Serum Selenium Level in Healthy Koreans

Of trace elements in the serum of living organisms, selenium (Se) is an essential mineral and plays the role of an antioxidant as selenoproteins protecting the organism against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide, other lipid hydroperoxides, and their derivatives. The aim of this study was to determine the mean serum Se levels in healthy Korean volunteers (50 males and 50 females) by using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method. The samples were collected at the Health Promotion Centre of Kangnam St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Kangnam District, Seoul in accordance with procedures approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Catholic University of Korea. The mean serum Se level in healthy subjects was 112.05 ± 30.42 μg/l. For gender, it was 120.81 ± 27.37 μg/l for females and 103.29 ± 31.05 μg/l for males. From the study result, there was a significant difference between the mean Se concentrations of gender groups (p = 0.0035). Also, the study indicated no effect of age on Se levels (p > 0.05) in the healthy individuals.     

Serum Copper,Zinc, and Magnesium Levels in Patients with Chronic Fluorosis

Although there are many studies on effect of fluoride on trace elements in experimental animals, few studies exist on serum trace elements levels in patients with endemic fluorosis. We aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements including serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and serum levels of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 30 patients with endemic fluorosis (17 females, 13 males, mean age 33.53 ± 9.85 years). An age, gender, and body mass index matched 30 healthy volunteers comprised control group (21 females, ten males with a mean age 33.93 ± 7.39 years). Urine fluoride levels of chronic fluorosis patients were significantly higher than that of control subjects as expected (1.92 ± 0.10 mg/l vs. 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/l, respectively; P < 0.001). Serum Cu levels (89.14 ± 16.77 μg/dL vs. 102.69 ± 25.04 μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.017), serum Zn levels (77.98 ± 20.58 μg/dL vs. 94.57 ± 35.87μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.032), and serum Mg levels (1.92 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs. 2.07 ± 0.31 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.022) was significantly lower in chronic fluorosis patients than in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to serum levels of Na, K, Ca, and P. We concluded that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Mg.     

Serum Total Selenium Status in Greek Adults and Its Relation to Age. The ATTICA Study Cohort

The trace element selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health and its low levels in serum are implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. Therefore, the determination of total selenium in serum may contribute to the assessment of the health and nutritional status of certain populations. The objective of the present work was to determine total selenium in the serum of 506 healthy volunteers that participated in the ATTICA study. Selenium was determined in serum by using the technique of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mean serum selenium concentration was determined to be 91.8 ± 33.7 μg/L (N = 506); 87.6% of women and 88.5% of men had serum selenium concentration below 125 μg/L, the cutoff considered to be required for optimal glutathione peroxidase activity. No association was found between serum selenium levels and the gender of the participants while a significant decline of selenium with age (p < 0.0001) was observed. According to our results, no anthropometric, lifestyle, nutritional, or biochemical indices were able to affect the association between serum selenium and age. This result may indicate that other factors such as selenium distribution as well as retention may be affecting the relationship between serum selenium and age.     

Serum Iron,Zinc, and Copper Concentration in Premature Graying of Hair

Premature graying of hair with unclear etiology, which is known as premature canities, is a common cause of referrals to the dermatologists. We assessed the relationship between serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations with premature canities. This study was conducted on patients under 20 years old suffering from premature canities, having a minimum of ten gray hair fibers, and referring to university hospitals of Isfahan (Iran). The results were compared with age–sex-matched controls. Demographic data and disease characteristics were recorded for two groups. We studied serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations of 66 patients and 66 controls using atomic absorption and Ferrozine methods. The mean age of studied cases was 17.8 ± 2.0 years, and the mean age of the onset of canities was 15.5 ± 3.2 years with no significant difference between males and females (P > 0.05). Serum copper concentration was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (90.7 ± 37.4 vs. 105.3 ± 50.2 μg/dL, P = 0.048), but serum iron concentration was significantly lower in controls compared to patients (88.8 ± 39.5 vs. 108.3 ± 48.4 μg/dL, P = 0.008). Also, there was no significant difference between patients and controls in serum zinc concentration (114.8 ± 67.8 vs. 108.2 ± 49.9 μg/dL, P = 0.285). According to these results, among copper, zinc, and iron, a low serum copper concentration may play a role in premature graying of hairs in our society. Further studies are needed to find the underlying mechanism of this relationship.     

Trace Elements in Obese Turkish Children

The quality of the diet of obese children is poor. Eating habits may alter micronutrient status in obese patients. In this study, we determined the serum levels of selenium, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, iron, copper, beryllium, boron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, silver, barium, aluminum, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and lead in obese Turkish children. Thirty-four obese and 33 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum vanadium and cobalt levels of obese children were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.244 ± 0.0179 vs. 0.261 ± 0.012 μg/l, p < 0.001, and 0.14 ± 0.13 vs. 0.24 ± 0.15 μg/l, p = 0.011, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups regarding the other serum trace element levels. In conclusion, there may be alterations in the serum levels of trace elements in obese children and these alterations may have a role in the pathogenesis of obesity.     

Blood Selenium Status in Normal Punjabi Population of Pakistan

Selenium concentrations in the blood of 112 (56 females and 56 males) normal subjects, from different regions of the Punjab (Pakistan), have been determined using the technique of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The whole blood selenium concentrations were found to be 452 ± 12 ppb (parts per billion or nano-gram of Se per gram freeze-dried blood or 96 ± 3 μg/L ), with 470 ± 16 ppb (or 100 ± 4 μg/L) in female and 435 ± 16 ppb (or 92 ± 4 μg/L) in male population. Compared with other populations of the world, these levels are amongst the lowest.     

Relationships Between Respiratory Function Disorders and Serum Copper Levels in Copper Mineworkers

The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory function disorders that could be related to dust exposure during the production of copper mine in copper mineworkers (CMWs). The study included 75 male CMWs (mean age, 32.0 ± 7.1 years, 58.6% smokers) and 75 male age- and smoking status-matched healthy control subjects. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the CMW group (0.80 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than the control group (0.60 ± 0.39 μg/ml) (p = 0.017). Significant negative correlations were found between serum Cu level and forced expiratory volume in first second (r = −0.600; p < 0.001) and between serum Cu level and forced vital capacity (r = −0.593; p = <0.001) in CMWs. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the restrictive type pulmonary function disorders group (1.36 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than obstructive type (0.90 ± 0.55 μg/ml) and normal pulmonary function pattern group (0.53 ± 0.43 μg/ml) (p < 0.001). Patients with radiological parenchymal abnormalities had significantly higher serum copper levels than those without abnormalities (1.53 ± 0.52 vs. 0.71 ± 0.52 μg/ml, respectively; p = 0.002). In conclusion, result of the study has shown a negative association between pulmonary functions disorders and radiological abnormalities and serum Cu levels in CMWs.     

Zinc,Manganese, Calcium,Copper, and Cadmium Level in Scalp Hair Samples of Schizophrenic Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements present in scalp hair sample of schizophrenic patients and to find out the relationship between trace elements level and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 30 schizophrenic male patients and 30 healthy male volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Hair trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Cd concentrations of schizophrenic patients were 3.8 ± 2.31 μg/gm, 171.6 ± 59.04 μg/gm, 396.23 ± 157.83 μg/gm, 15.40 ± 5.68 μg/gm, and 1.14 ± 0.89 μg/gm of hair sample, while those of control subjects were 4.4 ± 2.32 μg/gm, 199.16 ± 27.85 μg/gm, 620.9 ± 181.55 μg/gm, 12.23 ± 4.56 μg/gm, and 0.47 ± 0.32 μg/gm of hair sample, respectively. The hair concentration of Zn and Ca decreased significantly (p = 0.024; p = 0.000, respectively) and the concentration of Cu and Cd increased significantly (p = 0.021; p = 0.000, respectively) in schizophrenic patients while the concentration of Mn (p = 0.321) remain unchanged. Socioeconomic data reveals that most of the patients were poor, middle-aged and divorced. Mean body mass indices (BMIs) of the control group (22.26 ± 1.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (20.42 ± 3.16 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5−25.0 kg/m²). Pearson’s correlation analysis suggested that only Ca concentration of patients had a significant positive correlation with the BMI (r = 0.597; p = 0.000) which was further justified from the regression analysis (R ² = 44%; t = 3.59; p = 0.002) and one-way ANOVA test (F = 3.62; p = 0.015). A significant decrease in the hair concentration of Zn and Ca as well as a significant increase in the hair concentration of Cu and Cd in schizophrenic patients than that of its control group was observed which may provide prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, further work with larger population is suggested to examine the exact correlation between trace element level and the degree of disorder.     

Chronic Fluoride Exposure Has a Role in Etiology of Coronary Artery Ectasia: Sialic Acid/Glycosaminoglycan Ratio

The sialic acid/glycosaminoglycan ratio was determined in 35 coronary artery ectasia patients and 35 control subjects to determine the possible role of fluoride in the etiology of the disease. The coronary artery ectasia patients and controls were selected from subjects who underwent coronary angiography. The mean serum sialic acid level was significantly lower in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE) than in controls (340.3 ± 28.6 vs. 427.0 ± 15.9 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean serum glycosaminoglycan level was significantly higher in patients with CAE than in controls (5,013.1 ± 158.6 vs. 3,833.6 ± 237.1 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The sialic acid/glycosaminoglycan ratio in patients with coronary artery ectasia was significantly lower than in controls (0.068 ± 0.007 vs. 0.111 ± 0.005; p < 0.001). There was more than 38.7% reduction in this ratio in patients with CAE when compared with controls. We demonstrated that chronic fluoride exposure has an important role in pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia.     

Serum Selenium Concentrations Correlate Significantly with Inflammatory Biomarker High-sensitive CRP Levels in Hungarian Gestational Diabetic and Healthy Pregnant Women at Mid-pregnancy

Selenium is an essential trace element and a component of various enzymes with antioxidant functions. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an early indicator of increased lipid peroxidation. The serum selenium concentration, lipid parameters, and hsCRP values of gestational diabetic pregnant women (GD), control pregnant women (CP), and healthy nonpregnant controls (HC) were compared. Blood was taken between the 24th and the 28th week of pregnancy when the oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Selenium concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after hydride generation. HsCRP was measured by immunturbidimetry. HC had significantly higher serum selenium concentrations than GD and CP women (HC = 77.4 ± 14.82, GD = 51.7 ± 11.62, and CP = 40.5 ± 8.03 μg/l, respectively). HsCRP values of both GD and nondiabetic pregnant women were significantly higher compared to controls. Significant negative correlations were found between serum selenium and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hsCRP values indicating that low selenium levels are associated with increased lipid peroxidation. Serum selenium concentrations of Hungarian pregnant women are low compared to internationally published data.     

Determination of Trace Elements in Anti-influenza Virus Mushrooms

We have determined the trace element composition of anti-influenza virus mushrooms using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The elements present in greater concentration in Ganoderma lucidum samples are selenium, iron, and zinc, with selenium being the element with the highest concentration of all, at 416 ± 38.5 mg/kg; in Cordyceps militaris samples are iron, selenium, and zinc, with iron being the element with the highest concentration of all, at 291 ± 20.9 mg/kg; in Kuehneromyces mutabilis samples are selenium, iron, and manganese, with selenium being the element with the highest concentration of all, at 203 ± 9.8 mg/kg; in Inonotus hispidus samples are zinc, selenium, and iron, with zinc being the element with the highest concentration of all, at 194 ± 16.9mg/kg; in the Collybia maculata samples are iron, selenium, and zinc, with iron being the element with the highest concentration of all, at 274 ± 22.2 mg/kg, respectively. The average metal concentrations in mushrooms decreases in the order: selenium > iron > zinc > chromium > manganese > copper > magnesium > lead. After the mice were administered (orally) with mushroom extracts for 8 weeks and inoculated intranasally with viral suspension, element levels in serum were also measured. Highly significantly increased values of Se, Zn, and Mg in the serum of mice supplemented with anti-influenza virus mushrooms were a characteristic finding. Se, Zn, and Mg present in mushrooms may play a direct or indirect role in their anti-influenza virus nature. They may provide prophylactic protection against influenza infection via stimulation of host innate immune response.     

Selenium Distribution in Camel Blood and Organs After Different Level of Dietary Selenium Supplementation

Eight young female camels shared in four groups of two 2 years received a basal diet enriched respectively with 0, 2, 4, and 8 mg selenium under sodium selenite form for 64 days. Feed intake was assessed daily; blood samples were taken on weekly basis. One camel from each group was killed at the end of the experiment. Se concentration in serum was increased significantly in the supplemented groups with an average of 176.3 ± 18.0 ng/mL in the control group, 382.7 ± 107.6 in the group receiving 2 mg Se, 519.8 ± 168.4 in the group receiving 4 mg Se, and 533.4 ± 158.6 in the group receiving 8 mg Se daily. For glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, the control group (51.0 IU/g Hb) and the group receiving 2 mg (50.5 IU/g Hb) were significantly different than groups receiving 4 and 8 mg (respectively, 65.9 and 76.1 IU/g Hb). No significant variation occurred for vitamin E (mean, 0.56 ± 0.23 ng/mL). Significant correlation between serum Se and GSH-Px was reported. Kidney was the richest organ in selenium followed by lung, spleen, and liver, but the increase in supplemented groups was more marked in liver and kidney. The hair seemed to be the best indicator of selenium intake in camel.     

Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Blood Status and Milk,Urine, and Fecal Excretion in Pregnant and Lactating Camel

Ten pregnant female camels divided into two groups received, after a 2-week adaptation period, an oral selenium (Se) supplementation (0 and 2 mg, respectively) under sodium selenite form for 6 months from the three last months of gestation up to the three first months of lactation. Feed intake was assessed daily. Blood samples and body weight were taken on a biweekly basis, both in dams and their camel calves after parturition. Feces and urine samples were collected monthly and milk on a biweekly basis. The Se concentration in serum increased significantly in the supplemented group and was threefold higher than the concentration compared to the control group, respectively, 305.9 ± 103.3 and 109.3 ± 33.1 ng/mL. The selenium concentration increased in similar proportion in milk (86.4 ± 39.1 ng/mL in the control group vs 167.1 ± 97.3 ng/mL in treated group), in urine, and feces. The gluthathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity varied between 18.1 ± 8.7 IU/g hemoglobin (Hb) in control group and 47.5 ± 25.6 IU/g Hb in treated group but decreased after parturition in both groups. Vitamin E did not change significantly and was, on average, 1.17 ± 0.72 and 1.14 ± 0.89 ng/mL in the control and treated groups, respectively. Significant correlations were reported between serum Se, milk Se, GSH-Px, and fecal and urinary excretion or concentration. Blood values in camel calves were similar to those of the dams. The results seemed to confirm the sensitivity of camel to Se supplementation with an important increase of selenium in serum and milk.     

Diminished Selenium Levels in Hemodialysis and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

In this cross-sectional study, selenium (Se) levels in the sera of 35 hemodialysis (HD) patients and 34 patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for more than 3 months were compared with the serum Se levels of 34 healthy volunteers. The observed Se levels of 100.8 ± 51.9 μg/L in the sera of the HD patients and of 65.5 ± 32.1 μg/L in the sera of the CAPD patients were significantly lower than the 134.9 ± 81.2 μg/L of the controls, with p = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively. Furthermore, the Se levels were significantly higher in the HD rather than the CAPD patients (p = 0.01). In the spent dialysate effluent fluid of 32 of the CAPD patients Se was undetectable, in the remaining two CAPD patients the Se levels were 1.9 and 4.6μg/l, respectively. The low Se levels of HD and CAPD patients as compared to healthy persons are attributed to diminished Se retention due to chronic oxidative stress.     

Characteristics of Se-Enriched Mycelia by Stropharia rugoso-annulata and its Antioxidant Activities in vivo

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. Stropharia rugoso-annulata is a nutritional and functional mushroom containing many kinds of bioactive ingredients. The aims of this study were to investigate the Se-enrichment characteristics of S. rugoso-annulata in submerged culture and evaluate the antioxidant activities of Se-enriched mycelia in vivo in terms of the values of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The optimum parameters of Se-enrichment under the optimal Se concentration (150 μg/mL) in media were as follows: biomass 8.11 ± 0.25 g/L, Se content in mycelia 4,727.68 ± 13 μg/g, Se-accumulated rate 24.68 ± 1.67%, and percentage of organic Se 96.27 ± 3.26%. The mainly subsistent forms of selenium in Se-enriched mycelia were selenoprotein and selenium-polysaccharide. The contents of total amino acids (TAA) and essential amino acids (EAA) in Se-enriched mycelia were increased by 13.5 ± 1.09% and 12.8 ± 0.89%, respectively. It was efficient for Se-enriched mycelia to elevate GSH-Px and SOD activities and decrease MDA content. These results indicated that Se-enriched mycelia of S. rugoso-annulata represent a novel dietary source of bioavailable supplemental selenium.     

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).     

Contribution to the Data on Copper Concentration in Blood and Urine in Patients with Wilson’s Disease and in Normal Subjects

Determination of copper in human tissues and body fluids may be crucial in the diagnosis of Wilson’s disease. In this study we evaluated urinary copper excretion and urine and blood concentration in 14 patients in whom Wilson’s disease was confirmed (group A) and in 21 subjects in whom the disease was only suspected (group B). The following values (mean ± SD) were found: 24-h urine (μg Cu/24 h), 152 ± 135 (A) and 31.8 ± 10.9 (B); urine (μg Cu/ml), 0.091 ± 0.087 (A) and 0.028 ± 0.011 (B); and blood (μg Cu/ml), 0.62 ± 0.25 (A) and 0.72 ± 0.09 (B). By comparison, urine copper concentration in the group of apparently healthy subjects was 0.035 ± 0.010 (n = 50), and blood copper concentration in autopsy cases of nonpoisoned people was 0.85 ± 0.19 (n = 73).     

Impact of medium volume and oxygen concentration in the incubator on pericellular oxygen concentration and differentiation of murine chondrogenic cell culture

Previous studies have demonstrated that oxygen environment is an important determinate factor of cell phenotypes and differentiation, although factors which affect pericellular oxygen concentration (POC) in murine chondrogenic cell culture remain unidentified. Oxygen concentrations in vivo were measured in rabbit musculoskeletal tissues, which were by far hypoxic compared to 20% O₂ (ranging from 2.29 ± 1.16 to 4.36 ± 0.51%). Oxygen concentrations in murine chondrogenic cell (C3H10T1/2) culture medium were monitored in different oxygen concentrations (20% or 5%) in the incubator and in different medium volumes (3,700 or 7,400 μl) within 25-cm² flasks. Chondrogenic differentiation was assessed by glycosaminoglycan production with quantitative evaluation of Alcian blue staining in 12-well culture dishes. Expression of chondrogenic genes, aggrecan, and type II collagen α1, was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Oxygen concentrations in medium decreased accordingly with the depth from medium surface, and POC at Day 6 was 18.99 ± 0.81% in 3,700-μl medium (1,480-μm depth) and 13.26 ± 0.23% in 7,400-μl medium (2,960-μm depth) at 20% O₂ in the incubator, which was 4.96 ± 0.08% (1,480-μm depth) and 2.83 ± 0.42% (2,960-μm depth) at 5% O₂, respectively. The differences of POC compared by medium volume were statistically significant (p = 0.0003 at 20% and p = 0.001 at 5%). Glycosaminoglycan production and aggrecan gene expression were most promoted when cultured in moderately low POC, 1,000 μl (2,960-μm depth) at 20% O₂ and 500 μl (1,480-μm depth) at 5% O₂ in 12-well culture dishes. We demonstrate that medium volume and oxygen concentration in the incubator affect not only POC but also chondrogenic differentiation.     

Plasma Leptin,Plasma Zinc,and Plasma Copper Are Associated in Elite Female and Male Judo Athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare plasma leptin, plasma zinc, and plasma copper levels and their relationship in trained female and male judo athletes (n = 10 women; n = 8 men). Blood samples were obtained 24 h after training to measure plasma zinc, copper, and leptin levels. Subjects presented similar values to age (22 ± 2 years old), body mass index (24 ± 1 kg/m²), plasma zinc (17.2 ± 2 μmol/L), copper (12.5 ± 2 μmol/L), and leptin (5.6 ± 1.3 μg/L). However, height, total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, and sum of ten-skinfold thickness were higher in male than female. Plasma leptin was associated with sum of ten skinfolds in male (r = 0.91; p < 0.001) and female athletes (r = 0.84; p < 0.003). Plasma zinc was associated with leptin in males (r = 0.82; p < 0.05) while copper was associated with plasma leptin in females (r = 0.66; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that young judo athletes lost sex-related differences in leptin levels. Plasma zinc, plasma copper, and energy homeostasis may be involved in regulation of plasma leptin.