 and T3 levels in serum and antioxidative status of seminal plasma were estimated at 0, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days of the experiment. After 60 days of supplementation, concentration of Zn and Se in seminal plasma and serum increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. After 60 days, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GSHR) and catalase (CAT) activity in seminal plasma of test group increased significantly (P<0.05), whereas lipid peroxidation (LPO) decreased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. After 60 days, serum testosterone, T4 and T3 concentration in test group increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. It may be concluded that Zn and Se supplementation can improve the antioxidative status and hormone levels by increasing the Zn and Se level in seminal plasma and serum, respectively.

Blood haematology, serum thyroid hormones and glutathione peroxidase status in kacang goats fed inorganic iodine and selenium supplemented diets.

The effects of dietary supplementation of selenium (Se), iodine (I), and a combination of both on the blood haematology, serum free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) hormones and glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GSH-Px) activity were examined on twenty four (7 to 8 months old, 22±1.17 kg live weight) Kacang crossbred male goats. Animals were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (6 animals in each group). Throughout 100 d of feeding trial, the animals of control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the other three groups were offered basal diet supplemented with 0.6 mg/kg diet DM Se (SS), or 0.6 mg/kg diet DM I (PI), or a combination of both Se and I, each at 0.6 mg/kg diet DM (SSPI). The haematological attributes which are haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean cell volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC), band neutrophils (B Neut), segmented neutrophils (S Neut), lymphocytes (Lymph), monocytes (Mono), eosinophils (Eosin) and basophils (Baso) were similar among the four treatment groups, while serum levels of Se and I increased significantly (p<0.05) in the supplemented groups. The combined dietary supplementation of Se and I (SSPI) significantly increased serum FT3 in the supplemented animals. Serum GSH-Px activity increased significantly in the animals of SS and SSPI groups. It is concluded that the dietary supplementation of inorganic Se and I at a level of 0.6 mg/kg DM increased serum Se and I concentration, FT3 hormone and GSH-Px activity of Kacang crossbred male goats.

Serum selenium levels and oxidative balance as differential markers in hepatic damage caused by alcohol

AimsAntioxidant system abnormalities have been associated with ethanol consumption. This study examines the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on oxidative balance, including selenium (Se) levels in alcoholic patients with or without liver disease, and if these measurements could be indicative of liver disease. Main methodsSerum Se levels, antioxidant enzymes' activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) were determined in three groups of patients: alcoholics without liver disease, alcoholics with liver disease, and non-alcoholics with liver disease; and in healthy volunteers. Key findingsSerum Se levels were lower in alcoholic patients and in patients affected by liver disease and especially lower in the alcoholic liver disease group. These values were correlated with the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), the antioxidant selenoprotein. The antioxidant activities of the glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also lower in the three non-healthy groups. However, GR activity decreased and SOD activity increased in the non-alcoholic liver disease group versus alcoholic groups. Higher concentrations of PC in serum were found in non-healthy groups and were higher in alcoholic patients who also showed higher MDA levels. The highest MDA and PC levels were found in the alcoholic liver disease group. SignificanceWe conclude that serum Se levels are drastically decreased in alcoholic liver disease patients, showing that this element has a direct correlation with GPx activity, and lipid oxidation, suggesting that the serum Se/MDA ratio could be an indicator of hepatic damage caused by alcohol consumption, and pointing to Se as a possible antioxidant therapy.

Selenium dietary supplementation as a mechanism to restore hepatic selenoprotein regulation in rat pups exposed to alcohol

Ethanol exposure during gestation and lactation decreases selenium (Se) intake, disrupting body Se balance and inducing oxidative stress in rat offspring. Selenium-supplemented diet (0.5 ppm) was administered to ethanol-exposed (20% v/v) dams during gestation and lactation. When the dams' pups were 21 days old, the pups' levels of the main hepatic selenoproteins glutathione peroxidase (GPx1 and GPx4) and selenoprotein P (SelP) were measured. The pups were divided into control (C), alcohol (A), control-selenium (CS), and alcohol-selenium (AS) groups. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of the selenium-supplemented diet on the levels of Se deposits present in the livers of their pups. Alcohol decreases hepatic Se deposits, GPx activity, and GPx1 expression; alcohol increases GPx4 and SelP expression. Se was measured by furnace graphite atomic absorption spectrometry, the antioxidant activity of GPx and concentration of hepatic phospholipids (PL) were determined by spectrophotometry, and the selenoprotein expressions were detected by Western blotting. Selenite treatment prevented alcohol's effects of diminishing the Se deposits, GPx activity, and GPx1 expression, while maintaining the high levels of the expression of GPx4 and SelP. These results suggest that depletion of hepatic Se levels in rat pups, caused by ethanol exposure to their dams, affects the synthesis of the 3 main hepatic selenoproteins in different ways, which is related to a decrease in GPx activity and PL concentration, and an increase in serum Se levels. Selenium supplementation to the dams increased the expression of GPx1, GPx4, and SelP in their pups.

Levels of Selenium, Zinc, Copper, and Cardiac Troponin I in Serum of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and troponin I (TnI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on admission to our emergency department in comparison to healthy control subjects. Patients with diagnosed ACS (n = 100) were included in the study group. Control subjects (n = 100) were selected from healthy volunteers in the same age range. Venous blood samples were obtained to evaluate the levels of Se, Zn, Cu, and TnI (on admission for the ACS group). Serum Se, Zn, and Cu levels were significantly less in the ACS group compared to the control group (p <0.001, p <0.01, and p <0.001, respectively). The serum TnI level was significantly greater in the ACS group compared to the control group (p <0.05). The serum Se level in the ACS group correlated significantly with the TnI level (r = -0.211, p = 0.035). These results indicate that Se, Zn, and Cu deficiencies may be risk factors for ACS, and a decreased serum Se level in patients with ACS might reflect the degree of myocardial necrosis.

Assessment of Important Trace Elements in Jordanian Adult Females and Males by Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

2 Abstract: The human body requires certain minerals for the overall health and proper functioning of th e organ systems. The essential trace elements were very important for human life, which their imbalance in blood leads to very dangerous diseases (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Se, Co, Mn and Mg). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of Zinc, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Chromium, Selenium, Cobalt and Manganese in serum of healthy adult females and males in Jordan. Serum levels of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mg, Cr, Se, Co, Mn and Mg were determined by flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Blood have been collected from1000 men and 1000 women apparently healthy Jordanian people aged 20-70 years. The mean concentration of zinc was between (0.96-1.02 and 0.8-1.02 µg/mL) in men and women, respectively. The concentration of zinc was slightly increased with ages. The mean values of copper were between (1.38- 1.72 µg/mL), there is no significance deficiency in all ages and sexes. The average mean values of Fe were found to be (1.28-1.62 µg/mL) for men and (1.12-1.57 µg/mL) for women, with a deficiency of 5.9% in men and 8.5% in women. The chromium mean in men were between (0.04-0.055 µg/mL) with a deficiency of 43.06%, while in women were between (0.041-0.049 µg/mL), with a deficiency of 40.28%. The concentration of magnesium in blood serum was between 14.2-16.1 µg/mL for men and 14.3-16.3 µg/mL for women. The mean selenium concentrations in all healthy volunteers were in the range of 85-100 ng/mL for men and 82- 99 ng/ml for women. The lowest levels of Se were shown in old people. The adult serum Co values were 0- 34 ng/mL for men and 0-35 ng/mL for women. The cobalt deficiency was about 17% in men and women. The level of serum Manganese was 14-19 ng/mL for men and 11-15 ng/mL for women, it was noted that the level of Mn in men was higher than in women for all ages. The Mg concentrations of serum were 14.10±3.3 and 14.89±3.3 µg/mL for men and women. On the basis of this study finding and those of other reports, trace elements deficiency may contribute to diets and diseases through its significant effects on various organs parameters. It seems that the estimation of serum or plasma trace elements may help in investigation and treatment of some diseases in both males and females.

Association of Increased Indoleamine 2, 3‐Dioxygenase With Impaired Natural Killer Cell Activity in Hemodialysis Patients

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) suppresses adaptive immune response. However, there was no study to examine whether IDO activity is associated with immune parameters in dialysis patients. In this study, we estimated serum IDO activity by the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (KTR), and compared KTR with natural killer (NK) cell activity, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and serum levels of trace elements such as selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) that affect T-cell function in 28 hemodialysis (HD) patients (age: 72 ± 13 years old, time on HD: 79 ± 89 months). NK cell activity was decreased in 35.7% of the patients. KTR values were almost 10-times higher in HD patients (380.81 ± 385.46 mM/M) than those in the referred controls (32.9 ± 9.10 mM/M). KTR was lower in patients with impaired NK cell activity than those without (279 ± 111 vs. 565 ± 603 mM/M, P = 0.07). There was no relationship between KTR and sIL-2R and Zn, while KTR was significantly and negatively correlated with serum Se levels that can impair cellular immunity (r = -0.41, P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that increased IDO activity with Se deficiency may be associated with impaired NK cell function in HD patients.

Serum selenium levels of the very low birth weight premature newborn infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

BackgroundThe selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that has a critical role in synthesis and activity of a number of selenoproteins with protective properties against free radical damage. This study was conducted to detect the serum Se concentration in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants and its association with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Materials and methodsCord blood Se concentration was determined in 54 neonates with gestation age 30 week or less. Another sample was obtained from these infants at day 28 of birth and serum Se levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All neonates were followed for oxygen dependency at 28 day after birth and 36 week postmenstrual age. ResultsThe mean cord blood Se concentration in studied neonates was 64.78±20.73μgL−1. Serum Se concentration was 60.33±26.62μgL−1 at age 28-day. No significant correlation was observed for serum Se concentration at birth and at one month after birth (r=−0.04, p=0.72). BPD was diagnosed in 25 neonates (46%). The mean serum Se concentration at one month was 57.16±29.68μgL−1 in patients with BPD (25 cases) and 63.27±23.6μgL−1 in 29 patients without BPD (p=0.40). ConclusionIn our study, serum Se concentration at 28 day of birth was lower than cord blood levels in preterm neonates, but we have not found significant difference among patients who had BPD or not with respect to serum Se concentrations at this age.

Trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum) as markers in oral sub mucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cancer is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide and is prevalent in most areas where tobacco related practices are observed. Essential elements play a role in many biochemical reactions as a micro-source and there is growing evidence that their concentrations are altered on the onset and progress of malignant disease. In this study the levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo) in serum of patients with oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF) (n=30) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (n=30); were determined and the alterations of these critical parameters were analyzed in comparison with controls (n=30) to identify predictors amongst these parameters for disease occurrence and progression. The serum Cu and Zn were established using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Serum estimation of Se and Mo was done by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Data analysis revealed a marked, progressive and significant increase in Cu levels in precancer (OSMF) and cancer (OSCC) groups as compared to the normal group. The level of Zn in serum was slightly elevated in OSMF and OSCC though not statistically significant. Cu/Zn ratio was slightly but not significantly elevated. Serum levels of Se and Mo were significantly decreased in the precancer and cancer groups as compared to the normals.

Different levels of prenatal zinc and selenium had different effects on neonatal neurobehavioral development

Either deficient or excessive of essential nutrients had adverse effects. Effects of different levels of prenatal zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) on fetal neurobehavioral development remain unclear. To determine the effects of different cord serum levels of Zn and Se on neurobehavioral development in neonates and to explore possible threshold level of Zn and Se based on fetal neurodevelopment, we conducted this epidemiological research. In the multi-center study, we investigated these questions in 927 mother-newborn pairs in Shanghai, China, from 2008 through 2009. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of Zn and Se were measured and Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) tests were conducted. The median cord serum Zn and Se concentrations were 794.3μg/L and 63.1μg/L, respectively. A nonlinear relationship was observed between cord serum Zn and NBNA after adjusting for potential confounders. NBNA score decreased with increasing Zn levels after 794.3μg/L (adjusted β=−3.0, 95% CI: −3.6 to −2.4, p<0.001). Additionally, an invert U-shape with a threshold Se of 100μg/L was observed between cord serum Se and NBNA. The adjusted regression coefficient was 4.4 (95% CI: 3.6–5.2, p<0.001) for Se<100μg/L while −3.6 (95% CI: −6.1 to −1.1, p<0.01) for Se≥100μg/L. Of the 927 infants, 50% had a high level Zn (≥794.3μg/L) and 8.6% had a high level Se (≥100μg/L). High levels of both Zn and Se mainly had adverse effects on behavior and passive tone (p<0.001). Taken together, our study suggested that a threshold of cord blood Zn and Se was existed for fetal neurodevelopment and the prevalence of excessive Zn was high. Thus, the supplementation of Zn during pregnancy should be considered with caution in Shanghai, China.

Effects of Supplementation with Selenium, as Selenized Yeast, in a Healthy Male Population from New Zealand

Selenium (Se) supplementation was tested in a group of healthy men from Auckland, New Zealnd with selenized yeast (Selplex, 200 μg/day) as the supplementation mode. A set of biomarkers, including DNA damage levels and seleno-antioxidant enzyme levels, were evaluated at pre- and postsupplementation time points. Supplementation produced significant increases in serum Se levels, red blood cell (RBC) thioredoxin reductase (TR) activity and peroxide-induced DNA damage, when the mean baseline serum Se level was 110 ng/ml. Those with higher baseline serum Se levels gained less serum Se and showed a significant reduction of RBC glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity by supplementation. The optimum benefits of supplementation on DNA stability are observed when the serum Se level reaches between >120 and <160 ng/ml. However, the most significant observation was that those with highest baseline DNA damage benefit the most from Se supplementation, whereas those having lower baseline DNA damage are disadvantaged. A dose of 200 μg/day selenized yeast was also shown to be a safer supplementation option compared to a similar dose of selenomethionine (SeMet). This study highlights the requirement for prestratification of a population by standing serum Se level and baseline DNA damage level, before any Se supplementation is carried out.

Plasma selenium levels in Turkish women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective(s)To evaluate selenium (Se) levels in serum and their relation with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in control subjects. Study designWomen with any gynecological problem who presented to the Kahramanmaras Sutcuimam University Medical Faculty Gynecology and Obstetric Outpatient Clinic were invited to participate. Group 1 consisted of 36 cases with a diagnosis of PCOS according to the 2003 Rotterdam Consensus Criteria, and Group 2 (control group) consisted of 33 age- and BMI-matched healthy women. In all cases, serum total testosterone (tT), dihydroepiandrostenedione-sulfate (DHEAS), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), insulin, glucose (mg/dL), total cholesterol (TC) (mg/dL), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (mg/dL), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (mg/dL), triglyceride (TG) (mg/dL) and Se levels were measured. ResultsThe level of FSH was significantly lower, and the levels of LH, E2, tT, and DHEAS were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p<0.05). The hirsutism score was significantly higher among PCOS women compared to the control group (p<0.05). Although insulin levels and HOMA-IR were markedly increased in the PCOS group compared to the control group, the differences were not significant (p>0.05). The plasma Se level was significantly lower in PCOS women compared to the control group (p<0.05). When we combined the all women in two groups, regarding them as one group (combined group, n=69), a negative correlation between Se and LH and tT was present (p<0.05). Conclusion(s)Our results show decreased plasma concentrations of Se and a negative correlation between Se and LH, tT in women with PCOS. These results indicate that Se may play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS related with hyperandrogenism.

Evaluation of Copper Concentration in Subclinical Cases of White Muscle Disease and Its Relationship with Cardiac Troponin I

The present study aims to evaluate the serum level of copper (Cu) in lambs suffering from subclinical forms of white muscle disease (WMD) and its relationship with cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) as a novel biomarker of cardiovascular disorders. Ten milliliters of jugular blood were taken from 200 lambs less than one year old to measure serum concentrations of Cu, selenium (Se), and cTn-I. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely, the deficient group which included 36 lambs, and the control group which included 164 lambs according to the reference serum Se concentration (50 ng/mL). Serum Se levels in the deficient group were lower than 50 ng/mL. By contrast, the control group showed Se levels higher than 50 ng/mL. Differences among the serum Cu and cTn-I levels were determined in both groups. The mean ±SD and median of serum Cu and cTn-I levels in the deficient group were lower and higher than those in the control group, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between serum Cu and Se levels, and also serum Cu and Se levels showed a negative correlation with serum cTn-I concentrations. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that serum Cu levels were correlated positively with serum Se levels (p<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the area under curve (AUC) of Cu was significantly higher than that of cTn-I based on the reference diagonal line. It is important to keep in mind that the value of AUC for the ROC curve is between 0.5 and 1.00, in which the lowest accuracy is related to the reference diagonal line with AUC of 0.5. A cut-off was determined to indicate which Cu level can discriminate between affected and healthy lambs. The cut-off level, sensitivity, and specificity of Cu in this study were 144.5 ng/mL, 74%, and 61%, respectively.

Effect of Supplementation of Different Sources of Selenium on Humoral Immunity in Guinea Pigs

A total of 40 male guinea pigs (462.0 ± 9.3 g body weight) were divided into four equal groups and fed a basal diet consisting of concentrate mixture (ground maize grain (30.5%), Bengal gram (25%), wheat bran (24%), soya bean meal (18%), mineral mixture (2%; without selenium (Se)), common salt (0.5%) and ascorbic acid (0.05%)) and 10-20 g of available green fodder. While group 1 was fed basal diet alone, without any Se supplementation, groups 2, 3 and 4 were supplemented with 150 ppb of Se, as nano-Se, sodium selenite and organic Se, respectively, for 70 days. Results revealed that the serum Se levels significantly (P<0.001) increased in all the Se-supplemented groups compared with the control group, with highest level in group 2 supplemented with nano-Se. The standard tube agglutination test showed that the serum antibody titre was significantly (P<0.001) higher in all the Se-supplemented groups compared with the control group, with highest level in group 2 supplemented with nano-Se. It was concluded that supplementation of 150 ppb Se, either as inorganic salt, or in the organic or the nano form, in the basal diet significantly enhanced the serum Se levels and the immune response in the guinea pigs, with the highest response observed in the nano-Se group.

Oxidative Stress and Serum Selenium in HIV Patients on Different Antiretroviral Regimen

Background: Two major Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy naming as HAART-1(zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine) and HAART-2 (zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz) are considered for HIV positive patients. HIV as well as antiretroviral drugs can cause free radical formation with or without compensatory increase in serum selenium. This study was aimed at knowing serum levels of malonaldehyde (evidence of free radical production) and selenium. Method: A total of 240 persons were surveyed, comprising subjects and controls. The respondents were in four groups each comprising 60 persons. The four groups are: HIV positive patients not yet on HAART termed Prehaart patients, HIV positive patients on HAART-1, HIV positive patients on HAART-2 and HIV negative patients (control). Serum levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and selenium were assayed in each of study groups. Result: CD4/mm 3 was significantly lower in subject groups when compared with control (p<0.05). MDA (µmol/l) was found to be higher in all subject groups but significant elevation was only found in HAART-2 group (p<0.05). Serum Se (µg/dl) levels were found to be significantly lower in all the groups when compared with control (p<0.05). Conclusion: Production of free radicals was worse in patients on HAART-2. Decreased serum selenium levels in all groups may suggest reason for oxidative stress found in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy. Abbreviation: HAART-1(zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine), HAART-2(zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz), MDA (Malonaldehyde),Se (Selenium)

Lower nutritional status and higher food insufficiency in frail older US adults

Frailty is a state of decreased physical functioning and a significant complication of ageing. We examined frailty, energy and macronutrient intake, biomarkers of nutritional status and food insufficiency in US older adult (age ≥ 60 years) participants of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n 4731). Frailty was defined as meeting ≥ 2 and pre-frailty as meeting one of the following four-item criteria: (1) slow walking; (2) muscular weakness; (3) exhaustion and (4) low physical activity. Intake was assessed by 24 h dietary recall. Food insufficiency was self-reported as 'sometimes' or 'often' not having enough food to eat. Analyses were adjusted for sex, race, age, smoking, education, income, BMI, other co-morbid conditions and complex survey design. Prevalence of frailty was highest among people who were obese (20·8 %), followed by overweight (18·4 %), normal weight (16·1 %) and lowest among people who were underweight (13·8 %). Independent of BMI, daily energy intake was lowest in people who were frail, followed by pre-frail and highest in people who were not frail (6648 (se 130), 6966 (se 79) and 7280 (se 84) kJ, respectively, P< 0·01). Energy-adjusted macronutrient intakes were similar in people with and without frailty. Frail (adjusted OR (AOR) 4·7; 95 % CI 1·7, 12·7) and pre-frail (AOR 2·1; 95 % CI 0·8, 5·8) people were more likely to report being food insufficient than not frail people. Serum albumin, carotenoids and Se levels were lower in frail adults than not frail adults. Research is needed on targeted interventions to improve nutritional status and food insufficiency among frail older adults, while not necessarily increasing BMI.

Deficiency of selenium and zinc as a causative factor for idiopathic intractable epilepsy

The accumulation of free radicals may lead to seizures and increase the risk of their recurrence. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase are 2 major enzymes that are involved in antioxidative defense mechanisms. Selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) are important trace elements that participate in the structure of these enzymes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible associations between trace elements and idiopathic intractable epilepsy (IIE) by comparing the levels of Se, Zn, and Cu between patients with IIE and healthy children. Our study was designed as a case-control study with 70 IIE patients and 60 healthy children who were matched for age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The levels of serum Se, Zn, and Cu were measured with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results were statistically analyzed with SPSS version 16.0. We found that the patients with IIE had significantly decreased levels of serum Se and Zn compared to those of the control group (p<0.05). We believe that this study presents the first reports of decreased levels of Se and Zn in patients with IIE. These results may provide new insights for delineating the etiological basis of IIE and its potential therapeutic options.

Selenium and lipid subfractions in Egyptian type 2 diabetes patients

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between serum selenium (Se) levels and lipid subfraction among Egyptian type 2 diabetes patients and their association with the severity of the disease. The study was conducted on 60 type 2 diabetic adults with BMI <30 divided according to disease duration into two groups: group 1 with disease duration less than 5 years and group 2 with a disease duration more than 5 years. Thirty age- and sex-matched apparently healthy volunteers were considered as the control group. Serum selenium was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry lipid subfractions including small dense low density lipoprotein (sd LDL) which was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by high-performance liquid chromatography. All participants do not receive Se supplementation. The mean serum Se level in participants with diabetes was as follows: group 2 = 62.70 ± 5.73, group 1 = 70.58 ± 4.158, and control subjects = 79.80 ± 5.37 μg/l (p = 0.00). Se was found to be an independent protective factor with an OR of 0.29 and 95 % CI of 0.06–1.3. Mean serum sd LDL in participants with diabetes was as follows: group 2 = 43.81 ± 13.70, group 1 = 25.77 ± 5.28, and control group = 15.99 ± 5.32 (p = 0.00). Correlation study, between studied parameters, revealed positive correlation between sd LDL and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (r = 0.730, p = 0.001). On the other hand, negative correlation was encountered between apolipoprotein A (Apo A) and Apo B (r = −0.514, p = 0.001) as well as Apo A and sd LDL (r = −0.697, p = 0.001). Selenium correlated negatively with both Apo B (r = −0.669, p = 0.001) and sd LDL (r = −0.671, p = 0.001) and positively with Apo A (r = 0.513, p = 0.001). In a sample of the Egyptian population, low serum Se levels were positively associated with the prevalence of diabetes. Until findings from prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are available, Se intake, including Se supplementation, should be recommended for primary or secondary diabetes prevention in populations with inadequate selenium status.

Selenium and kidney disease

Selenium (Se) is a trace element that participates as a cofactor in several enzymes (selenoproteins) which act in the regulation of thyroid hormone metabolism, enzymatic antioxidant defenses and the immune system. Se deficiency has been linked to atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease, increased risk of viral infections and even with an increased risk of mortality. Low serum Se levels are a frequent finding in patients with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. The relationship between hyposelenemia and the comorbidities associated with renal disease has not been extensively evaluated. It has been reported that both low serum Se levels and renal insufficiency are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease mortality and an increased risk for all-cause mortality in adults older than 35 years. A recent report has suggested that hyposelenemia may contribute to immune dysfunction, increasing the risk of death from infectious disease in hemodialysis patients. Some studies have reported that Se status and immune function improve after oral and intravenous Se supplementation in renal patients, reducing the products of oxidative stress. In summary, although there are intriguing relationships between Se physiology and several derangements and comorbidities associated with acute and chronic kidney disease, only a few studies have analyzed the clinical consequences of hyposelenemia in these patients to date. Available data are encouraging and stimulate interest in further studies to clarify the real extent of Se deficiency and the need for Se supplementation in patients with kidney disease.

Hair zinc and selenium levels in children with recurrent wheezing

The prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases has increased markedly in the last few decades. Oxidative stress plays a central role in asthma pathogenesis, and reduced daily consumption of antioxidants is positively correlated with increased risk of asthma. Zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) are the main antioxidant elements. In our study, we aimed to investigate hair Zn and Se levels in children with recurrent wheezing. The study included 65 patients with recurrent wheezing (RW) and 65 healthy children (HC). The hair Zn and Se levels (µg/g) of the RW group were lower in comparison with the HC group (162.43 ± 91.52 vs. 236.38 ± 126.44, P < 0.001, and 217.37 ± 83.01 vs. 280.53 ± 122.73, P < 0.001, respectively). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (mmol/L) of the RW group was found to be significantly lower in comparison with the HC group (1.38 ± 0.14 vs. 1.53 ± 0.20, respectively; P < 0.001). Number of wheezing episodes in the last 6 months were negatively correlated with serum TAC, hair Zn, and Se levels in RW group (r(p) = -0.291, P = 0.001; r(p) = -0.209, P = 0.017; r(p) = -0.206, P = 0.019, respectively). The number of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) episodes in the last 6 months was negatively correlated with serum TAC and hair Zn levels (r(p) = -0.316, P < 0.001, and r(p) = -0.196, P = 0.025, respectively). In this study, we found that TAC, hair Zn, and hair Se levels were lower in children with RW than HC and negatively correlated with wheezing episodes in the last 6 months. Also body Zn and Se levels can be reliably measured in hair samples.