Associations between maternal and infant selenium status and child growth in a birth cohort from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Deficiency of essential trace element, Se, has been implicated in adverse birth outcomes and in child linear growth because of its important role in redox biology and associated antioxidant effects. We used data from a randomised controlled trial conducted among a cohort of pregnant and lactating women in Dhaka, Bangladesh to examine associations between Se biomarkers in whole blood (WBSe), serum and selenoprotein P (SEPP1) in maternal delivery and venous cord (VC) blood. Associations between Se biomarkers, birth weight and infant growth outcomes (age-adjusted length, weight, head circumference and weight-for-length z-scores) at birth, 1 and 2 years of age were examined using regression analyses. WB and serum Se were negatively associated with birth weight (adjusted ß, 95 % CI, WBSe delivery: −26·6 (­44·3, −8·9); WBSe VC: −19·6 (­33·0, −6·1)); however, delivery SEPP1 levels (adjusted ß: −37·5 (­73·0, −2·0)) and VC blood (adjusted ß: 82·3 (30·0, 134·7)) showed inconsistent and opposite associations with birth weight. Positive associations for SEPP1 VC suggest preferential transfer from mother to fetus. We found small associations between infant growth and WBSe VC (length-for-age z-score ß, 95 % CI, at birth: −0·05 (­0·1, −0·01)); 12 months (ß: −0·05 (­0·08, −0·007)). Weight-for-age z-score also showed weak negative associations with delivery WBSe (at birth: −0·07 (­0·1, −0·02); 12 -months: −0·05 (­0·1, −0·005)) and in WBSe VC (at birth: −0·05 (­0·08, −0·02); 12 months: −0·05 (­0·09, −0·004)). Given the fine balance between essential nutritional and toxic properties of Se, it is possible that WB and serum Se may negatively impact growth outcomes, both in utero and postpartum.

Levels of trace blood elements associated with severe sleep disturbance in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Sleep disturbance is frequently observed in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), and this population usually presents imbalances in trace elements. We investigated the association between blood trace element levels and sleep quality in patients on MHD. METHODS: This cross-sectional and single-center study was performed in September 2019. Patients regularly undergoing hemodialysis for > 3 months at our center were recruited, and demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were recorded. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was applied to define sleep disturbance. Blood trace element (zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and lead) levels were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. RESULTS: In total, 121 patients on MHD (male/female = 68:53) were enrolled in the study (mean age 63.7 ± 13.9 years, median dialysis vintage 38.0 [20.0, 60.0] months). According to PSQI, 56 (46%) patients experienced severe sleep disturbance. These patients were characterized by older age, higher serum parathyroid hormone levels, and lower blood selenium levels (all P < 0.05). No significant differences in blood zinc, manganese, copper, and lead levels were observed between groups. Univariate binary logistic regression showed that lower blood selenium levels were associated with severe sleep disturbance (odds ratio = 0.976, 95% confidence interval: 0.954-0.999, P = 0.038). Multivariate analyses also confirmed the results after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated an association between lower blood selenium levels and the occurrence of severe sleep disturbances in patients on MHD. However, a prospective study with a larger sample size and assessing the importance of selenium supplementation are needed to confirm the results.

A cross-sectional study of blood selenium concentration and cognitive function in elderly Americans: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline can develop into mild cognitive impairment, a high-risk factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The antioxidant micronutrient selenium may have some effect on preventing cognitive decline, but the association between whole blood selenium concentration and cognitive function remains controversial. AIM: To investigate the association between whole blood selenium concentration and cognitive function score in elderly Americans. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data was obtained from the national health and nutrition survey between 2011 and 2014. A general linear model was used to adjust for possible risk factors to analyse the association between blood selenium concentration and cognitive function. RESULTS: 2068 participants were included in our study, and the average blood selenium concentration was high at 195.08 µg/L. The risk of lower cognitive scores was higher in people with lower blood selenium concentration (p < 0.05). The lower cognition may also be associated with one or more of the following characteristics: older, male, had a low poverty-income ratio, low education level, and consumed less alcohol. Related conditions such as stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure may also affect cognitive scores. CONCLUSIONS: Higher blood selenium is associated with higher cognitive scores in elderly Americans.

Association Between Blood Selenium Levels and Stroke: A Study Based on the NHANES (2011-2018).

At present, the association between circulating selenium and stroke is still in dispute. Thus, this study aimed to ascertain the association with a larger sample size than the previous study, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. In total, 13755 adults over the age of 20 years were included in our study. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to analyze the correlation between blood selenium levels and stroke. The smooth curve fitting was performed to test the dose-response effects between blood selenium levels and stroke. After adjusting for all confounders, blood selenium levels were negatively associated with stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.87, P = 0.014). In the fully adjusted model, the highest tertile of blood selenium levels was negatively associated with stroke compared with the lowest tertile (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53-0.93, P for trend = 0.016). Moreover, the relationship between blood selenium levels and stroke was linear. In subgroup analyses, we observed that the test for interactions was significant for body mass index (BMI) and uric acid (P for interaction < 0.05). The negative relationship was stronger in participants with BMI 25-30 kg/m2 (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.13-0.44, P < 0.001). Therefore, in American adults, the relationship between blood selenium levels and stroke was negative, with a linear tendency. In the future, a cohort study is warranted to further confirm this relationship.

Interaction effect between blood selenium levels and stroke history on all-cause mortality: a retrospective cohort study of NHANES.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the interaction effect between blood selenium levels and stroke history on all-cause mortality. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, participant data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. The covariates were screened via the backward selection method in weighted univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Weighted univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were conducted to investigate the association of blood selenium and stroke history with all-cause mortality. The results were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The synergy index (SI) was used to assess the assistive interaction. The association was further explored in different gender groups. Results: Totally, 8,989 participants were included, of whom 861 (9.57%) died. Participants with blood selenium ≥192.96 ug/L were associated with lower odds of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58-0.84), whereas those with a stroke history were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15-2.16). Compared to participants with blood selenium ≥192.96 ug/L and non-stroke history, participants with both blood selenium < 192.96 ug/L and stroke history had a higher all-cause mortality risk (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.62-3.29; SI = 0.713, 95% CI: 0.533-0.952). All participants with blood selenium < 192.96 ug/L and stroke history were related to higher all-cause mortality risk (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.21-2.13). In males, the interaction effect of blood selenium and stroke history on all-cause mortality (HR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.50-3.46; SI = 0.651, 95% CI: 0.430-0.986) increased twice. Conclusion: Blood selenium and stroke history have an interaction effect on all-cause mortality. Increasing selenium-rich food or supplement intake, especially for individuals with a stroke history, may improve poor prognosis.

Effects of nanoselenium on the performance, blood indices, and milk metabolites of dairy cows during the peak lactation period.

To compare the impact of nanoselenium and sodium selenite on the performance, blood indices, and milk metabolites of dairy cows during the peak lactation period, two groups of dairy cows under the same conditions were selected as the control group (CON group) and treatment group (NSe group) for a 38-day (10 days for adaptation and 28 days for sampling) experiment. The control group (CON) was provided a basal diet +3.3 g/d of sodium selenite (purity1%), whereas the nanoselenium group (NSe) was offered the same diet +10 mL/d of nanoselenium (selenium concentration 1,500 mg/L). The results showed that NSe significantly increased the milk yield, milk selenium content, and feed efficiency (p < 0.05), but had no significant effect on other milk components (p > 0.05). NSe significantly increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05), but had no significant effects on malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), blood total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), or blood selenium (p > 0.05). In addition, the nontargeted metabolomics of the milk was determined by LC-MS technology, and the differentially abundant metabolites and their enrichment pathways were screened. According to these findings, NSe considerably increased the contents of cetylmannoside, undecylenoic acid, 3-hydroxypentadecanoic acid, 16-hydroxypentadecanoic acid, threonic acid, etc., but decreased the contents of galactaric acid, mesaconic acid, CDP-glucose etc. Furthermore, the enriched metabolic pathways that were screened with an impact value greater than 0.1 included metabolism of niacin and niacinamide, pyruvate, citrate cycle, riboflavin, glycerophospholipid, butanoate and tyrosine. Pearson correlation analysis also revealed a relationship between different milk metabolites and blood selenium, as well as between milk selenium and blood biochemical indices. In conclusion, compared with sodium selenite, nanoselenium improves the milk yield, feed efficiency, and milk selenium content of dairy cows and regulates milk metabolites and related metabolic pathways in Holstein dairy cows during the peak lactation period, which has certain application prospects in dairy production.

Impact of dietary selenium and blood concentration on liver function: a population-based study.

Background: Evidence on the association between selenium and liver function parameters is limited and controversial. Methods: Data on dietary selenium intake, blood selenium concentration, and liver function parameters were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020. Associations between selenium (dietary intake and blood concentration) and liver function parameters [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), the ALT/AST ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were assessed using multivariate linear regression models. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to examine differences in associations according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and physical activity. Results: The study included 6,869 participants after screening. The multivariate linear regression model revealed that dietary selenium intake was positively associated with ALT (ß = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.041, 0.183) and the ALT/AST ratio (ß = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.004) after adjustment for covariates. Results of blood selenium concentration also showed that higher blood selenium levels were positively associated with ALT (ß = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.308, 0.564), AST (ß = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.015, 0.208), and the ALT/AST ratio (ß = 0.012, 95% CI = 0.009, 0.015). However, ALP decreased with increasing blood selenium concentration (ß = -0.207, 95% CI = -0.414, -0.000). In addition, we found significant differences in the effect of selenium on liver function parameters according to age, gender, and BMI. Conclusion: Dietary selenium intake and blood concentration affect liver function parameters. These findings suggest that further research is needed to explore these associations to promote liver health and disease prevention.

Association Between Whole Blood Selenium Levels and Triglyceride-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio Among the General Population.

Our study aimed to examine whether whole blood selenium (WBSe) levels are related to the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio among the general population. A total of 13,470 adults were included and analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. In multivariable analyses, LnWBSe levels were significantly related to Ln(TG/HDL-C) ratio in fully adjusted model (ß = 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22, 0.48; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the highest quartile of LnWBSe levels was positively correlated with Ln(TG/HDL-C) ratio compared with the lowest quartile (ß = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.20; P for trend < 0.001). In the dose-response analyses, the correlation was non-linear. While LnWBSe levels < 1.10, LnWBSe levels were positively related to Ln(TG/HDL-C) ratio (ß = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.50; P < 0.001), whereas LnWBSe levels ≥ 1.10, the relationship was not significantly (ß = - 0.20; 95% CI: - 0.54, 0.13; P = 0.228). The interaction test was significant for age, sex, total cholesterol (TC), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (all P for interaction < 0.05). Overall, WBSe levels were positively related to TG/HDL-C ratio, with a non-linear trend. Further research is required to determine these underlying mechanisms.

Higher blood selenium level is associated with lower risk of hyperhomocysteinemia in the elderly.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Earlier studies have reported inconsistent association between selenium (Se) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels, while no evidence could be found from Chinese population. To fill this gap, we investigated the association between blood Se and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) of rural elderly population in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 1823 participants aged 65 and older from four Chinese rural counties was carried out in this study. Whole blood Se and serum Hcy concentrations were measured in fasting blood samples. Analysis of covariance and restricted cubic spline models were used to examine the association between Se and Hcy levels. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk of prevalent HHcy among four Se quartile groups after adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: For this sample, the mean blood Se concentration was 156.34 (74.65) µg/L and the mean serum Hcy concentration was 17.25 (8.42) µmol/L. A significant non-linear relationship was found between blood Se and serum Hcy, the association was inverse when blood Se was less than 97.404 µg/L and greater than 156.919 µg/L. Participants in the top three blood Se quartile groups had significantly lower risk of prevalent HHcy compared with the lowest quartile group. When defined as Hcy> 10 µmol/L, the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval of HHcy were 0.600 (0.390, 0.924), 0.616 (0.398, 0.951) and 0.479 (0.314, 0.732) for Q2, Q3, and Q4 Se quartile groups compared with the Q1 group, respectively. When defined as Hcy≥ 15 µmol/L, the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval of HHcy were 0.833 (0.633, 1.098) and 0.827 (0.626, 1.092), 0.647 (0.489, 0.857) for Q2, Q3, and Q4 Se quartile groups compared with Q1 group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that higher blood Se level could be a protective factor for HHcy in the elderly.

Association between low blood selenium concentrations and poor hand grip strength in United States adults participating in NHANES (2011-2014).

The trace element selenium, which is found in selenoproteins, plays an antioxidant role in preventing muscle tissue injury. A positive association between selenium concentrations and hand grip strength has been reported in older adults; however, the evidence of this association is scarce in general adults. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between blood selenium concentrations and low hand grip strength using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 in the United States (US). Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of low hand grip strength, with blood selenium level adjusted for potential confounders. Among 8158 adults (women: 51.59%) with a mean age of 47 (range: 18-80) years, women and non-Hispanic Blacks tended to have low blood selenium concentrations. Notably, participants with high blood selenium concentrations (range, 178.1-192.5 µg/L) were more likely to have a low risk of low hand grip strength after adjusting for the potential covariates (OR: 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38-0.95) than those with low blood selenium concentrations. After excluding participants with chronic diseases, high blood selenium concentrations were found to be associated with a low risk of low hand grip strength (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.65). A J-shaped relationship was found between selenium concentrations and low hand grip strength (P for nonlinear trend <0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed a significantly consistent relationship among women, non-Hispanic Whites and others, and individuals with overweight or obesity (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that blood selenium concentrations are inversely associated with hand grip strength in general US adults. However, further prospective studies are required to confirm the causality between selenium concentrations and hand grip strength.

Higher Levels of Blood Selenium are Associated with Higher Levels of Serum Lipid Profile in US Adults with CKD: Results from NHANES 2013-2018.

The association between selenium (Se) and lipid profile has been controversial in different populations, and the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between Se and lipid profile in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 861 US adult patients with CKD (male: female = 404:457) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We used smoothing spline plots and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses to elucidate the relationships between blood Se and lipid profile. Multivariate adjusted smoothing spline plots showed that higher levels of blood Se were associated with higher levels of serum remnant cholesterol (RC), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Threshold and saturation effects were also observed between serum RC, TC, TG, LDL-C, and blood Se. In multivariate binary logistic regression analyses, the fully adjusted model showed that as blood Se increases by every 1 µg/L, the OR of high RC, high TG and high LDL-C in patients was 1.012 (95% CI: 1.001, 1.023 P = 0.046), 1.011 (95% CI: 1.001, 1.021 P = 0.043) and 1.009 (95% CI: 1.003, 1.016 P = 0.012), respectively. Furthermore, stratified analyses showed that the associations between blood Se and high RC/high TG were significantly stronger in patients aged < 65 years. Higher levels of blood Se were associated with increased serum lipid profile levels and increased risk of high RC, high TC, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C dyslipidemia in adult patients with CKD in the US. However, the real associations between blood Se and lipid profiles in this population should be verified in future prospective and randomized trials.

Association between blood selenium with parkinson's disease in the US (NHANES 2011-2020).

Selenium is an essential trace element for human health, playing a key role in regulating cellular oxidative stress, immune response, and inflammation. In recent years, the association between selenium and Parkinson's disease (PD) has aroused people's attention. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between blood selenium concentrations and PD risk in a sample of U.S. adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011-2020 and included 15,660 adults aged over 40 years old. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to analyze the association between blood selenium concentrations and PD prevalence. Additionally, the restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was applied to investigate the dose-response relationships between blood selenium and PD. The findings indicated a link between elevated blood selenium levels and a reduced occurrence of Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, this association between blood selenium and PD exhibited a non-linear pattern, wherein the decline in PD risk was more pronounced at higher selenium concentrations than at lower levels. An inflection point emerged at approximately 2.4 µmol/L, beyond which the rate of decline in risk significantly diminished with increasing selenium levels. A potential association between blood selenium concentrations and PD has been observed, with PD patients having lower blood selenium levels compared to non-PD patients. Higher levels of blood selenium may have a protective effect against PD. However, further prospective studies are needed to investigate the effect of blood selenium in PD patients and to determine causality.

Cross-Sectional Association of Blood Selenium with Glycemic Biomarkers among U.S. Adults with Normoglycemia in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016.

Selenium (Se) remains to have an inconsistent relationship with glycemic biomarkers and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Few studies have investigated the relationship between blood Se and glycemic biomarkers among people with normoglycemia. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016. Multivariable linear regression models were developed to examine the associations of blood Se with glycemic biomarkers, namely, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Blood Se was treated as continuous (per log-10 increment) and categorical exposure (in quartiles) in separate regression models. We assessed the dose-response relationships by restricted cubic spline analysis. After excluding the participants with T2D or incomplete data, 2706 participants were analyzed. The highest quartile of blood Se was associated with increased FPG [adjusted ß = 0.12, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) = 0.04, 0.20], OGTT (adjusted ß = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.56), HbA1c (adjusted ß = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.07), and insulin (adjusted ß = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.05, 3.95) compared with the lowest quartile. Positive associations were also observed between every log-10 increment of blood Se level and glycemic biomarkers, except for OGTT. A positive linear dose-response relationship existed between blood Se and FPG (Poverall = 0.003, Pnonlinear = 0.073) and insulin (Poverall = 0.004, Pnonlinear =0.060). BMI, age, and smoking status modified the associations of the highest quartile of Se (compared with the lowest quartile) with glycemic biomarkers. Overall, positive associations of blood Se with glycemic biomarkers were observed among U.S. adults with normoglycemia. These findings implied that people with normoglycemia need to be aware of the level of Se and other mineral intakes from diet and supplements. Further research is required to identify the mechanisms of excess Se in the progression of diabetes.

Supranutritional Selenium-Yeast Supplementation of Beef Cows during the Last Trimester of Pregnancy Results in Higher Whole-Blood Selenium Concentrations in Their Calves at Weaning, but Not Enough to Improve Nasal Microbial Diversity.

We previously reported that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves in a preconditioning program increases whole-blood Se (WB-Se) concentrations and nasal microbiome abundance and diversity during the preconditioning period, decreases morbidity and mortality during the feedlot period, and increases carcass weight and quality at slaughter. The objective of the current study was to see whether similar improvements can be achieved through Se supplementation of dams during various pregnancy trimesters. In a two-year experimental study, 80 Angus-cross cows received once-weekly Se-yeast boluses containing 105 mg of Se, during either the first (TR-1), second (TR-2), or third (TR-3) pregnancy trimester, or were not bolused (CTR). Whole-blood Se concentrations were higher from CTR, to TR-1, to TR-2, and to TR-3 in newborn calves (all p < 0.01). At weaning, only calves from TR-3 mothers had higher WB-Se concentrations compared with calves from CTR mothers (p = 0.02), and no significant differences in nasal microbiome abundance and diversity or nasal microbiota were observed. In the feedlot period, morbidity was low, and no differences were observed. At slaughter, no differences in carcass weight and quality were observed. In conclusion, Se supplementation of pregnant cows is effective for increasing WB-Se concentration of newborn calves, and the increase can be sustained until weaning for calves born to TR-3 dams. However, the increase in WB-Se concentrations is small and does not result in beneficial changes in the nasal microbiome. Thus, calves should be fed Se-biofortified forages again at weaning in a preconditioning program in order to diversify the nasal microbiome prior to entering the feedlot.

The association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and advanced fibrosis with blood selenium level based on the NHANES 2017-2018.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Selenium was one of the essential trace elements that played a pivotal role in human health. Although previous studies have investigated the relationship between selenium and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and fibrosis, these findings were still inconclusive. Our study was aimed to explore the association between blood selenium level and NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis diagnosed by vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) in US adults. METHODS: All data were extracted from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database (2017-2018). Participants were divided into four groups according to quartile of blood selenium level. Liver stiffness and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) were measured by VCTE. Multiple logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the association between blood selenium level and NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis diagnosed by a variety of methods. RESULTS: A total of 3336 participants were enrolled in main analysis. In multiple logistic regression models, the higher blood selenium level (>205.32, ≤453.62 µg/L) had a significant positive association with NAFLD (ß = 1.31). Moreover, high blood selenium level had significantly inversely association to advanced liver fibrosis (ß = 0.61). In subgroup analysis, the main inversely correlation between blood selenium and advanced liver fibrosis was found in males with high blood selenium level. Despite dietary selenium intake being adjusted or in different subgroups, the associations between blood selenium level and NAFLD/advanced liver fibrosis remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that blood selenium level were positively association with NAFLD among US population. Participants with lower blood selenium level showed a higher percentage of advanced liver fibrosis. Blood selenium is more likely to cause NAFLD and liver fibrosis due to imbalances in selenium homeostasis rather than dietary selenium intake.Key messagesHigh blood selenium level was association with NAFLD diagnosed by vibration controlled transient elastography.Participants with lower blood selenium level had high percentage of advanced liver fibrosis.NAFLD and liver fibrosis are caused by an imbalance of selenium homeostasis, not by dietary selenium intake.

Whole Blood Selenium Levels and Selenium Supplementation in Patients Treated in a Family Doctor Practice in Golßen (State of Brandenburg, Germany): A Laboratory Study.

INTRODUCTION: The supply of selenium (Se) varies widely in Germany. Therefore, a laboratory study was conducted in patients treated at a family doctor practice in Brandenburg, Germany, to determine whether there is a general Se deficiency in this area; specifically, whether Se concentrations differ with age, sex, or presence of cancer. Moreover, we tested the effects of a Se supplementation on whole blood Se levels (WBSL). METHODS: In 2006, WBSL were analyzed in 871 patients (496 females, 375 males, median age: 67 years). Of these, 143 (78 females, 65 males) had cancer and were in an aftercare situation. From 2006 to 2012, 317 patients (76 with tumors, 241 without tumors) received continuous Se supplementation with sodium selenite (300 µg per day) and annual WBSL measurements. WBSL were compared by Student's t test for paired and independent samples. RESULTS: The initial WBSL of all patients was 97.2 ± 20.7 µg/L (mean ± SD). WBSL did not differ with regard to age or sex, but patients with cancer had the lowest WBSL. Se supplementation increased mean WBSL in both patients with (to 128.5 µg/L) and without (to 119.52 µg/L) cancer ( P < .001). DISCUSSION: Patients with cancer displayed significantly lower WBSL than patients without cancer, indicating a negative effect of tumors on Se uptake, absorption, or metabolism. Significant influences of age or sex were not observed. Selenite supplementation efficiently improved WBSL to concentrations considered necessary for health benefits.

A novel biocompatible chitosan-Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) film with electrical conductivity for cardiac tissue engineering application.

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of mortality in the world and economic burdens on national economies. A cardiac patch approach aims at regenerating an infracted heart by providing healthy functional cells to the injured region via a film carrier substrate, and providing mechanical and electrical support. Selenium acts as an important element in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases but their health-related effects have not been fully explored. Limitation is the fact that cardiac electrophysiology was only globally personalized, thus missing the potential localized pathological features in vivo. The epidemiological aspects of plasma levels of selenium and other lipid parameters in cardiomyopathy patients (30 nos) from South Tamilnadu, India were studied. The epidemiological data showed significant differences between plasma selenium, Glutathione per oxidase (Gpx) and High reactive-C Protein in cardiomyopathy patients when compared to the control. As a novel approach, in the present study chitosan-Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) film was used to produce electrical conductivity in the cardiac patches. The prepared chitosan-SeNPs film was characterized by Scanning Electron microscopy with Energy Dispersive X ray spectrum (SEM-EDX). The electrical and mechanical properties of the chitosan-SeNPs film were also studied. The chitosan-SeNPs film had compression of elastic modulus (67.1% elongation) and tensile strength of 419 kPa. The electrical conductivity of chitosan-SeNPs film was measured as 0.0055S cm-1. The H9C2 cells were very well grown in chitosan-SeNPs film and proliferated. In our study, we confirm the potential of SeNPs-chitosan film for use as substrates to grown cellular behavior via electrical stimulation, mechanical strength and as biocompatible film for cardiac tissue engineering applications.

Blood Selenium Concentration and Blood Cystatin C Concentration in a Randomly Selected Population of Healthy Children Environmentally Exposed to Lead and Cadmium.

This study aimed at evaluation of a relationship between blood selenium concentration (Se-B) and blood cystatin C concentration (CST) in a randomly selected population of healthy children, environmentally exposed to lead and cadmium. The studies were conducted on 172 randomly selected children (7.98 ± 0.97 years). Among participants, the subgroups were distinguished, manifesting marginally low blood selenium concentration (Se-B 40-59 µg/l), suboptimal blood selenium concentration (Se-B: 60-79 µg/l) or optimal blood selenium concentration (Se-B ≥ 80 µg/l). At the subsequent stage, analogous subgroups of participants were selected separately in groups of children with BMI below median value (BMI <16.48 kg/m2) and in children with BMI ≥ median value (BMI ≥16.48 kg/m2). In all participants, values of Se-B and CST were estimated. In the entire group of examined children no significant differences in mean CST values were detected between groups distinguished on the base of normative Se-B values. Among children with BMI below 16.48 kg/m2, children with marginally low Se-B manifested significantly higher mean CST values, as compared to children with optimum Se-B (0.95 ± 0.07 vs. 0.82 ± 0.15 mg/l, p < 0.05). In summary, in a randomly selected population of healthy children no relationships could be detected between blood selenium concentration and blood cystatin C concentration. On the other hand, in children with low body mass index, a negative non-linear relationship was present between blood selenium concentration and blood cystatin C concentration.

Dietary and blood selenium are inversely associated with the prevalence of stroke among Inuit in Canada.

Inuit in Canada have high selenium intake from the consumption of country food such as fish and marine mammals. The health consequence is not known. This study examines the association between blood selenium concentration and prevalence of stroke among Canadian Inuit. The International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey was conducted in 2007-2008. Among the 2077 adults participants (≥18years old) who completed a questionnaire and gave blood samples, 49 stroke cases were reported, 31 of which were from women. The crude prevalence of stroke was 2.4% in the participants. Participants with stroke had lower blood selenium (geometric mean: 260µg/L vs. 319µg/L) and dietary selenium (144µg/day vs. 190µg/day) compared to individuals without stroke. Participants with high blood/dietary selenium exposure (quartiles 3 and 4) had a lower prevalence of stroke compared to those with low selenium exposure (quartile 1). The adjusted odds ratio ranged from 0.09 to 0.25 among subgroups (e.g. age, sex, and blood mercury). An L-shaped relationship between prevalence of stroke with blood and dietary selenium was observed, based on the cubic restricted spline and segmented regression analyses. The estimated turning points of the L-shaped curve for blood selenium and dietary selenium were 450µg/L and 350µg/day, respectively. Below the turning points, it was estimated that each 50-µg/L increase in blood selenium was associated with a 38% reduction in the prevalence of stroke, and each 50-µg/day increase in dietary selenium was associated with a 30% reduction in the prevalence of stroke. In conclusion, blood and dietary selenium are reversely associated with the prevalence of stroke in Inuit, which follows an L-shaped relationship. Whether this relationship applies to other population needs further investigation.

Interaction between blood selenium concentration and a levels of oxidative stress and antioxidative capacity in healthy children.

The study aimed at defining the relationship between blood selenium concentration (Se-B) and levels of oxidative stress and antioxidative capacity in healthy children. The studies were conducted on 337 children (mean age: 8.53±1.92 years). The groups of individuals with Se-B <1st quartile (group I, Se-B<70µg/L), with Se-B fitting the range of 1st quartile and median (group II, Se-B: 70-76.9µg/L), with Se-B between the median and 3rd quartile (group III, Se-B: 77-83.9µg/L) and those with Se-B above the 3rd quartile (group IV, Se-B≥84µg/L) were distinguished. Level of oxidative stress was defined using determination of urine malonyldialdehyde concentration (MDA) and urine 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine concentration (8-OHdg). Urine total antioxidant status (TAS) was determined. In group IV TAS was significantly higher than in groups I-III. A positive correlation was detected between Se-B and TAS. In healthy children an appropriately high Se-B seems to ensure higher total antioxidative status.