Serum Selenium Research Articles

Human serum albumin-bound selenium (Se-HSA) in serum and its correlation with other selenium species

IntroductionSelenium (Se) is a trace element with different toxicological and nutritional properties according to its chemical forms. Among the wide range of selenium species, human serum albumin-bound selenium (Se-HSA) has still uncertain composition in terms of organic or inorganic selenium species. This study aimed at investigating the relation between Se-HSA levels with total selenium and the specific organic and inorganic selenium species. MethodsWe determined levels of total selenium and selenium species in serum of participants enrolled in two populations of the Emilia-Romagna region, in Northern Italy. Anion exchange chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry was used as quantification method. Correlations between Se-HSA and the other selenium compounds were analyzed using linear regression and restricted cubic spline regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsThe first cohort comprised 50 participants (men/women: 26/24) with median (interquartile range, IQR) age 50 (55−62) years, while the second was composed of 104 participants (M/W: 50/54), median (IQR) age 48 (44−53) years. Median (IQR) levels of total selenium were 118.5 (109−136) µg/L and 116.5 (106−128) µg/L, respectively, while Se-HSA was 25.5 µg/L (16.2–51.5) and 1.1 (0.03–3.1) µg/L, respectively. In both populations, Se-HSA was positively associated with inorganic selenium species. Conversely, Se-HSA was inversely associated with organic selenium, especially with selenoprotein P-bound-Se (Se-SELENOP) and less strongly with selenomethionine-bound-Se (Se-Met), while the relation was null or even positive with other organic species. Evaluation of non-linear trends showed a substantially positive association with inorganic selenium, particularly selenite, until a concentration of 30 µg/L, above which a plateau was reached. The association with Se-SELENOP was inverse and strong until 100 µg/L, while it was almost null at higher levels. ConclusionsOur findings seem to indicate that Se-HSA incorporates more selenium when circulating levels of inorganic compounds are higher, thus supporting its mainly inorganic nature, particularly at high circulating levels of selenite.

Association between Serum Selenium Levels and Lipids among People with and without Diabetes.

The current study aimed to examine the association between serum selenium levels and lipids and explore whether the association was modified by diabetic status. A total of 4132 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2016) were included in this study. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the association between serum selenium and lipids. Higher serum selenium levels were significantly associated with increased total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.003), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.003) in the overall population. Diabetic status interacted with serum selenium for TC and LDL-C (p for interaction = 0.007 and <0.001). Comparing the highest with the lowest tertiles of serum selenium, the multivariate-adjusted β coefficients (95% CIs) were 17.88 (10.89, 24.87) for TC, 13.43 (7.68, 19.18) for LDL-C among subjects without diabetes, but nonsignificant among those with diabetes. In US adults, the serum selenium was positively associated with lipids and the association was modified by diabetic status. Higher serum selenium levels were significantly associated with increased TC and LDL-C among participants without diabetes, but not among participants with diabetes.

Association between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms in the US adult population, NHANES (2011–2016)

BackgroundEvidence suggests that alterations in serum trace element concentrations are closely associated with mental illness. However, ​studies on the relationship between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms are limited and with controversial results. We aimed to investigate the association between serum concentrations of these trace elements and depressive symptoms in US adults.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011–2016) were used in this cross-sectional study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9) was employed to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between the serum concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium and depressive symptoms.ResultsA total of 4552 adults were included. Subjects with depressive symptoms had higher serum copper concentrations (123.88 ± 1.87) than those without depressive symptoms (116.99 ± 0.86) (p < 0.001). In Model 2, weighted logistic regression analysis showed that the second (Q2) quartile of zinc concentrations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.534, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.018 to 2.313) were significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that the third (Q3) and fourth (Q4) quartiles of copper concentrations (Q3: OR = 2.699, 95% CI: 1.285 to 5.667; Q4: OR = 2.490, 95% CI: 1.026 to 6.046) were also positively associated with depressive symptoms in obese individuals after controlling for all confounders. However, no significant relationship between serum selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms was observed.ConclusionsObese US adults with high serum copper concentrations, as well as US adults in general with low serum zinc concentrations, were susceptible to depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the causal mechanisms underlying these relationships need to be further explored.

The association between selenium and bone health: a meta-analysis

AimsPrevious studies have suggested that selenium as a trace element is involved in bone health, but findings related to the specific effect of selenium on bone health remain inconclusive. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis by including all the relevant studies to elucidate the association between selenium status (dietary intake or serum selenium) and bone health indicators (bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis (OP), or fracture).MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to retrieve relevant articles published before 15 November 2022. Studies focusing on the correlation between selenium and BMD, OP, or fracture were included. Effect sizes included regression coefficient (β), weighted mean difference (WMD), and odds ratio (OR). According to heterogeneity, the fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to assess the association between selenium and bone health.ResultsFrom 748 non-duplicate publications, 19 studies were included. We found a significantly positive association between dietary selenium intake (β = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.07, p = 0.029) as well as serum selenium (β = 0.13, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.26, p = 0.046) and BMD. Consistently, those with higher selenium intake had a lower risk of OP (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.72, p = 0.001), and patients with OP had a significantly lower level of serum selenium than healthy controls (WMD = -2.01, 95% CI -3.91 to -0.12, p = 0.037). High dietary selenium intake was associated with a lower risk of hip fracture (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.52, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionSelenium was positively associated with BMD and inversely associated with OP; dietary selenium intake was negatively associated with hip fracture. The causality and therapeutic effect of selenium on OP needs to be investigated in future studies.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(7):423–432.

Association of Serum Selenium and Selenoprotein P with Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age which is characterized by various reproductive and metabolic disorders. Oxidative stress (OS) is now recognized to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS which could be targeted in the management of PCOS-related complications. Selenium (Se), as an antioxidant trace element, has been shown to decrease in PCOS patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Se and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels with OS markers in women with PCOS. In this cross-sectional study, 125 females aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PCOS were included. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle information of participants were obtained using the relevant questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure biochemical parameters. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities as well as anthropometric measurements were assessed across tertiles of serum concentrations of Se and SELENOP. Higher serum levels of Se were associated with higher serum TAC levels (β=0.42, P<0.001) and erythrocytes GPx activity (β=0.28, P=0.002) as well as with lower serum TBARS levels (β= -0.26, P=0.003). Similarly, higher serum levels of SELENOP were associated with higher TAC (β=0.32, P<0.001) and erythrocyte GPx activity (β=0.30, P=0.001). SELENOP also showed an inverse association with serum levels of TBARS (β= -0.40, P<0.001). Nevertheless, erythrocytes SOD and CAT activities showed no significant relationships with serum Se and SELENOP concentrations (all P>0.05). The present study found that serum Se and SELENOP levels were inversely associated with TBARS levels and positively associated with TAC levels and erythrocytes GPx activity.

Low Serum Levels of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin D3 Are Biomarkers of Airway Inflammation and Poor Asthma Control: A Two-Centre Study.

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with its control beingaffected by underlying oxidative stress. Trace elements, along with vitamin D3, play an important role in immune alterations leading to an imbalance of Th1/Th2 helper cells. However, their role in asthma pathogenesis and control is inconsistent and inconclusive. The objective of our study was to assess levels of serum trace elementslike zinc, copper, selenium, iron, magnesium,vitamin D3 levels, IgE, and HsCRP in asthmatic children, compare with healthy controls, and assess their association with the level of asthma control. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 enrolling 100 asthmatic children and 75 healthy controls. The level of asthma control was assessed as uncontrolled, partly controlled, and controlled asthma as per GINA Guidelines. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for each element and mean differences between groups were analyzed by student t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean age was 8.75±2.89 yrs in cases and 9.04±2.79 in controls. A total of 57.6% of cases had atopic comorbidities. The mean serum zinc levels were 51±12.8 mg/dl, which was very low in asthmatic children as compared to 60±18.2mg/dl (p-value 0.0002) in healthy controls. Serum selenium was 13±3 µg/dl in asthmatics vs. 15±4 µg/dl (p-value 0.0002) in healthy controls. Serum copper was 115.2±21.92µg/dl vs. 125.3±31.99µg/dl (p-value 0.015), Serum vitamin D3 levels were 13.07±7.82ng/ml vs. 17.82±14.62 ng/ml(p-value 0.006) in both groups, respectively. SIgE and HsCRP were high in asthmatic children suggestive of eosinophilic inflammation. Serum zinc was 49±5.45 mg/dl in the uncontrolled group, 53±6.1 in the partly controlled, and 58±8.0 in the well-controlled group (p<0.0001). Serum selenium was 10± 3.0 µg/dlin the uncontrolled group vs. 13± 2.0 and 14± 2.0 µg/dl in the partly controlled and well-controlled groups, respectively (p-value <0.0001). Vitamin D3 wassignificantly low (9.32±5.95ng/dl) in the uncontrolled group vs. 12.99±4.97 and 13.40±5.92 ng/dl(p<0.005) in the partly controlled and well-controlled groups respectively. Vitamin D3 showed a strong positive correlation with zinc (r=0.4,p< 0.0001) and a negative correlation with inflammatory markers like SIgE and HsCRP. Conclusion Children with asthma had low zinc, selenium, and vitamin D3 levels, and were associated with airway inflammation and poor asthma control.

Association of Serum Concentrations of Copper, Selenium, and Zinc with Grip Strength Based on NHANES 2013-2014.

Increasing evidence has found metals to be strongly associated with muscle strength, but the correlations between serum copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) with grip strength in adult populations have not yet been established. We examined the linear and non-linear associations between these three metals and grip strength via multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014. A higher concentration of serum Cu was monotonically linked with lower grip strength [β = - 0.004 m2 (95% CI: - 0.005, - 0.002)], and serum Zn was positively associated with grip strength [β = 0.004 m2 (95% CI: 0.002, 0.006)]. We observed a positive association between serum Se and grip strength in the unadjusted model but not in covariate-adjusted models. Interestingly, the results of RCS regression showed that serum Cu had an L-shaped non-linear association with grip strength in all participants and subgroups. We further found a linear-increased trend between serum Zn and the grip strength in all participants. There were also non-linear associations that varied across different subgroups. Taken together, serum Cu and Zn were significantly associated with grip strength, while Se was not. This study offers new evidence to help formulate a reference concentration range for serum Cu and Zn.

Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on Graves’ Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Objective. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of antithyroid drugs combined with antioxidant supplementation represented by selenium in the treatment of Graves’ disease. Methods. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library databases, and the Chinese Medical Association. The search was conducted from the time of library construction to December 20, 2022. Three writers gradually examined, evaluated, and graded the literature and then used RevMan 5.3 to analyze the data and develop conclusions. Results. A total of seven papers were screened according to the search requirements. The results showed that free triiodothyronine (FT3) (WMD = −2.29, 95% CI: −3.55 to −1.02, P = 0.0004 ), free thyroxine (FT4) (WMD = −0.62, 95% CI: −1.05 to −0.18, P = 0.0005 ), thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) (WMD = −1.31, 95% CI: −1.63 to −0.99, P &lt; 0.00001 ), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) (WMD = −9.8, 95% CI: −16.57 to −3.03, P = 0.005 ) in the observation group (selenium supplementation combined with antithyroid drugs) were significantly lower than those in the control group (antithyroid drugs combined with or without placebo). In addition, selenium supplementation can increase serum selenium (WMD = 33.29, 95% CI: 30.7 to 35.87, P &lt; 0.00001 ), selenoprotein levels (WMD = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.8, P &lt; 0.00001 ), and blood lipid levels (WMD = 32.3, 95% CI: 17.87 to 46.74, P &lt; 0.0001 ). It cannot be excluded that the process of selenium supplementation treatment will affect the patient’s lipid levels. Conclusion. Selenium is a trace mineral that is crucial for human health. In patients with Graves’ disease, the use of antithyroid medications along with selenium supplementation can considerably enhance thyroid function. It has the potential to drastically lower TPOAb and TRAb levels as well as FT3 and FT4 levels, which is crucial for the treatment, recovery, and prognosis of hyperthyroid patients. Further research is required to determine whether the impact of antioxidant supplementation on blood lipids will restrict the use of this medication.

Relationship between Serum Selenium Level and Self-Reported History of Kidney Stone.

A relationship may exist between selenium and kidney calculi, but there is a lack of research in this field at present. Our study explored the relationship between the serum selenium level and a medical history of adult kidney calculi. We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2011 and 2016. Participants self-reported their history of kidney stones, while serum selenium levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry. Our findings indicate a negative correlation between serum selenium levels and the risk of kidney stone history. In the multiple-adjusted model, the lowest serum selenium level group had a higher risk than the other groups. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of ever having kidney stones for the highest serum selenium level group was 0.54 (0.33-0.88). In the results of stratified analysis, this relationship was still significant in the groups of women and those 40-59 years. We also found that as a nonlinear dose-response relationship between serum selenium levels and the history of kidney stones disease. In our research, we found that people with higher serum selenium levels had a lower risk of having a history of kidney stones. We concluded that selenium may have a protective effect on kidney stones. In the future, more population studies are needed to explore the relationship between selenium and kidney stones.

Comparative Assessment of Serum Selenium Status in HIV-Infected and Non-infected Children: A Pilot Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.

Background Selenium is an essential micronutrient that plays a crucial role in a wide range of physiological processes, including immune responses. Selenium deficiency has been recognized as an associated factor in the progression of HIV to advanced HIV disease and/or mortality. Although selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce hospitalizations andimprovecellular immunity, the evidence remains mixed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of selenium deficiency and its relationshipwithHIV disease markers in HIV-infectedchildren at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Methodology This is a cross-sectional, comparative, pilot study of plasma concentrations of selenium in HIV-infected (n = 30) and non-infected (n = 20) children enrolled in the pediatric HIV clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, from May 2019 to May 2021. HIV-infected children were on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) with an undetectable viral load. The serum concentrationof selenium was measured using the automated atomic absorption spectrophotometer (hydride generation method).Logistic regression was used to study the effect of selenium status on the levels of HIV disease markers (CD4 count, viral load, weight, opportunistic infections) in the study participants. Results The median age of all participants was nine (4-12) years, with 74% being boys. The mean selenium concentrations were lower in HIV-infected children (91.1 ± 12.0 µg/L) compared to the comparison group without HIV(147.8 ± 4.9 µg/L) (p = 0.001). After controlling for age, ART duration, markers of HIV infection, and other potentially confounding variables, participants with selenium deficiency had approximately 11-fold odds of increased hospital admissions (adjusted odds ratio = 10.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.58 to 70.99; p = 0.015). Conclusions In this study, selenium concentrations were significantly lower in HIV-infected children than in the HIV-negative comparison group. Lower serum selenium concentrations were associated with increased hospitalizations. Although our findings suggest the potential need for selenium supplementation for children living with HIV in Nigeria, further studies are warranted to determine the safety and efficacy of selenium supplementation in this key population.

Selenium and Selenoproteins in Health.

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for health. After being obtained from food and taken up by the liver, selenium performs various physiological functions in the body in the form of selenoproteins, which are best known for their redox activity and anti-inflammatory properties. Selenium stimulates the activation of immune cells and is important for the activation of the immune system. Selenium is also essential for the maintenance of brain function. Selenium supplements can regulate lipid metabolism, cell apoptosis, and autophagy, and have displayed significant alleviating effects in most cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of increased selenium intake on the risk of cancer remains unclear. Elevated serum selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and this relationship is complex and nonlinear. Selenium supplementation seems beneficial to some extent; however, existing studies have not fully explained the influence of selenium on various diseases. Further, more intervention trials are needed to verify the beneficial or harmful effects of selenium supplementation in various diseases.

Status of Vitamin B12, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese, Molybdenum and Cobalt in Severe Acute Malnutrition.

To define the vitamin B12 levels and other micronutrients status in severe acute malnutrition (SAM) children. This was a prospective hospital based cross-sectional study. Children with severe acute malnutrition as per WHO criteria. (i) Pernicious anemia (ii) Autoimmune gastritis (iii) SAM children on exclusive vitamin B12 supplementation. All enrolled children underwent a detailed clinical history, general physical examination with more emphasis on clinical features of vitamin B12 and other micronutrients deficiencies. Three ml of venous blood was collected to estimate vitamin B12 and other micronutrients. Primary outcome was percentage of deficiency of serum vitamin B12, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, molybdenum and cobalt in SAM children. Fifty children were included in the study. The mean age of children was 15.60±12.90 mo with male to female ratio 0.85:1. The common clinical presentation in order of frequency were upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms 35 (70%), hepatomegaly 24 (48%), Hyperpigmentation17 (34%), angular cheilitis 14 (28%), tremors 11 (22%), edema 07 (14%), and hypotonia 05 (10%). Anemia was found in 44 (88%) children. Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 34%. Other micronutrient deficiencies observed were cobalt 24 (100%), copper 05 (12%), zinc 04 (9.5%), and molybdenum 03 (12.5%). No statistical significance was found between clinical symptoms and levels of vitamin B12 with different age and sex. Prevalence of low vitamin B12 and cobalt were more common than other micronutrients.

Sex specific associations of serum selenium and selenoprotein P with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the Berlin Aging Study II

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Serum selenium concentrations and adherence to the MIND diet in a Northern Italian population: a cross sectional study

Serum selenium concentrations and adherence to the MIND diet in a Northern Italian population: a cross sectional study

Evaluation of homocysteine, vitamin, and trace element levels in women with gallstones

ObjectiveIt was aimed to examine the changes in homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12, which metabolize homocysteine from the body, and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, nickel) that affect the structure of tissues and epithelium in female patients with gallstone disease. Moreover, it was aimed to investigate the contribution of these selected parameters to the etiology of the disease and their usability in treatment according to the findings obtained. Materials and MethodsEighty patients, including 40 female patients (Group I) and 40 completely healthy female individuals (Group II) were included in this study. Serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, copper, selenium, and nickel levels were evaluated. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used in the analysis of vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels, and the ICP-MS method was used in the analysis of trace element levels. ResultsHomocysteine levels in Group I were statistically significantly higher than in Group II. In terms of vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, Group I levels were found to be statistically significantly lower than group II. There was no statistically significant difference between Group I levels and Group II in terms of copper, nickel, and folate. ConclusionIt was suggested that homocysteine, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium levels should be determined in patients with gallstone disease and that vitamin B12, which is especially important in the excretion of homocysteine from the body, and zinc and selenium, which prevent the free radical formation and protect from its effects, should be added to the diets of these patients.

Effect of Selenium Deficiency on the Development of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease.

Selenium is an essential trace element to maintain good health. This retrospective study investigated the prevalence of selenium deficiency and its effect on overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Patients who underwent serum selenium level measurement between January 2021 and April 2022 were enrolled. The factors associated with selenium deficiency (≤10 µg/dL) and the association between selenium deficiency and OHE were analyzed. Among 98 eligible patients, 24% were observed to have selenium deficiency, with a median serum selenium level of 11.8 µg/dL. The serum selenium levels were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in those with chronic hepatitis (10.9 µg/dL vs. 12.4 µg/dL; p = 0.03). The serum selenium levels were negatively correlated with mac-2 binding protein glycan isomer, the FIB-4 index, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, and Child-Pugh score. The ALBI score remained significantly associated with selenium deficiency (odds ratio, 3.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-6.67). During a median follow-up period of 2.9 months, nine patients experienced OHE. Selenium deficiency was associated with OHE (hazard ratio, 12.75; 95% CI, 2.54-70.22). Selenium deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with CLD and is associated with an increased risk of OHE development.

The Relationship Between Serum Selenium Level, Cognitive Functions, and Depression in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Introduction Impairment of cognitive functions can commonly develop in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increase morbidity and mortality. The antioxidant activity of selenium reduces cognitive decline by protecting neurons from free radical damage. We aimed to explore the associations between serum selenium levels, cognitive impairment, and depression in CKD patients in this research. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional research, 100 participants between the ages of 20 and 65 were included, and four groups of 25 patients each were formed (control group, stage 3-4 CKD, peritoneal dialysis [PD], hemodialysis [HD]). The Standardized Mini Mental Test (sMMT) was used to measure cognitive skills, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was utilized to diagnose depression. Simultaneously, measurements of serum selenium levels were done from collected blood samples. Results Cognitive impairment was detected in 4% of the control group, 16% of CKD patients (n=75), and 30% of the dialysis patients (n=50). Depression was found in 16% of the control group, 40% of the stage 3-4 CKD group,50% of the PD group, and 44% of the HD group. In the control group, sMMT scores were higher than the other groups (p<0.001 for all), while the BDI score was statistically significantly lower (p=0.003). Serum selenium levels were found to be higher than HD and PD groups in patients with non-dialysis CKD and control groups in the post hoc analyses (p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion Depression and cognitive impairment are particularly prevalent in CKD and dialysis patients. Our results indicate serum selenium insufficiency may be related to depression and cognitive impairment in this patient group. Nonetheless, these findings need to be confirmed by larger-scale studies.

Higher serum selenium concentration is associated with lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with chronic kidney disease: A population-based cohort study of NHANES.

Selenium is an essential nutrient and trace element required for human health and plays an important role in antioxidative and anti-inflammatory processes. However, the long-term impact of selenium levels on the health of patients with chronic kidney disease remains unclear. Participants in this study were 3,063 CKD adults from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2000, 2003-2004, and 2011-2018). The mortality status and the cause of death of the study participants were obtained from the National Death Index records. For all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, the models employed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI were Cox proportional hazard models and competing risk models, respectively. During the follow-up period, 884 deaths occurred, including 336 heart-disease-associated deaths. The median (IQR) concentration of serum selenium was 181.7 (156.1, 201.5) μg/L. After full adjustment, serum selenium levels were associated with a decreased risk of mortality in patients with CKD, including all-cause and CVD mortality (P < 0.001). The multivariate-adjusted HRs (95%CI) were 0.684 (0.549-0.852) for all-cause mortality (P trend < 0.001) and 0.513 (0.356-0.739) for CVD mortality (P trend < 0.001) when selenium concentrations were compared according to the extreme quartiles. Selenium levels are inversely associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. Similar results were observed in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Higher serum selenium concentration was independently associated with a decreased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in patients with CKD.

Selenium status in term neonates, according to birth weight and gestational age, in relation to maternal hypertensive pathology.

Pregnancy represents a state of increased oxidative stress and antioxidants, in which selenium (Se) plays a pivotal role, contribute to maintain the oxidative balance. If antioxidant defenses are depleted, placental function is disrupted, resulting in pregnancy complications, including pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Little is known about fetal selenium status in concomitant relation to maternal PIH, gestational age (GA) and birthweight (BW). We examined over a 3-year period the serum (SeS) and urine selenium (SeU) status in term neonates from normotensive (nonPIH) and hypertensive (PIH) mothers as clinical markers of oxidative stress. In this retrospective observational study, 72 neonates with maternal PIH were matched for GA and BW to 72 neonates of normotensive mothers. Four groups were obtained, based on maternal PIH and BW relative to GA (appropriate-for-gestational-age-AGA, small-for-gestational-age-SGA): nonPIH-AGA (control group), nonPIH-SGA, PIH-AGA, and PIH-SGA. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in selenium levels among the study groups: SeS - 44.85 ± 7.56 μg/L in nonPIH-AGA, 39.62 ± 11.42 μg/L in nonPIH-SGA, 40.01 ± 10.07 μg/L in PIH-AGA, and 25.39 ± 8.99 μg/L in PIH-SGA; SeU - 27.98 ± 7.99 μg/L in nonPIH-AGA, 22.85 ± 9.48 μg/L in nonPIH-SGA, 23.44 ± 6.73 μg/L in PIH-AGA, and 13.05 ± 5.86 μg/L in PIH-SGA. Selenium depletion was more common in neonates born from hypertensive mothers and those born small for gestational age. Though moderate in intensity, selenium levels were positively correlated with BW (0.319 for SeS, 0.397 for SeU) and negatively correlated with maternal systolic blood pressure (-0.313 for SeS, -0.324 for SeU). The main independent effects on SeS and SeU of each maternal blood pressure and birth weight turned out statistically significant. In interaction, a more pronounced effect was reached in PIH-SGA neonates. Selenium status seemed to reflect the negative impact that PIH exerts in neonates during intrauterine development. Clinical markers of selenium status could thus be of great value for tracking responses of individuals to selenium supplementation as part of health improvement and harm mitigation approaches.

Effects of maternal blood selenium and zinc levels on mitochondrial DNA copy number at term and in-turn their effect on the birthweight of the baby

Introduction and Aim: The micronutrients such as selenium and zinc have the antioxidant property. They are cofactors of antioxidant enzymes, regulate the inflammatory response by counterbalancing the oxidative stress. Reduced maternal selenium and zinc levels have been shown to be associated with early pregnancy loss and low birthweight. The aim is to study the effects of maternal blood selenium and zinc levels on mitochondrial DNA copy number at term and in-turn their effect on the birth weight of the baby. Methods: An Institutional ethical clearance was obtained and the present hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in the OBG department of a medical college of North Karnataka between December 2019 to February 2022. Results: A total of 150 term pregnant women participated in the study. There was a slightly increased serum level of zinc and selenium found in the term pregnant mothers who gave birth to normal birth weight babies when compared to low-birth-weight babies, though this difference was not statistically significant. Median (IQR) values of Delta CT values of Mitochondrial DNA copy number in low-birth-weight babies were 3.07(1.7-5.74) and in normal birth weight babies was 3.71 (0.83-4.4). The difference in median values was not statistically significant (p=0.57). We observed a positive correlation between the maternal zinc, selenium, and mitochondrial DNA copy number with birth weight of the baby. Though the correlation between Delta CT means and birthweight of the baby is found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: In the present study, apparently healthy pregnant women participated. The serum selenium and zinc levels were found to be within normal limits according to lab reference values. There was an increase in Mitochondrial DNA copy number in the present study and it was positively correlated with the birthweight of the baby.