Selenium levels in wheat grains grown in Saudi Arabia

3-Pyridinylboronic Acid Ameliorates Rotenone-Induced Oxidative Stress Through Nrf2 Target Genes in Zebrafish Embryos

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common forms of neurodegenerative diseases and research on potential therapeutic agents for PD continues. Rotenone is a neurotoxin that can pass the blood-brain barrier and is used to generate PD models in experimental animals. Boron is a microelement necessary for neural activity in the brain. Antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, anti-genotoxic, anti-carcinogenic effects of boric acid, the salt compound of boron has been reported before. Boronic acids have been approved for treatment by FDA and are included in drug discovery studies and pyridine boronic acids are a subclass of heterocyclic boronic acids used in drug design and discovery as substituted pyridines based on crystal engineering principles. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of 3-pyridinylboronic acid in rotenone-exposed zebrafish embryos, focusing on oxidant-antioxidant parameters and gene expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) target genes gclm, gclc, hmox1a, nqo1, and PD related genes, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dj1, and tnfα. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to Rotenone (10 μg/l); Low Dose 3-Pyridinylboronic acid (100 μM); High Dose 3-Pyridinylboronic acid (200 μM); Rotenone + Low Dose-3-Pyridinylboronic acid (10 μg/l + 100 μM); Rotenone + High Dose-3-Pyridinylboronic acid (10 μg/l + 200 μM) in well plates for 96 h post-fertilization (hpf). Our study showed for the first time that 3-pyridinylboronic acid, as a novel sub-class of the heterocyclic boronic acid compound, improved locomotor activities, ameliorated oxidant-antioxidant status by decreasing LPO and NO levels, and normalized the expressions of bdnf, dj1, tnf⍺ and Nrf2 target genes hmox1a and nqo1 in rotenone exposed zebrafish embryos. On the other hand, it caused the deterioration of the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the control group through increased lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide levels, and decreased antioxidant enzymes. We believe that these results should be interpreted in the context of the dose-toxicity and benefit-harm relationship of the effects of 3-pyridinylboronic.

Antioxidant Potential of Ulexite in Zebrafish Brain: Assessment of Oxidative DNA Damage, Apoptosis, and Response of Antioxidant Defense System

In recent years, because of its significant biological roles, the usage of boron has been started in animal feeding. In this research, it was aimed to investigate the ulexite's action mechanism on the zebrafish brain with an evaluation of the oxidative parameters. The adult zebrafish were exposed to four ulexite doses (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/l) in a static test apparatus for 96 h. For assessing the oxidative responses, multiple biochemical analyses were performed in brain tissues. The results indicated the supporting potential of low ulexite doses on the antioxidant system (< 40 mg/l) and that low-dose ulexite does not lead to oxidative stress in the zebrafish brain. Again, our results showed that low ulexite concentrations did not cause DNA damage or apoptosis. As a final result, in aquatic environments, ulexite (a boron compound) can be used in a safe manner, but it would be useful at higher concentrations to consider the damages of the cells that are probable to develop because of the oxidative stress.

Study of the Accumulation of Toxic and Essential Ultra-Trace Elements in Fruits of Sorbus domestica L

In the present work, the accumulation of selected toxic and essential ultra-trace elements in fruits of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) were determined depending on harvest time. Samples were collected from the same sampling area in two different years and within one year in September and October (maturity state). Harvesting the fruits in the same area excludes the influence of metals taken up via roots, thus the impact of airborne contamination by heavy metal translocation can be studied. All samples were dried and digested using an acidic microwave assisted digestion system prior to quantification by inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS). The elements chosen were Arsenic and Cadmium as well as Lithium, Molybdenum, and Selenium. The Arsenic content rose with maturity in mesocarp. Cadmium found in the mesocarp was unaffected by ripeness. For Selenium and Molybdenum, no statistically significant effect of ripeness could be found on their content in mesocarp. Lithium could not be detected in the majority of fruit samples. Differences between the metal concentrations based on the year of harvest were found for Arsenic, Molybdenum, and Selenium, depending on precipitation. The drier the season, the more Arsenic was accumulated. For Molybdenum and Selenium, the opposite effect was observed.

Selenium: a brief review and a case report of selenium responsive cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

The authors review the role of selenium and highlight possible low selenium levels in soil that may result in deficient states in Saudi Arabia.

CASE PRESENTATION

The authors report a case of selenium-responsive cardiomyopathy in a 15-month old Saudi Arabian boy. This case of selenium deficiency causing dilated cardiomyopathy is presented with failure to thrive, prolonged fever and respiratory distress. The investigations revealed selenium deficiency. Selenium supplementation along with anti-failure therapy [Furosimide, Captopril] was administered for 6 months. Following therapy the cardiac function, hair, skin and the general health of the patient improved significantly.

CONCLUSION

The patient with dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology, not responding to usual medication may be deficient in selenium. Serum selenium measurements should be included in the diagnostic work-up to ensure early detection and treatment of the disease. The selenium level in the Saudi population needs be determined. Vulnerable populations have to undergo regular selenium measurements and supplementation if indicated. Dependence on processed foods suggests that the Saudi population fortify themselves with nutrient and micronutrient supplements in accordance to the RDA.

Selenium and vitamins status in Saudi children

BACKGROUND

Selenium is an essential element, and a cofactor required to maintain glutathione peroxidase activity. Its deficiency may induce modification in the cellular antioxidative status and the appearance of different diseases. Previous studies in Al-Kharj reported low selenium levels in the soil and the milk of lactating mothers living in that area.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the status of selenium, dl-alpha-tocopherol, and all-trans-retinol in 513 Saudi children living in Al-Kharj district using serum and toenail samples.

RESULTS

The prevalence of children with serum selenium below the threshold limit of clinical importance in coronary and cardiovascular diseases (45 microg/l) was only 1.4%, while 53.4% of the tested children had toenail selenium >0.56 microg/g, which is considered a low level as indicated in a previous study. DL-alpha-tocopherol deficiency (<0.5 mg/dl) was found only in 3.1%. However, none of the children in this study had a severe all-trans-retinol deficiency (<10 microg/dl) and the percentage of children with marginal deficiency <20 microg/dl was 5.5%.

CONCLUSION

It seems that the geographical location of primary health care units (PHCUs) is the most important factor in influencing the selenium status of these children. This implies variations in food habits. Serum and toenail selenium concentrations were significantly related which can both reflect dietary selenium intake. Although our results suggest an adequate vitamin A status, we found interestingly that 10.9% of the children had retinol >50 microg/dl. This suggests that a high dietary intake of vitamin A might have a harmful effect. Further work is necessary to determine whether the hypervitaminosis A in children reflects an excessive dietary intake of retinol. A significant negative association was also found between dl-alpha-tocopherol and all-trans-retinol and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in the serum of children population. This confirms their role in reducing oxidative stress.

Comparison of the concentration of trace metals (Ni, Zn, Co, Cu and Se), Fe, vitamins A, C and E, and lipid peroxidation in patients with prostate cancer

The anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties of vitamins A, C, E and pro- or antioxidant properties of trace metals have recently attracted increased attention. We examined the levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E), selenium and malondialdehyde (MDA), and trace metals (Fe, Ni, Zn, Co and Cu) in patients with prostate cancer. In total, 41 subjects (21 controls and 20 prostate cancer patients) were included in the study. The levels of trace elements and Fe in whole blood were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum levels of Se were determined using a fluorimetric method, while a HPLC method was used for serum levels of vitamins and MDA. The levels of vitamins A and E were significantly lower and MDA levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients with prostate cancer compared to controls. Serum vitamin C was significantly lower in patients with prostate cancer when compared to controls (p<0.01). Moreover, Se and Zn levels were also significantly lower, and levels of Ni, Co, and Cu were higher (p<0.001) in patients with prostate cancer than in controls. Fe levels were not significantly different in patients compared to controls (p>0.05). Our findings, together with the results of previous animal studies, suggest that the administration of vitamins A, C, and E, and Se and Zn may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of human prostate cancer.

The levels of glutathione peroxidase, vitamin A, E, C and lipid peroxidation in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

OBJECTIVE

To assess the levels of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, E and C), selenium and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 91 people (23 healthy controls and 68 patients with TCC). Erythrocyte GSH-Px activity was measured by spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography to detect serum levels of vitamins and MDA, and fluorometry to detect serum levels of selenium.

RESULTS

The serum levels of vitamin A, E and C, and selenium were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients with TCC than in controls. However, erythrocyte GSH-Px activities (P < 0.05) and serum MDA levels (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with TCC than in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of free oxygen species were higher, and antioxidant vitamin and selenium levels lower, in patients with bladder TCC than in controls. These findings, with the results of previous animal studies, suggest that giving vitamin A, C, E and selenium may be beneficial in preventing and treating human bladder cancer.

Selenium status in Saudi Arabia

Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring trace element that is essential for animal and human nutrition, but the range between dietary requirements and toxic levels is relatively narrow. In this review, we are interested in the beneficial effects of selenium and we report on a number of studies of the selenium status of different populations in Saudi Arabia. The Status reflects the geographical area inhabited by the populations. Apart from the few available studies reviewed here, no data on the human status of Se in Saudi Arabia has been obtained. A further objective of this paper is throw some the light on the direction of future studies.