Serum Selenium Levels In Patients Research Articles

Evaluation of serum selenium level in patients with plaque-type psoriasis

Back ground Psoriasis may be accompanied by homeostatic imbalance of some trace elements such as selenium (Se) that may influence disease management. Se has antiproliferative and immune-modulating properties. There are limited data about the imbalance of Se level in psoriasis patients with equivocal findings. Objective Aim of the study was to evaluate serum Se level in plaque-type psoriasis patients with different severity and chronicity of disease. Patients and methods In this case–control study during 18 months, Se level was analyzed in serum samples of 54 psoriasis patients and 54 healthy volunteers. Se level was measured with atomic absorption method. The extent of psoriasis was investigated using the psoriasis area severity index and nail psoriasis severity index scores. Age, sex, duration of psoriasis, severity scores, and levels of Se were collected and analyzed by SPSS software. Results There was no significant difference in Se levels between two groups (P=0.323). Also median level of Se in patients with different duration time of psoriasis was not significantly different (P=0.157). But there was significant differences in the median level of Se in mild group compared with severe (P=0.035) and moderate group (P=0.018). There was a nonsignificant correlation between severity and duration of psoriasis with Se level. Conclusion Considering these nonsignificant difference, we think that Se imbalance is not probably an important factor in our psoriasis patients.

Comparison of selenium levels between diabetic patients with and without retinopathy

Background/Aim: Diabetic retinopathy is a common ailment that causes visual impairment among adults, and evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to examine the potential association between selenium deficiency and an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This study was a prospective case-control study. 115 patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. The patients were divided into groups with and without retinopathy. No subgroups were made according to the level of retinopathy. The aim was to compare the serum selenium level of patients between groups. Therefore, other variables that may contribute to the development of retinopathy were also recorded. The duration of diabetes, medications used, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were recorded. The retinopathy group included 47 patients, and the non-retinopathy group included 68 patients. Selenium levels were measured in plasma samples. Results: The mean selenium level of the retinopathy group (70.11 [17.28] μg/l) was significantly lower than that of the non-retinopathy group (80.20 [19.10] μg/l) (P=0.005). The median duration of diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in the retinopathy group than in the non-retinopathy group (10 [1-25] and 6 [1-21], respectively; P=0.002). Logistic regression analyses showed that higher levels of blood selenium were independent preventive factors against the occurrence of retinopathy (OR [95% CI]: 0.965 [0.939-0. 991]). The duration of diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for retinopathy occurrence [OR (95% CI): 1.131 (1.050-1.219)]. One unit increase in selenium level was associated with a unit decrease in diabetic retinopathy of 0.965 (0.939-0.991). Conclusion: Our research revealed a correlation between the duration of diabetes and the incidence of diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, a notable difference was observed in blood selenium levels between patients with diabetic retinopathy and those without it. Specifically, patients with diabetic retinopathy had lower plasma selenium levels compared to the control group. These findings have potential implications for the treatment or prevention of diabetic retinopathy, but more research is needed to determine the efficacy of selenium supplementation for diabetic patients with or without microvascular complications. Future studies should investigate the effect of selenium deficiency on different subtypes of diabetic retinopathy and the impact of selenium supplementation in this patient population.

Serum Selenium Levels in Patients With Graves Disease With or Without Thyroid Ophthalmopathy

BackgroundGraves disease is one of the most common autoimmune thyroid diseases. Thyroid has the highest concentration of selenium (Se) in the body. Se plays a crucial role in the functioning of some thyroid enzymes; however, there are controversial results regarding the administration of serum Se levels in patients with Graves disease. MethodsIn this study, patients with Graves disease with orbitopathy (GO group) or without orbitopathy (GD group) were recruited. Healthy individuals without a history of any disease were enrolled as the control group. Serum Se and thyroid hormone levels, including T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), were measured using atomic absorption and radioimmunoassay techniques, respectively. ResultsIn this cross-sectional study, 60 and 56 patients and 58 healthy subjects were included in the GO, GD, and control groups. Serum Se levels in the GO, GD, and control groups were 94.53 ± 25.36 μg/dL, 96.82 ± 30.3 μg/dL, and 102.55 ± 16.53 μg/dL, respectively (P = .193). There was a reverse association between the serum Se level and thyroid hormones, including T3, T4, and TSH, in the GO group. However, serum Se levels exhibited a significant reverse association with T4 and TSH hormones but not with T3 in the GD group. ConclusionOur results showed no significant differences in the serum Se levels in the GO and GD groups compared with that in the control group. In addition, we did not detect any significant difference in the serum Se levels between the GO and GD groups.

The Impact on the Clinical Prognosis of Low Serum Selenium Level in Patients with Severe Trauma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study was designed to examine the most up-to-date evidence about how low plasma selenium (Se) concentration affects clinical outcomes, such as mortality, infectious complications, and length of ICU or hospital stay, in patients with major trauma. We searched three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science) with the following keywords: “injury”, “trauma”, “selenium”, and “trace element”. Only records written in English published between 1990 and 2021 were included for analysis. Four studies were eligible for meta-analyses. The results of the meta-analysis showed that a low serum selenium level did not exert a negative effect on the mortality rate (OR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.32, 3.61, p = 0.91, heterogeneity, I2 = 44%). Regarding the incidence of infectious complications, there was no statistically significant deficit after analyses of the four studies (OR 1.61, 95% CI: 0.64, 4.07, p = 0.31, heterogeneity, I2 = 70%). There were no differences in the days spent in the ICU (difference in means (MD) 1.53, 95% CI: −2.15, 5.22, p = 0.41, heterogeneity, I2 = 67%) or the hospital length of stay (MD 6.49, 95% CI: −4.05, 17.02, p = 0.23, heterogeneity, I2 = 58%) in patients with low serum Se concentration. A low serum selenium level after trauma is not uncommon. However, it does not negatively affect mortality and infection rate. It also does not increase the overall length of ICU and hospital stays.

The association between serum selenium level and gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The relationship between serum selenium level and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is controversial. The purpose is to update and summarize previous studies to understand the relationship in more detail. PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of science, CNKI, WANFANG DATA and Cqvip were searched for studies published up to 3 September 2021. The random-effects model was used to measure the combined estimation. The overall effect was reported in a standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). All data were analysed by Review Manager 5.4. Twenty-seven studies involving 1588 patients with GDM and 2450 healthy pregnant women contributed to this meta-analysis. Selenium level was significantly lower in women with GDM than those without GDM (SMD=-1.29; 95% CI: -1.60 to -0.97, p<0.00001). Subgroup analyses showed that such trend was consistent within the non-European population (Asia: SMD=-1.44; 95% CI: -1.79 to -1.08, p<0.00001; Africa: SMD=-2.62; 95% CI: -4.50 to -0.74, p=0.006) and in the second and third trimesters (the second trimester: SMD=-1.41; 95% CI: -1.82 to -0.99, p<0.00001; the third trimester: SMD=-1.54; 95% CI: -2.09 to -0.98, p<0.00001), but not within the European population (SMD=-0.47; 95% CI: -1.09 to 0.16, p=0.14) or in the first trimester (SMD=-0.52; 95% CI: -1.13 to 0.10, p=0.10). This meta-analysis showed that the serum selenium level of patients with GDM was lower than that in healthy pregnant women, especially within the non-European population and in the second and third trimesters.

Evaluation of serum selenium levels in patients with multiple warts: a case–control study in the north of Iran

Evaluation of serum selenium levels in patients with multiple warts: a case–control study in the north of Iran

Serum Selenium Levels in Patients with Graves Disease: Associations with Clinical Activity and Severity in a Retrospective Case-control Study.

PurposeTo compare serum selenium levels in Graves patients and non-Graves control participants and to evaluate associations between serum selenium levels and clinical features of Graves orbitopathy (GO).MethodsWe conducted a single-center, retrospective case-control study among 33 patients with Graves disease without GO (GD), 31 patients with diagnosed GO, and 27 unaffected healthy participants enrolled between 2013 and 2020 at Severance Hospital. We compared serum selenium concentrations between the GD, GO, and healthy control groups, and analyzed associations between serum selenium and GO patients’ clinical activity scores, severity (assessed through modified NOSPECS scores), and other clinical features using multivariate linear regression analysis.ResultsMean serum selenium levels were 109.30 ± 16.39, 111.39 ± 14.04, and 126.09 ± 21.09 ng/mL in GO patients, GD patients, and healthy control participants, respectively. Mean serum selenium levels in Graves patients with and without orbitopathy were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group (p < 0.05), and mean selenium levels were slightly lower in GO than those in GD patients (p = 0.594). Serum selenium levels were significantly lower in GO patients with eyelid retraction than in patients without retraction (p = 0.038). However, serum selenium levels were not associated with clinical activity scores and modified NOSPECS scores (p = 0.241 and 0.801, respectively).ConclusionsSerum selenium levels were significantly lower in Graves patients with or without GO, compared to non-Graves control participants. Selenium levels were not associated with clinical activity scores or NOSPECS scores, though we observed an association with eyelid retraction.

Relationship Between Selenium Trace and Patient Outcome After Open-Heart Surgery.

BackgroundAcute stress response to heart surgery can cause major morbidity in patients. The trace of selenium is useful for preventing heart damage. Although the trend of selenium changes is of high importance for body balance, the usefulness of routine use and effectiveness of this element for patients under open-heart surgery is still unclear.ObjectivesThis study aimed at assessing serum selenium level before and after open-heart surgery and the relationship between selenium trace and patient outcome.MethodsThis prospective analytical study was performed on 100 patients undergoing open-heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In all patients, the serum level was measured at a predetermined time (before surgery and one and two days after surgery). Then, the relationship between serum selenium and patient outcome was assessed.ResultsThe mean serum selenium level in patients on admission was 72.90 ± 14.62 μg/L, one day after surgery was 71.20 ± 15.84 μg/L, and two days after surgery was 71.54 ± 15.97 μg/L. Serum selenium levels were inversely and significantly associated with age (r = -0.183; P = 0.034, 013) duration of surgery (r = -221 and P = 0.014), duration of intensive care unit stay (r = 0.204, P = 0.021), and duration of CPB (r = 0.223, P = 013).ConclusionsBased on this study’s results, a low level of selenium can affect patients’ outcomes after open-heart surgery.

Serum Selenium Level in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

Background: Selenium has been shown to protect against liver necrosis. Selenium deficiency has been involved in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B and C related hepatocellular damage.Serum selenium concentration in cirrhotics was found tobe low, supportive selenium administration may be beneficial for them.Reduced selenium levels result in accumulation of lipid peroxides which accelerate the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aim: To study serum selenium level in patients with chronic liver diseases and its relation with severity of theliver diseases. Patients and Methods: This case–control study was conducted on 100 subjects. The cases were 80 adult patients including chronic hepatitis C and B, liver cirrhosis and HCC.The study also included 20 healthy age and sex-matched subjects served as a control group. Clinical, laboratory and radiological data and blood samples were collected from all participants. Serum selenium concentration was measured and statistical analysis was done. Results: Selenium concentration was significantly lower in patients compared to healthy controls.Selenium levelwas found low in Chronic HBV, chronic HCV patients and lower incirrhotic group and the lowest in HCC group. Patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child B, C) had significantly lower selenium level compared to those with Child A. Conclusion: Selenium was lower in patients with chronic liver disease and its leveldecreases with the progression of liver disease. Patients with HCC had the lowest Selenium concentration that might correlate with the pathophysiology of HCC. Chronic hepatitis C and B, liver cirrhosis and HCC were independent predictors forSelenium deficiency.

The Effect of Ketogenic Diet on Serum Selenium Levels in Patients with Intractable Epilepsy.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum selenium levels in children receiving olive oil-based ketogenic diet (KD) for intractable seizures for at least 1year. Out of 320 patients who were initiated on KD, patients who continued receiving KD for at least 12months were enrolled. Sixteen patients who had selenium deficiency at the time of starting KD were excluded. Finally, a total of 110 patients (mean age 7.3±4.2years) were included. Serum selenium levels were measured at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12months after treatment initiation by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Selenium deficiency was defined as a serum selenium level <48μg/L at each visit. Repeated measure ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni correction was used for data analysis. Mean duration of KD was 15.3±4.3months. Mean serum selenium levels were significantly lower at 6 and 12months of KD treatment (66.2±23.3 and 57.2±16.2μg/L, respectively) compared to pre-treatment levels (79.3±25.7μg/L) (p=0.001). On the other hand, selenium levels did not show any significant difference at 3months of KD treatment (70.0±21.2μg/L) compared to baseline levels (p=0.076). A total of 54 patients (49.1%) were diagnosed with selenium deficiency, and oral selenium medication was initiated for these patients. No relevant clinical findings were detected, and echocardiographic findings were normal in all patients. The decline of the serum selenium concentrations after 6 and 12months of ketogenic diet suggests that patients on this highly prescriptive dietary treatment need close monitoring of this trace element.

Serum selenium levels in patients with respiratory diseases: a prospective observational study.

Serum selenium levels are lower in critically ill patients as compared with healthy controls. However, there is no data about the difference in serum selenium levels depending on the severity of lung diseases. We aimed to identify the factors associated with low serum selenium levels in critically ill patients with respiratory diseases. A prospective study was performed in 83 patients with respiratory diseases who had admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and general wards. We obtained systemic inflammatory markers, nutritional indicators and prognostic factors as the explanatory variables for the outcome of low serum selenium levels. Serum selenium levels on admission were lower by 28% in the ICU group as compared with the general ward group (70.0±26.4 and 97.9±20.8 ng/mL, respectively, P<0.001). Low serum selenium levels had a correlation with malnutrition represented by decreases in levels of lymphocyte (R(2)=0.107, P=0.005) and albumin (R(2)=0.174, P<0.001). In addition, low serum selenium levels were associated with an increase in baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) (R(2)=0.059, P=0.041) and APACHE II scores (R(2)=0.209, P<0.001). Lower albumin levels (P=0.032) and higher APACHE II scores (P=0.046) showed a significant correlation with lower serum selenium levels on multivariate analysis. Low serum selenium levels in patients with respiratory diseases have a significant correlation with poor nutritional status and prognosis on admission.

The estimation of selen content in blood serum and the diet correction in patients with acute Q-wave myocardial infarction

The use of selenium-containing specialized food products in prophylactic and therapeutic diets is based on hypothesis that selenium as antioxidant can potentially decrease the risk of oxidative stress induced diseases. There is a hypothesis, which is strongly supported during last 10-15 years that the reactive oxygen species are generated during ischemic myocardium reperfusion and cardiomyocyte damage. In addition selenium as an important component of glutationperoxidaze, it promotes protection against ischemic damage, improvement of functional regeneration and reduction of morphological changes in cardiomyocytes. We established a low serum selenium level in patients with acute and subacute stage of Q-wave myocardial infarction (75.5±1.8 mcg/L). New dietary product - jam made of seaweed with dried apricot enriched with selenium - was included in patient diet. We observed 72 persons (40-75 years old) who were randomized in a control group (30 patients) on standard treatment and a main group (42 patients) that received the dietary product (80 mcg Se) in addition to the standard treatment. Critical serum selenium level was found initially in 16 main group patients (38%), in 2 patients (7%) 2 weeks later and in none of patients in a month of dietary jam treatment. Selen concentration in blood serum increased from basal value 78.3±3.1 mcg/L after 2 weeks of treatment by 16% and after one month of treatment by 20% (p <0.05). In the control group the serum selenium level remained on critical and selenium-deficient levels during a month on standard treatment without dietary compensation. No adverse events were revealed in patients of main group, the investigated product was well tolerated.

Role of selenium in development of tumors

Aim. To investigate the possible relationship between content of selenium in environmental objects (soil and foods) and prevalence of tumors in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Methods. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for quantitative determination of selenium in soil of some economical regions of the country and in foods of every day’s local diet that are the natural nutritional sources of selenium. Serum selenium level in patients with tumors was assessed using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Results. Soil and food analysis revealed low contents of selenium in them. Difference in selenium concentrations in soils from studied economic regions and in food products farmed in these regions was discovered. The serum selenium level of patients with malignancies was 37.3 μg/l (38.6 μg/l - females, 34.3 μg/l - males). There was a reverse relationship found between selenium concentrations in soils and food of the region and prevalence of tumors, as well as with serum selenium level in patients with tumors and tumor stage and malignant potential. Conclusion. The territory of Azerbaijan Republic may be considered as the region with selenium deficiency. Our research supposes that selenium deficiency can be associated with increased prevalence of malignancies in the region.

Serum selenium and risk of prostate cancer in Japanese men

e16166 Background: Epidemiologic studies suggest that low selenium levels are associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer, although results are conflicting. We examined the association between serum selenium levels and risk of prostate cancer in men who received a prostate biopsy in our hospital. Methods: Our prospective study included 82 patients who received a prostate biopsy based on elevated PSA levels over 4.0ng/ml. Serum from each patient was sampled to determine the selenium level at the time of biopsy. Of these, 47 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer (case group) and no malignant lesions in the biopsy specimen were detected in the remains, 35 patients (control group). Results: The mean serum selenium levels in the case and control group were 120.4 (SD, 14.4) ng/mL and 118.5 (SD, 16.1) ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.588). Serum selenium levels at biopsy were not associated with risk of prostate cancer diagnosis. In the case group, the mean serum selenium levels in patients diagnosed with 6 or less in Gleason score and 7 or more were 121.0 (SD, 9.9) ng/mL (n = 14) and 120.1 (SD, 16.1) ng/mL (n = 33), respectively (p = 0.851). Serum selenium levels at biopsy were not associated with Gleason score in the case group. An inverse association between serum selenium and PSA levels at biopsy was observed (p = 0.030). No correlation was observed between serum selenium level and age at biopsy. Conclusions: From this study, serum selenium level cannot predict the result of prostate biopsy. The inverse association between serum selenium and PSA levels may suggest that low selenium levels are associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Evaluation of Serum Selenium Levels in Turkish Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Glucose Intolerants, and Normal Controls

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between serum selenium levels in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and glucose intolerants and compare them with those of glucose-tolerant pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was prospectively performed in a total of 178 pregnant women undergoing a 50-g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation who were grouped according to their status of glucose tolerance as with gestational diabetes (group A, abnormal 1- and 3-h glucose tolerance test; n = 30), glucose intolerant (group B, abnormal 1-h but normal 3-h glucose tolerance test; n = 47), or normal controls (group C, normal 1-h glucose test; n = 101). Serum selenium levels were measured with a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using a matrix modifier. Median maternal age and gestational age at the time of diagnosis in group A (gestational age = 24.8 [24-27]), group B (gestational age = 24.7 [24-27]), and group C (gestational age = 25 [24-28]) did not differ. Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and those with glucose intolerants had lower selenium level than that of the normal pregnant women (P < 0.001). There was a significant inverse correlation between selenium and blood glucose level, and also selenium supplementation might prove beneficial on patients with GDM and prevent or retard them from secondary complications of diabetes.

Serum Selenium Levels in Patients with Remission and Relapse of Graves Disease

Selenium (Se) in the form of selenocysteine is an essential component of the family of the detoxifying enzymes glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and of the iodothyronine selenodeiodinases that catalyze the extrathyroidal production of tri-iodothyronine (T(3)). Thus, Se deficiency may seriously influence the generation of free radicals, the conversion of thyroxine (T(4)) to T(3) and a thyroidal autoimmune process. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum Se levels may influence the outcome of Graves' disease (GD). 83 patients (77 women, 6 men) with active GD were retrospectively analyzed (mean age 40,0 years). Twenty-four GD patients went into remission and were euthyroid during follow-up (median follow-up: 20.1 months), whereas 59 patients did not go into remission or developed relapse over the following 24 months. TSH receptor autoantibodies (TRAb) were measured using the second generation assay on the basis of human TSH receptor. Se levels were determined at the first visit in our outpatient clinic and were correlated with TRAb levels and clinical outcome of these patients. Median TRAb levels in the group of remission were significantly (p<0.0001) lower than TRAb values in the relapse group (2.1 as compared to 8.6 IU/l). By comparing mean serum Se levels in the remission and relapse group no significant differences were seen (73.0 vs. 71.7 microg/l). Detailed analyses of both groups of patients, however, revealed that highest serum Se levels (>120 microg/l) were seen in the remission group, indicating a positive effect of Se levels on the outcome of GD. In addition, we also compared these results with TRAb levels of these patients. We could show that TRAb levels and serum Se values were positively correlated in the relapse group, whereas a negative correlation of both parameters were seen in the remission group, supporting the idea of a positive effect of Se on thyroidal autoimmune process. Our data indicate that high serum Se levels (>120 microg/l) may influence the outcome of GD. This is important, as Se administration trials in GD, which are under discussion need to be performed with Se supplementation at higher dosages than used in autoimmune thyroiditis.

Association between oxidative stress and changes of trace elements in patients with breast cancer

Objectives: To investigate the association between oxidative stress and certain trace elements in the blood of breast cancer patients. Design and methods: Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in serum of patients with breast cancer ( n = 35) and controls ( n = 35) by high performance liquid chromatography. Trace elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: In the present study, significantly increased lipid peroxidation, measured as MDA, was demonstrated in the serum of breast cancer patients ( p < 0.01). The concentrations of zinc and iron remained unaltered. However, the mean serum copper level in patients with breast cancer was significantly higher than the control group ( p < 0.01). In addition, the mean serum selenium level in patients with stage III was significantly lower than the control group ( p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was also observed between copper and MDA levels in the patient group but not in the control group. Conclusion: In the present study, the presence of an association between oxidative stress and trace elements was observed in patients with breast cancer. We suggest that increased oxidative stress in patients with breast cancer may result from changes in the levels of certain trace elements.

Serum selenium levels as indicators of body status in cancer patients and their relationship with other nutritional and biochemical markers

A cross-sectional study of serum selenium levels in patients ( n=59) with different types of cancer from southeastern Spain was carried out using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the cancer location (respiratory, digestive, haematological and gynaecological groups). Serum selenium levels in all patients (54.41±24.80 mg/l) were significantly lower ( P<0.001) than those determined in control groups [healthy subjects from the same area ( n=130) and institutionalized elderly people ( n=93)]. Mean serum selenium concentrations were not significantly different among the four groups considered ( P>0.05). Linear regression analyses performed on serum selenium levels and biochemical markers (total cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases, uric acid and urea) did not establish any statistically significant correlation ( P>0.05). No significant relationships between serum selenium concentrations and sex or age of patients was observed ( P>0.05). Given the marked overlap between the two ranges of the populations (the means are within approx. 1/2 S.D.) the predictive values of serum selenium are low. Thus, there is indeed a statistical significance between the means, but selenium cannot be used to determine whether or not a patient has cancer disease.

Lead, cadmium, and selenium in the blood of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

We determined whole blood lead and cadmium levels, and serum selenium levels in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and age- and sex-matched controls. Disability due to the disease directly correlated with lead levels, and there was a strong inverse correlation with selenium concentrations. Lead and selenium concentrations tended to be similar in the cases and controls, both in the study population as a whole and after the removal from the analysis of the patients with the highest degree of disability. In the patients with limited disability, cadmium concentrations were higher than in the controls. Our findings lend limited support to a possible involvement of cadmium, but not lead, in the etiology of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and strongly suggest that short-term indicators of exposure are inadequate to investigate the relationship between selenium and the disease.

Serum Selenium Levels in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Serum Selenium Levels in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction