Serum Se Research Articles

Determination of Blood Micromineral and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Values for White-tailed Deer

Abstract The current National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) for trace mineral and vitamin requirements for cervids are based on data collected from various small ruminant species. Lack of baseline requirements make diet formulation for high fenced, white-tailed deer (Odocoileis virginianus) herds particularly ambiguous. This study was to determine a baseline value for whole blood and serum micromineral and vitamin concentrations for white-tailed deer in an attempt to establish dietary requirements of trace minerals and vitamins. Open does (n = 226) were sampled using jugular venipuncture during fall breeding procedures. Captive-raised does housed at various high fenced ranches (n = 3) throughout Texas were used, each with unique management strategies. Blood samples were analyzed for micromineral levels (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn) and fat-soluble metabolites (vitamin A, vitamin E, and cholesterol). Age of the doe and ranch were used as main effects using the GLM procedure in. Sampled averages across all ranches were 6.26 ng/mL of Co, 1.05 µg/mL of Cu, 219.47 µg/mL of Fe, 4.40 ng/mL of Mn, 4.23 ng/mL of Mo, 172.32 ng/mL of Se, 0.54 µg/mL of Zn, 286.76 ng/mL of vitamin A, 1.80 µg/mL of vitamin E, and 79.27 of cholesterol. Micronutrient levels were not affected by age; however, least squared differences existed between the main effect ranch for Co (P < 0.01), Cu (P < 0.01), Fe (P < 0.01), Mo (P < 0.01), Mn (P < 0.01), Se (P < 0.01), Zn (P < 0.01), vitamin E (P < 0.01), and cholesterol (P = 0.038) in serum. There was an observed interaction of age and ranch for vitamin A (P = 0.038). Factors such as feed, forage, soil, genetics, and health management protocols could explain the broad range in values. The establishment of circulating blood micronutrient levels will serve as a baseline for future white-tailed deer nutrient requirement research and feed formulation.

Comparison of Serum Copper, Selenium and Zinc Concentrations Among the States of Glucose Tolerance

Trace element is essential for the proper growth, development, and physiology of the organism and the primary source of trace element is dietary intake. Among trace elements, the role of copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in the pathogenesis of diabetes have been widely recognized. However, there is little information available about these 3 trace elements across the different states of glucose tolerance.We examined associations between serum levels of trace elements - Cu, Zn, and Se with various stages of glucose tolerance in a representative, cross-sectional sample of US adults. Our sample included 5,087 adults (≥20 years) with available serum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se as well as states of glucose tolerance, defined by history, HbA1c, fasting, and 2-hour plasma glucose concentrations. Serum concentrations of trace elements were compared with glucose tolerance status with the consideration of covariates. Regression analyses was used to examine the relationship of trace elements with HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, and BMI in non-diabetic subjects with the consideration of appropriate covariates.Serum Se (P<0.0001) and Zn (P<0.0001) concentrations differed significantly among 3 groups based on the states of glucose tolerance, while no difference was noted in serum Cu concentration. In non-diabetic subjects, serum Cu concentration was positively correlated with BMI (P<0.0001) with a possible compensatory increased beta cell function (P=0.018). Serum Se concentration was negatively correlated with insulin resistance (P=0.016) but not with beta cell function or BMI. Serum Zn concertation was negatively correlated with beta cell function (P=0.0023) and BMI (P=0.018), but not with insulin resistance.We found that a higher serum concentration of trace elements was associated with negative glucose and fuel homeostasis in a non-deficiency population possibly through different mechanisms. Although the casual relationship remains to be elucidated, we recommend against trace element supplementation in a non-deficiency population.

Ratio of selenium concentrations between soil, forage plants and blood serum of beef cattle studied in organic and conventional farms

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to compare the selenium (Se) status of beef cattle from conventional farms with the status of cattle from organic farms located in western Pomerania and to determine the ratios of Se concentration between soil, forage plants and animals at these locations. The mean total Se (SeT) content in soil was 0.208 mg/kg dry matter (DM) on organic farms and 0.254 mg/kg DM on conventional farms. Animals from conventional farms had significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum Se concentration than those on organic farms. As Se deficiency were classified in 75% of animals from organic farms and in 42% animals from conventional farms. A lack of Se supplementation is associated with a serious risk of deficiency in ruminants, particularly in areas with low Se levels in the soil–plant system. Therefore, more attention should be devoted to increasing the bioavailability of Se for plants by enhancing the physicochemical properties of soil. In addition, the composition of swards for grazing should be adjusted to increase the share of forage plants capable of collecting larger amounts of Se from soil.

Relative selenium insufficiency is a risk factor for developing severe Graves’ orbitopathy: a case–control study

Background/aimsSelenium (Se), an antioxidant agent, is effective in preventing mild Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) deterioration. However, the significant risk of low serum Se concentration for GO progression has not been identified....

Evaluation of Zn, Cu, and Se Levels in the North American Autism Spectrum Disorder Population

Metal ion dyshomeostasis and disparate levels of biometals like zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) have been implicated as a potential causative factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this study, we have enrolled 129 children (aged 2–4 years) in North America, of which 64 children had a diagnosis of ASD and 65 were controls. Hair, nail, and blood samples were collected and quantitatively analyzed for Zn, Cu and Se using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Of the analyzed biometals, serum Se (116.83 ± 14.84 ng/mL) was found to be significantly lower in male ASD cases compared to male healthy controls (128.21 ± 9.11 ng/mL; p < 0.005). A similar trend was found for nail Se levels in ASD (1.01 ± 0.15 mcg/g) versus that of controls (1.11 ± 0.17 mcg/g) with a p-value of 0.0132 using a stratified Wilcoxon rank sum testing. The level of Se in ASD cohort was co-analyzed for psychometric correlation and found a negative correlation between total ADOS score and serum Se levels. However, we did not observe any significant difference in Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio in ASD cases versus controls in this cohort of North American children. Further studies are recommended to better understand the biology of the relationship between Se and ASD status.

Serum Zinc, Copper, and Other Biometals Are Associated with COVID-19 Severity Markers.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate of serum metal levels in COVID-19 patients with different disease severity, and to investigate the independent association between serum metal profile and markers of lung damage. The cohort of COVID-19 patients consisted of groups of subjects with mild, moderate, and severe illness, 50 examinees each. Forty-four healthy subjects of the respective age were involved in the current study as the control group. Serum metal levels were evaluated using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Examination of COVID-19 patients demonstrated that heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, C-reactive protein levels, as well as lung damage increased significantly with COVID-19 severity, whereas SpO2 decreased gradually. Increasing COVID-19 severity was also associated with a significant gradual decrease in serum Ca, Fe, Se, Zn levels as compared to controls, whereas serum Cu and especially Cu/Zn ratio were elevated. No significant group differences in serum Mg and Mn levels were observed. Serum Ca, Fe, Se, Zn correlated positively with SpO2, being inversely associated with fever, lung damage, and C-reactive protein concentrations. Opposite correlations were observed for Cu and Cu/Zn ratio. In regression models, serum Se levels were inversely associated with lung damage independently of other markers of disease severity, anthropometric, biochemical, and hemostatic parameters. Cu/Zn ratio was also considered as a significant predictor of lower SpO2 in adjusted regression models. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that metal metabolism significantly interferes with COVID-19 pathogenesis, although the causal relations as well as precise mechanisms are yet to be characterized.

The Combinations of Sulfur and Molybdenum Fertilization Improved Antioxidant Capacity in Grazing Nanjiang Brown Goat.

To assess the impacts of sulfur (S) and molybdenum (Mo) fertilization on antioxidant capacity of grazing Nanjiang brown goat in copper (Cu)-polluted meadow, and explore the control methods of Cu pollution in natural pasture, fertilizer treatments and grazing experiments were carried out in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of the Western Sichuan Plateau, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. 24 hm2 Cu-polluted meadows were fenced and randomly divided into four groups (3 replications/group, 2 hm2/replication): (1) control group, no fertilizer; (2) treatment groups, applied 1 kg Mo+40 kg S, 2 kg Mo+80 kg S, and 3 kg Mo+120 kg S per hectare for group I, group II, and group III, respectively. Seventy-two healthy Nanjiang brown goats (1 year old, 30.9 ± 1.1 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups (3 replications/group, 6 goats/replication) and assigned to the tested pastures. The grazing experiment lasted for 60 days. The results showed that the contents of N, S, Mn, Zn, and Mo in herbage in fertilized pastures were higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). The contents of Cu and Se in herbage in fertilized pastures were lower than those in control group (P < 0.01). There were no differences among the fertilized pastures (P > 0.05). The contents of Mn, Zn, Mo, and S in serum and liver in the treatment goats were higher than those in control animals (P < 0.01). The contents of Cu and Se in serum and liver in the treatment goats were lower than those in control animals (P < 0.01). There was no difference in Fe and Co contents in herbage, serum, and liver among the four groups (P > 0.05). The levels of Hb, RBC, and PCV in blood in the treatment goats and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, CAT, and Cp in serum were higher than those in control goats (P < 0.01). The contents of MDA in the treatment goats were lower than those in control animals (P < 0.01). The contents of serum Cu and Mo, and liver Cu in group III were lower than those in group I and group II (P < 0.01). Taken together, the combinations of S and Mo fertilization did not influence the mineral contents in herbage, serum, and liver, but reduced the toxicity of Cu in Cu-polluted grassland and improved antioxidant capacity in grazing Nanjiang brown goat from fertilized pastures.

Systemic effects and impact on the gut microbiota upon subacute oral exposure to silver acetate in rats.

The addition of silver (Ag) to food items, and its migration from food packaging and appliances results in a dietary exposure in humans, estimated to 70-90µg Ag/day. In view of the well-known bactericidal activity of Ag ions, concerns arise about a possible impact of dietary Ag on the gut microbiota (GM), which is a master determinant of human health and diseases. Repeated oral administration of Ag acetate (AgAc) can also cause systemic toxicity in rats with reported NOAELs of 4mg AgAc/b.w./d for impaired fertility and 0.4mg AgAc/b.w./d for developmental toxicity. The objective of this study was to investigate whether oral exposure to AgAc can induce GM alterations at doses causing reproductive toxicity in rats. Male and female Wistar rats were exposed during 10weeks to AgAc incorporated into food (0, 0.4, 4 or 40mg/kg b.w./d), and we analyzed the composition of the GM (α- and β-diversity). We documented bacterial function by measuring short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in cecal content. Ferroxidase activity, a biomarker of systemic Ag toxicity, was measured in serum. From 4mg/kg b.w./d onwards, we recorded systemic toxicity, as indicated by the reduction of serum ferroxidase activity, as well as serum Cu and Se concentrations. This systemic toxic response to AgAc might contribute to explain reprotoxic manifestations. We observed a dose-dependent modification of the GM composition in male rats exposed to AgAc. No impact of AgAc exposure on the production of bacterial SCFA was recorded. The limited GM changes recorded in this study do not appear related to a reprotoxicity outcome.

Hair Se Is a Sensitive Biomarker to Monitor the Effects of Se Supplementation in Elderly.

It is rapidly increasing to have selenium (Se) supplementation for urban elderly population in China since they are facing a widespread deficiency daily Se intake. However, until now, there is no low-cost, non-invasive, rapid, and reliable method to monitor the health improvement or risk for elderly Se-supplemented population in China. The present cross-sectional study (229 participants with older than 55 years old) performed in Beijing, China, revealed that the Se concentrations of non-supplementer users (n = 27) were 55 ± 23 μg/L in urine, 139.9 ± 102.3 μg/L in serum, and 487.6 ± 158.7 μg/kg in hair. But a significant increase on hair Se concentrations (615.4 ± 238.8 μg/kg) was observed for Se supplementer users (n = 202) (p < 0.05); there were no significant statistical differences in serum and urine between the Se-supplemented (n = 202) and Se non-supplemented groups (n = 27). This indicated the hair Se levels could be a more sensitive biomarker for Se-supplemented elderly population. Participants who consumed Se supplements for 7-12 months had the highest Se status based on hair and serum Se concentrations (p < 0.05). The present study also revealed that most elderly adults in Beijing just need to supplement 50 μg Se per day to achieve Se plateau status. Furthermore, hair Se levels were positively related with triglycerides/TG levels (p < 0.05) but not body mass index/BMI, total cholesterol/TC, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/LDL, implicating Se supplementation for Se sufficiency baseline in elderly population in Beijing likely posed health risk, especially on TG because of excessive Se oxidation stress. An ongoing monitoring of Se status via hair is still warranted to prevent future Se deficiency or excess in China.

Evaluation of serum levels of copper and selenium in Helicobacter pylori positive and negative gastritis patients

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can result in various complications, included micronutrient variations, nutritional impairment, gastric tissue damages and oxidative stress. The present study aimed to evaluate serum variations of Cu and Se in H. pylori infected individuals. A prospective case-control study was performed on 69 participants with abdominal pains (40 patients with H. pylori gastritis versus 29 control group). Serum levels of Cu and Se were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Comparisons of elements between included groups were done using independent sample t-test. Subgroup analysis between male and female (with or without H. pylori) was performed using one way analysis of variance. Correlation between serum Cu and Se was assessed using Pearson’s correlation test. The p-value levels less than 0.05 were considered as significant. There were no significant differences in serum levels of Cu and Se between H. pylori positive and negative persons. In male with H. pylori, Se levels were 38.4% higher than control male (p-value=0.03). A positive and significant correlation was observed between serum Cu and Se levels (r = 0.51, P-value = 0.024). Although no statistic difference was observed in serum Cu and Se levels, the significant correlation between measured elements represents as good evidence for some discrepancies. Given the importance of well controlled micronutrients in whole body health, especially in high-risk H. pylori patients, more studies are needed to clarify the exact relation of these and other trace elements with H. pylori outcomes.

Serum Selenium Levels in Glaucoma: a Pilot Study.

Trace elements are assumed to be involved in glaucoma pathogenesis via changes in oxidative stress. Especially serum selenium (Se) has been linked to this neurodegenerative disease. Serum Se levels differ between countries due to nutrition and ethnicity. It was the aim of the present study to investigate serum Se levels in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and controls in Germany and to consider potential age and gender effects. The Se concentration of 39 serum samples (22 patients with POAG, 17 controls) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-sf-MS) in high resolution mode. Covariance and percentile regression were analyzed. Age and gender were defined as confounding factors and their different trends were investigated. Moreover, age was examined across different quantiles of Se levels. Total serum least-squares means (LS-means) Se levels were 132.02 µg/L (controls) and 134.86 µg/L (POAG). Total serum Se levels did not differ between the study groups (p > 0.05). Significant age and gender effects of serum Se were observed. Quantile analysis showed that the 1st serum Se quantile decreased with increasing age in POAG patients in contrast to controls. The odds ratios of the 1st serum Se were 1.3 (with 2nd quantile) and 1.3 (with 3rd quantile), respectively. The serum Se level of the German cohort was almost half of those of the published US cohort (glaucoma 209.11 ng/mL; control 194.45 ng/mL). Age and gender effects were observed; the serum Se level increased with age in women (controls and POAG), however, Se levels decreased with age in men (controls and POAG).

Maternal selenium deficiency during gestation is positively associated with the risks for LBW and SGA newborns in a Chinese population.

Maternal selenium (Se) deficiency is associated with some adverse pregnant outcomes. However, it remains controversial whether maternal Se deficiency during gestation enhances the risks for low-birth-weight (LBW) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns. For our cohort study, total 3133 mother-and-infant pairs were selected. Maternal serum Se concentration was detected by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. According to international references for maternal serum Se concentration, subjects were divided into Se deficiency (<45.0 μg/L), Se insufficiency (45.0-94.9 μg/L) and Se sufficiency (≥95.0 μg/L). There was a positive relation of maternal serum Se concentration in gestation and neonatal birth weight. Further analysis showed that the risks for LBW and SGA in SD group were significantly higher than that in SI and SS group, the adjusted ORs for LBW and SGA newborns were 1.87 (95%CI: 1.02, 3.45; P = 0.04) and 1.47 (95%CI: 1.07, 2.02; P = 0.02) in SI group, and 3.92 (95%CI: 2.03, 7.57; P < 0.001) and 2.77 (95%CI: 1.92, 4.02; P < 0.001) in SD group compared to SS group. In different gender subgroup, positive relations were observed between maternal Se deficiency and the risk for LBW girls, as well as the risks for both SGA girls and boys. Maternal Se deficiency in gestation was positively associated with the risk for LBW girls, as well as the risks for both SGA girls and boys.

Effects of feeding bulls dried corn distiller’s grains plus solubles or CaSO4 on mineral and metabolite concentrations in serum and seminal plasma

Yearling Angus bulls (n = 36) were assigned one of three diets: 1) 60 % concentrate as corn (CON, 0.2 % S, 13.4 % CP; n = 12); 2) 60 % dried corn distiller’s grains plus solubles (60DDGS 0.5 % S, 22.0 % CP; n = 12); 3) CON diet + equivalent sulfur of 60DDGS as CaSO4 (SULF, 0.5 % S, 13.9 % CP; n = 12) to evaluate effects of feeding 60 % DDGS or sulfur as CaSO4 on mineral and metabolite concentrations in serum and seminal plasma. Treatment × day interactions (P < 0.03) were observed for serum Cu, Se, and Mo. For Cu at d 112, lesser (P < 0.01) concentrations were observed in bulls fed the 60DDGS compared to SULF and CON diets. There were greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of Se at d 112 in bulls fed 60DDGS than CON and SULF diets. Concentrations of Mo were greater at d 56 and 112 (P < 0.01) in bulls fed CON compared to SULF and 60DDGS diets. In seminal plasma, there were treatment × day interactions (P < 0.02) for Cu and Mo. For Cu, at d 112, there was a lesser (P < 0.01) concentration in the bulls fed SULF compared to CON and 60DDGS diets. For Mo, there was a greater (P < 0.01) concentration in bulls fed the CON than 60DDGS and SULF diets at d 56 and 112. Changes in mineral and metabolite concentrations may have effects on bull reproductive performance when there is a relatively greater dietary sulfur content.

The Serum Selenium Level, the Activity of Some Selenodependent Enzymes and the Lipid Profile in Childhood Obesity

Oxidative stress and dyslipidemia are present in childhood obesity. Selenoproteins are important antioxidants. Glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reduce the level of peroxides while the conversion of the tyroid hormon T4 to T3 needs also a selenoenzyme. Selenium deficiency can reduce the selenoproteins activity. The aim of this study was to determine the serum: selenium (Se), thioredoxin level (Trx) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in obese children with dysmetabolism. The lipid profile, the hormones (free T4 and TSH), serum Se, serum Trx and GPx activity and atherogenic indexes (TG/HDLc, total cholesterol/HDLc, apoB/apoA-I ) were determined in 20 healthy children (10-16 years old) versus 41 overweight/obese children, same age, in an observational study. Spectro-photometer and ELISA methods were used. The GPx activity and the serum Se level had similar values in the studied groups , while the serum Trx level was lower in the obese children. The GPx activity was positively correlated with atherogenic indexes, negatively correlated with apo A-I (r= -0.74) and Se was positively correlated with apo B (r=0.52). The obese children had TSH and freeT4 in the normal range, but freeT4 was significantly higher in comparison with the values observed in the normal weight children. In conclusion, in childhood obesity, the normal serum range values for selenium or for selenium dependent proteins can �hide�a dysmetabolism of selenium because there are significant differences for the values of these parameters versus the ones from normal weight children. In childhood obesity, serum GPx activity and selenium values were strongly correlated with the atherogenic indexes.

Effects of Organic Selenium on Laying Performance, Selenium Absorption and Utilization, Antioxidant Activity and Immunity in Laying Hens

To study on influences of organic selenium on laying performance, Se absorption and utilization, immunity and antioxidant activity, 400（laying rates 85%）hens during the period of 43-week were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 homogeneous treatments： (control treatment，no added Se feed; Na selenite, 0.3 mg Se/kg; yeast selenium, 0.3 mg Se/kg and DL-methionine selenium 0.3 mg Se/kg). Every treatment had 10 replicates, every replicate had 5 hencoops and every hencoop had 2 hens. We hypothesized that organic selenium was better than inorganic selenium, and DL-selenium had advantages over them of yeast selenium in some ways for laying hens. The experiment lasted for 77 d, with the first 7 d for adaptation. Egg production, laying rates and dry matter intake were recorded every day. And Se contents of serum, whole eggs, heart and liver, blood antioxidant and immunity index were analyzed in the 78th d of the study. The results showed Se sources had no significant effects on laying performance and eggs qualities （ P ＞ 0.05 ）, except for the groups of organic selenium increased egg mass or had trends of increasing laying rates compared with the groups of control and inorganic selenium in the tenth week significantly respectively（P﹤0.05 or P=0.07, P=0.06 and P=0.08）. The groups of organic selenium had increased the contents of Se in serum, whole eggs, heart and liver very significantly（P﹤0.01）；and increased glutathione peroxidase activity and antioxidant capacity significantly（P﹤0.05）. At same time, the groups of organic selenium had increased significantly or had trends to increase the immunoglobulin G in serum（P ﹤0.05 or P=0.05）. In a word, adding organic selenium in diets could improve laying performance, strengthen Se absorption and utilizations, antioxidant capacity and immunity of laying hens to the extent in a longer experiment. And the effects of DL-selenium had advantages over them of yeast selenium in some ways. It implicated that DL-selenium was benefited to production of laying hens and selenium-enriched eggs. Key words： Selenium；Laying performance; Absorption and utilization；Antioxidant activity; Immunity Summary text: Selenium is an essential mineral not only for animal nutrition, but also for humans’ nutrition. Organic selenium had more advantages in improvement of laying performance, Se absorption and utilizations, antioxidant capacity and immunity of laying hens. Especially, DL-selenium was a valuable product, which was benefits to improve production of laying hens and develop functional food, selenium-enriched eggs.

Supranutritional selenium suppresses ROS-induced generation of RANKL-expressing osteoclastogenic CD4+ Tcells and ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis.

ObjectiveThe benefit of Se supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been tested in clinical trials, but results remain inconclusive. The objective of this study was to specifically investigate the potential benefit of supranutritional Se by examining human samples from an area with supranutritional Se intake and testing a mouse model of RA.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA patients (N = 57) and healthy controls (HC, N = 71) from an area of supranutritional Se intake (Enshi, Hubei, China) were analysed by flow cytometry. Serum cytokine and Se levels were measured by cytometric beads array (CBA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), respectively. With sufficient or supranutritional selenium intake, mice were induced with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) and examined for disease activity and immunopathology. The influence of Se supplementation in the generation of RANKL‐expressing osteoclastogenic CD4+ T cells was investigated by in vitro assays.ResultsIn Enshi city, HC showed the above‐normal concentrations of serum Se concentrations while RA patients were enriched in the normal range (70–150 ng mL−1) or below. RA patients with higher Se levels demonstrated milder disease and lower levels of C‐reactive protein, IL‐6, RANKL and Th17 cells. In the mouse CIA model, supranutritional Se supplementation delayed disease onset, ameliorated joint pathology and reduced CD4+CD44+RANKL+ T cells. Se supplementation could suppress RANKL expression in cultured mouse Th17 cells.ConclusionSupranutritional Se suppresses RANKL‐expressing osteoclastogenic CD4+ T cells and could be beneficial to RA, which warrants formal testing in randomised clinical trials.

Trace elements in patients with aortic valve sclerosis.

Background:Aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc) is defined as the thickening and calcification of aortic valve cusps, in the absence of obstruction of ventricular outflow. AVSc is linked with a clear imbalance in some trace elements.Aims:The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AVSc and serum levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu). Additionally, this research aimed to explore the clinical significance of human serum zinc, selenium, copper, and iron concentrations as a potential new biomarker for AVSc patients and to clarify the pathophysiological role in individuals at risk of developing AVSc.Patients and methods:The study included 40 subjects with AVSc (25% male and 75% female) who were compared with a healthy control group with the same gender ratio. AVSc was based on comprehensive echocardiographic assessments. Blood samples were taken and Zn and Cu concentrations were determined through the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy. Se was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry device and Fe was measured using a Beckman Coulter instrument.Results:There was a significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes, blood pressure levels, and body mass index between the patients and the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The differences between the serum Fe, Se, and Cu levels of the AVSc patients and the healthy subjects (p > 0.05) were recorded. The serum Zn of AVSc patients when compared was significantly lower compared with that of the control group (p < 0.01).Conclusion:Patients with AVSc had an imbalance in some of the trace elements in their blood. The patient group’s valves had higher serum Cu levels and lower serum Se, Zn, and Fe concentrations compared with the healthy group’s valves. In the valve patients as compared, AVSc had a high prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Serum selenoprotein P in lean and obese Egyptian individuals and its relation to insulin resistance

ABSTRACT Background Obesity is a major health problem with increasing prevalence and directly contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Selenoprotein P (Se P) is a novel hepatokine that affects glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and correlating with insulin resistance, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Plasma Se P level is one of the promising biomarkers for predictions or diagnoses/prognoses of the diseases. Objective Evaluating the serum level of Selenoprotein P in overweight, obese, and lean individuals and its relation to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic parameters. Subjects and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Endocrinology Clinics, Internal Medicine Department, Menoufia University Hospitals on 90 individuals that were divided into two groups: (group I) 50 overweight and obese individuals (with body mass index (BMI) in the range 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 and ≥30.0 kg/m2, respectively) and (group II) 40 lean individuals with BMI in the range (18.5–24.9) kg/m2. All subjects were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations including fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood sugar, lipid profile, fasting serum insulin level, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum Se P. Results Se P concentrations were significantly increased in overweight and obese group than lean group (p < 0.001). Se P concentration was related to various cardio-metabolic parameters. In overweight and obese group there was a significant positive correlation between serum Selenoprotein p level and waist circumference (WC) (r −0.453, p <0.001), hip circumference (HC) (r = 0.464, p < 0.001), waist-hip ratio (WHR) (r −0.506, p < 0.001), visceral adiposity index (VAI) (r = 0.323, p = 0.022), fasting serum insulin (r = 0.585, p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.570, p < 0.001). Conclusion Circulating Se P concentrations is elevated in obesity and related to insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, and atherogenic index of plasma.

Vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF and metal-ligand homeostasis in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke

To study the conjugate dynamics of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the components of metal-ligand homeostasis in the development of ischemic stroke. The main group included patients with ischemic stroke (n=158). The comparison group consisted of healthy volunteers (n=150). The concentration of VEGF (pg/ml) in the blood serum was determined by ELISA and concentrations of Mg, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn and Fe (mcg/ml) by inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistica 10 application software package and the optimal reliable partitioning (SDR) method, which is part of the Date mining group of data mining methods. A significant increase in the concentrations of VEGF and trace elements Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Se in the blood serum of patients with ischemic stroke was revealed. A significant relationship between the concentration of VEGF and the concentrations of Cu and Mn in the blood serum of patients with ischemic stroke was shown. The dynamics of VEGF and the concentrations of trace elements in the development of the ischemic process contribute to the solution of therapeutic and prognostic problems in clinical conditions.

The course of Autoimmune Thyroiditis in WOMEN.

Although, many studies have been made on the clinical course of autoimmune thyroiditis, this study focused on women and the factors effecting the natural course such as Selenium. The study aimed to determine Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) clinical course in adults and the factors that could affect it. The study was in a retrospective manner between 2010-2018. 101 patients with HT were followed for 60.7±32.7 months. Biochemical and ultrasonographic data were collected. We investigated whether the age at diagnosis, family history, smoking habits, levothyroxine replacement therapy, and serum selenium (Se) levels influenced the disease course. No relationship was observed between age and thyroid functions, thyroid volumes (TV), and autoantibody (Ab) levels at diagnosis. Ab levels were irrelevant with TV, echogenicity, and nodularity at diagnosis. However, initial TSH levels were significantly associated with anti-TPO levels (p=0.028, r=0.218). In the untreated group, thyroid functions seemed to be stable. TV decreased significantly in both treated and untreated patients (p<0.001). The decrease in TV was significantly higher in the treatment group (p=0.002). In euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroid patients, levothyroxine therapy did not affect the decrease in TV. Ab levels remained stable in untreated patients, but anti-TPO levels significantly decreased in treated patients (p<0.001). Smoking seemed to increase only anti-Tg levels (p=0.009). Family history was not associated with any of the studied parameters. Serum Se level was negatively correlated only with thyroid echostructure and only in treated patients. TV showed a "Gaussian distribution" in all patients at the diagnosis and at the end, independent of levothyroxine treatment. Most euthyroid patients remained euthyroid during five years of follow-up. The decrease in TV was significantly prominent with LT4 treatment. Importantly, TV followed a normal distribution instead of the bimodal distribution that is classically described.