Effect of age,sex, and race on selenium status of healthy residents of Augusta,Georgia

In this study we determined the possible effects of age, sex, and race on selenium (Se) concentration in plasma and erythrocytes and on glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in erythrocytes. Two hundred six healthy blacks, whites, males, and females ranging in age from 11 to 60 yr were studied. For the entire population, mean±SDM Se concentrations were 0.104±0.021 μg/mL for plasma and 0.158±0.035 μg/mL for erythrocytes. Mean concentration of Se in plasma was higher in white subjects compared to black subjects (P<0.02). This difference was due exclusively to higher values in young adult white males (age, race, sex interaction). Neither plasma nor erythrocyte Se concentration nor erythrocyte GSH-Px activity were otherwise affected by age. In all groups plasma Se was correlated with erythrocyte Se (P<0.001), but not with glutathione peroxidase. Erythrocyte Se also was correlated inversely with years of smoking (P<0.033) and coffee intake (p<0.01). These results have defined the Se status in this healthy population in Augusta, Georgia as below the reported US mean. The factors underlying the age, race, sex interaction and the health significance of the low Se status in this population should be investigated.     

Relationship among serum selenium levels,lipid peroxidation,and acute bronchiolitis in infancy

Thirty-four infants with acute bronchiolitis and 25 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled to investigate the possible relationship between serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and selenium (Se) levels and the occurrence and severity of acute bronchiolitis in children. Serum samples were taken for serum Se and MDA measurements, and the clinical score was assessed at admission. Blood was taken again from the children with bronchiolitis at 2 mo after discharge from the hospital. Mean serum MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with acute bronchiolitis than at the postbronchiolitis stage and the controls (4.2±2.5nmol./L, 1.4±0.8 nmol/L, and 0.7±0.2 nmol/L, respectively [p<0.001]). Infants with bronchiolitis had lower mean serum Se levels at the acute stage than after 2 mo (31.7±28.9μg/L versus 68.4±26.4 μg/L, p<0.05, respectively); both of which were significantly lower than the control group measurements (145.0±21.9 μg/L) (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between serum MDA and Se levels in the patient group (=−0.85, p<0.001). The age of the patient, child's immunization status, parental smoking habit, and family crowding index were not correlated with serum Se, MDA levels, or clinical score at admission. In conclusion, increased MDA levels and impaired Se status demonstrate the presence of possible relationship of these parameters with pathogenesis of acute bronchiolitis, and antioxidant supplementation with Se might be thought to supply a beneficial effect against bronchiolitis.     

Effect of supplementation with Se-enriched yeast and factors influencing Se concentration in plasma of transplant recipients

The aim of this study was to assess the bioavailability of selenium (Se) in Se-enriched yeast and the possible impact of age, sex and area of residence on the Se concentration in plasma in 179 transplant recipients, as Se clinical effects in the prevention of cutaneous epithelial lesions in organ transplant recipients has been reported elsewhere. Subjects were randomized to receive either 200 μg Se/day (group 1:91 patients) or placebo (group 2: 88 patients) for 3 years. Plasma Se levels were measured at the beginning of the study and after 4, 12, 24 and 36 months of Se or placebo supplementation. Initial plasma Se levels were 90.9±26.1 μg/L for placebo and 94.0±25.3 μg/L for Se-supplemented groups. At baseline, the Se level was not linked to sex and age but to area of residence, although the number of subjects in each area was insufficient to draw any conclusions. Plasma Se levels were statistically lower in cases of liver transplant compared to kidney and heart transplant (p=0.03). Over the 3-year period of supplementation, plasma Se in the supplemented subjects was significantly higher than in the placebo group (p<0.01) and there was an interaction (p<0.01) between supplementation and time for plasma Se. Supplementation with Se-enriched yeast significantly increased the Se concentration in plasma of the patients to a plateau: the mean plasma Se of the Se-supplemented patients increased to 164.7±35.8 μg/L at 4 months and then remained similar at 12 (176.1±48.3 μg/L), 24 (176.1±54.2 μg/L) and 36 (182.2±46.4 μg/L) months.     

Selenium status,plasma zinc,copper, and magnesium in vegetarians

Plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, copper/zinc ratio, and selenium (Se) status were studied in 44 vegetarians (22 males and 22 females) and their age- and sex-matched nonvegetarians in the Bratislava region (Slovakia). Vegetarians had statistically significant lower levels of plasma Zn and Cu than nonvegetarians, which may be the result of lower bioavailability of Zn and Cu from this type of diet. No differences in plasma Mg levels were found between vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Se status, as expressed by plasma and erythrocyte concentrations and plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities (GPx), was significantly lower in vegetarians when compared to nonvegetarians. In the series as a whole, there were significantly higher correlations between plasma and erythrocyte Se concentrations and between plasma and erythrocyte GPx activities. Significant positive correlations were also found between plasma Se concentrations and erythrocyte GPx activities, and between erythrocyte Se concentrations and erythrocyte GPx activities. A vegetarian diet does not provide a sufficient supply of essential antioxidant trace elements, like Zn, Cu, and especially Se. Se supplementation should be recommended to this risk group of the population.     

Selenium status of patients with Balkan endemic nephropathy

The selenium (Se) contents in common cereals in endemic and nonendemic areas in Serbia are very low. Plasma Se levels of both patients and healthy subjects, were also low, reflecting low Se intakes. Patients with Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) had significantly lower (p<0.05) plasma Se levels than healthy individuals, both from regions close to endemic areas, and from Belgrade. Mean plasma Se of BEN patients was slightly but insignificantly higher in samples taken immediately after dialysis than in those taken before, suggesting that very little of the Se present in plasma is dialyzable. Plasma SeGSH-Px activities before and after hemodialysis in both BEN and Nonendemic chronic renal failure (NCRF) patients were not significantly different, but BEN patients had lower enzyme activities than those with NCRF and healthy controls. In BEN patients, a significant correlation between plasma Se and SeGSH-Px activity was found. NCFR patients were with diagnoses: TBC of kidneys, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, and polycystic kidneys.     

Plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels in patients with testis tumor after orchiectomy

Plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels of 20 patients with histopathologically confirmed testis cancer and 20 healthy control individuals were studied between November 1995 and June 1997. The group with testis cancer had a mean age of 24.8±8.2 yr and the control group’s mean age was 28.3±6.9 yr. Stage distribution of the testis cancer cases were 4 of stage A, 10 of stage B, and 6 of stage C. Blood samples of the patients were drawn after orchiectomy and after 12 h fasting before chemotherapy. Mean plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels were detected to be 14.51±5.30 nmol malondialdehide (MDA)/mL and 9.30±2.06 nmol MDA/g hemoglobin (Hb), respectively, in the testis cancer group, whereas the healthy control group had mean plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels of 10.7±1.82 nmol MDA/mL and 6.18±1.68 nmol MDA/g Hb, respectively. Plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation values of the testis cancer patients were determined to be statistically significantly higher than that of the health control group (p<0.001, p<0.001). No significant correlation was determined between plasma, erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels and tumor markers. In conclusion, it can be said that an increase in the lipid peroxidation may play a role in the pathogenesis of testis carcinomas in addition to the other causes.     

Selenium Deficiency as a Possible Contributor of Goiter in Schoolchildren of Isfahan, Iran

The prevalence of goiter still remains high in some areas of Iran in spite of iodine supplementation. In the present study, we investigated the role of selenium (Se) deficiency in the etiology of goiter in Isfahan. Two thousand three hundred thirty-one schoolchildren were selected by multistage random sampling. Thyroid size was estimated in each child by inspection and palpation. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and plasma Se were measured. Overall, 32.9% of the 2,331 children had goiter. The median UIC was 19.55 µg/dl. Plasma Se was measured in 96 goitrous and 72 nongoitrous children. The mean?±?SD of plasma Se in goitrous and nongoitrous children was 66.86?±?21.82 and 76.67?±?23.33 µg/l, respectively (P?=?0.006). Goitrous girls had lower plasma Se level than nongoitrous girls (65.62?±?21.64 vs. 76.51?±?22.61 µg/dl, P?=?0.02). Goitrous boys had lower plasma Se level than nongoitrous boys (68.45?±?22.21 vs. 76.91?±?24.76 μg/l, P?=?0.14). The prevalence of Se deficiency was significantly higher in goitrous boys and girls than nongoitrous children. Se deficiency is among the contributors of goiter in Isfahan goitrous schoolchildren. However, the role of other micronutrient deficiencies or goitrogens should be investigated in this region.     

Selenium status of healthy Turkish children

Selenium concentrations, in blood plasma, red blood cells hair of 61 healthy children, ages 0–14 yr, were determined using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Starting from late lactation period, selenium concentrations in all these matrices were found to be increasing with age. A good correlation was found between erythrocyte and plasma, hair and plasma, and hair and erythrocyte selenium concentrations. Although plasma, erythrocyte, and hair selenium concentrations of girls seemed to be higher than that of boys (only in erythrocytes), selenium concentrations of girls were found to be significantly (p<0.002) higher than that of boys, 71±9 ng/mL, vs 65±10 ng/mL, respectively. Selenium status of Turkish children is found to be lower than that found in the literature; marginal selenium deficiency could be important in the development of some selenium deficiency could be important in the development of some selenium deficiency related diseases. There is a need for extension of this study to healthy children from different regions in Turkey and to different disease states.     

A contribution to the world selenium map

Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method was used to determine the serum selenium levels of 86 healthy individuals. Variations in age, sex, and geographically different urban regions of Yugoslavia were investigated. A group of 63 healthy children, ages 8–15 yr, were examined. Mean±standard deviation of the serum selenium concentration was 57±9 μg/L; age and geographic area had no effect on the Se status of children, but the difference between boys and girls was significant (P<0.05). A group of 23 men from Zagreb, ages 22–37 yr, were examined. The group was divided into three age subgroups and no difference was found among these groups. The mean Se concentration was 69±18 μg/L, and a statistically significant difference was found only between the group of adults and the group of children (P<0.05).     

Selenium levels in blood of Upper Silesian population

The selenium status and the relationship of whole-blood selenium and plasma homocysteine are reported for healthy human subjects living in Upper Silesia. A total of 1063 individuals (627 male and 436 female) examined for whole-blood selenium were subdivided into six groups according to age; the youngest included adolescents (n=143) aged 10–15 yr, and the oldest were centenarians (n=132). The mean Se content was relatively low (62.5±18.4 μg/L), and it tended to be higher in men (65.9±17.2 μg/L) than in women (57.5±18.9 μg/L). Selenium levels appeared to be age dependent, as the highest values were observed in young and middle-age adults (21–40 yr), whereas they were significantly lower in adolescents and in the elderly. In more than 40% of apparently healthy adults (aged 21–69 yr), the Se concentration was within the range 60–80 μg/L (i.e., below the lower limit of the nutritional adequacy range [80 μg/L]). A significant inverse correlation between whole-blood selenium and plasma total homocysteine was detected in a smaller population sample of middle-aged and elderly persons (n=204).     

Plasma molybdenum concentrations in children with and without phenylketonuria

Plasma molybdenum concentrations were determined in children, ages two to 12 yr, with and without phenylketonuria (PKU). Mean plasma molybdenum concentrations did not differ significantly between the children with PKU (1.33±0.5 μg/L) and without PKU (1.75±0.8 μg/L). Plasma molybdenum concentrations in both groups of children ranged from <1 to 3 μg/L. When data from all children were combined and then separated based on gender, mean plasma molybdenum levels did not differ significantly between 9 females (1.56±0.68 μg/L) and 12 males (1.58±0.76 μg/L). Data were also combined and mean (±SD) plasma molybdenum concentrations calculated for age groups. Two children aged 1 to <4 yr had plasma molybdenum concentrations of 1.0 μg/L, and six children aged 4 to <7 yr had mean (±SD) plasma molybdenum concentrations of 1.5±0.8 μg/L. Eleven children aged 7 to <11 yr had a mean plasma molybdenum concentration of 1.7±0.7 μg/L, and two children 11 to <14 yr had plasma molybdenum concentrations of 1 μg/L and 2 μg/L. Plasma molybdenum concentrations did not differ significantly among children in the age groups.     

The selenium status of Belgian population groups

The selenium state of 40 elderly Belgian people, residing in geriatric homes, has been evaluated. Data are presented on the selenium (Se) contents of their blood, plasma, and erythrocytes. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) has been assayed. All data were compared with those obtained for 164 young, working adults as presented in Part I of this study. Plasma selenium levels were significantly lower in the old (73 ng/mL) as compared to the young people (97 ng/mL), but erythrocyte Se levels (200 ng/mL) and GSH-Px activity were significantly higher. The selenium concentration in plasma during infancy has also been estimated. The results reveal a very low Se level during the first months of life, with a gradual increase with age. The results are discussed in the light of literature data.     

Plasma selenium levels in rheumatoid arthritis

The plasma selenium (Se) levels were determined in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls. Plasma Se levels in 60 patients were found to be significantly lower than those in 60 normal, healthy controls (p<0.001). Similar significant differences were determined in sex-matched comparisons between patients and controls (p<0.001) but there was no significant difference in plasma Se levels in sex-matched comparisons in both groups (p>0.05). Our results suggest that Se is an important factor in RA.     

Selenium Status in Patients with Turner Syndrome: a Biochemical Assessment Related with Body Composition

Studies about selenium status in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) are non-existent in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate selenium status in patients with TS, while considering the different ages of the studied population and the relation with body composition. In total, 33 patients with TS were evaluated and grouped according to their developmental stages (children, adolescents, and adults). Selenium concentrations in their plasma, erythrocytes, urine, and nails were determined by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity were measured by using Randox commercial kits. Additionally, height, weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and waist-height ratio were measured to characterize the patients. No differences in the selenium concentrations in the plasma, erythrocyte, urine, and nails or in the glutathione peroxidase activity were observed among the age groups (p > 0.05). The evaluated selenium levels were less than the established normal ones. The patients with larger waist circumference, body fat percentage, body mass index, and waist-height ratio showed lower glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity (p = 0.023). The present study shows that most patients with TS are deficient in selenium and that those with a greater accumulation of body fat have a lower GPx activity.     

Selenium status in elderly: Relation to cognitive decline

Studies show that decreased antioxidant system is related to cognitive decline. Thus we aimed to measure selenium (Se) status in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) elderly and compared them with a control group (CG). 27 AD, 17 MCI and 28 control elderly were evaluated. Se concentration was determined in plasma and erythrocyte by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. Erythrocyte Se concentration in AD group was lower than CG (43.73 ± 23.02 μg/L and 79.15 ± 46.37 μg/L; p = 0.001), but not statistically different from MCI group (63.97 ± 18.26 μg/L; p = 0.156). AD group exhibited the lowest plasma Se level (34.49 ± 19.94 μg/L) when compared to MCI (61.36 ± 16.08 μg/L; p = 0.000) and to CG (50.99 ± 21.06 μg/L; p = 0.010). It is observed that erythrocyte Se decreases as cognition function does. Since erythrocyte reflects longer-term nutritional status, the data point to the importance of the relation between Se exposure and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that the deficiency of Se may contribute to cognitive decline among aging people.     

Plasma Levels of Trace Elements Have an Implication on Interferon Treatment of Children with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

This study evaluated the plasma levels of trace elements in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and assessed whether they can be a factor that affects the response to interferon alpha (IFN-α) treatment. The study included 35 cases (ten girls, 25 boys) aged 3–13 years with chronic HBV infection and the control group. Plasma levels of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were measured before IFN-α treatment and biochemical, virological, and histopathologic response to treatment were assessed. Children were followed for at least 15 months. Although plasma Cu levels showed no difference between the groups, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower in the study group before treatment. Fourteen cases (40%) showed biochemical response; 17 (48.6%) showed virological response; 16 (47.6%) showed histopathologic response, and ten (28.6%) showed response according to all three parameters. Plasma Cu and Mn levels of patients with triple response showed no difference; but Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower (p?<?0.001) in the study group. No difference was observed between responders and nonresponders (p?>?0.05). Plasma levels of Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn are lower in children with chronic HBV infection compared to healthy children. The pretreatment levels of these elements did not show difference between responders and nonresponders to IFN-α.     

Alterations of plasma magnesium,copper, zinc,iron and selenium concentrations and some related erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of plasma essential trace elements magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) concentrations and their some related antioxidant enzyme activities, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Fifty patients with AD and fifty healthy control subjects were included in this study. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), plasma Mg and Fe concentrations by spectrophotometric methods and plasma Se concentrations by graphite furnace AAS were determined. Erythrocyte GPx, SOD and CAT activities were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Plasma Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Se levels and erythrocyte GPx, SOD and CAT activities were found to be significantly lower in patients with AD compared with controls. These results suggest that alterations in essential trace elements and their related enzymes may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of AD. Also, there is a defect in the antioxidant defense system, which may lead to oxidative damage in patients with AD. The changes in antioxidant enzyme activities may be secondary to the alterations in their cofactor concentrations.     

Plasma and erythrocyte selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity in preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between selenium status, as measured by plasma and erythrocyte selenium and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and other postnatal factors, including selenium intake, gestational age, and oxygen dependence in preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplsia. Eighteen preterm infants of 30 wk gestational age or less were included. At postnatal wk 1 and 4, selenium concentrations and GPx activity were measured and oxygen dependence and daily selenium intakes were determined from the medical chart. Plasma and erythrocyte selenium concentrations decreased from wk 1 to wk 4, whereas erythrocyte GPx activity increased. Increased selenium intakes during wk 1 were associated with increased erythrocyte GPx activity at both time-points, as well as a decreased need for supplemental oxygen on d 28. Preterm infants display increasing erythrocyte GPx activity despite declines in plasma and erythrocyte selenium. GPx activity might be enhanced by very early selenium supplementation.     

The Selenium Levels of Mothers and Their Neonates Using Hair,Breast Milk,Meconium, and Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood in Van Basin

The objective of the present study is to calculate linear regressions between a mother and her child with respect to their selenium concentration (ng/g) in the following traits: maternal blood and umbilical cord blood, maternal and child hair, maternal milk and child umbilical cord blood, maternal milk and meconium, maternal blood plasma, and child meconium. The data were collected at Research Hospital of the University of Yüzüncü Yıl from 30 pairs of mothers and their newborn baby. The mean maternal serum Se level in 30 mothers was 68.52 ± 3.57 ng/g and cord plasma level was 119.90 ± 18.08 ng/g. The Se concentration in maternal and neonatal hair was 330.84 ± 39.03 and 1,124.76 ± 186.84 ng/g, respectively. The Se concentration of maternal milk at day 14 after delivery was determined as 68.63 ± 7.78 ng/g (n = 13) and the concentration of Se was 418.90 ± 45.49 ng/g (n = 22) for meconium of neonatal. There was no significant difference between maternal blood and milk Se levels. However, hair Se concentration was significantly higher than milk and maternal blood Se level. For each trait comparison, the average absolute difference in log₁₀-transformed Se concentration was calculated between a mother and her child. The observed average absolute difference was compared with a test distribution of 1,000 resampled bootstrap averages where the number of samples was maintained but the relationship between a mother and her child was randomized among samples (α = 0.05).