Oxidative Stress Induced by Selenium Deficiency Contributes to Inflammation, Apoptosis and Necroptosis in the Lungs of Calves

The correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthmatic people: a cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to examine the correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthmatic people.

Methods

A total of 4,541 individuals in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this study. Multivariate linear regression, variance inflation factor, restricted cubic splines and quantile regression were used to analyze the relationship between Se intake and lung function. We divided selenium intake into four levels based on quartiles: Q1: Se ≤ 76.75 mcg/d; Q2: 76.75-105.1 mcg/d; Q3: 105.1-137.65 mcg/d; and Q4: Se ≥137.65 mcg/d.

Results

Asthma was negatively associated with the Ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume 1st Second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (β = -0.04, 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.02) and FEV1 (β = -215, 95% CI: -340 to -90). Se intake was positively associated with Forced Expiratory Volume 1st Second (FEV1) (β =3.30 95% CI: 2.60 to 4.00) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (β =4.30, 95% CI: 3.50 to 5.10). In asthmatic individuals, the positive effects of Se intake on FVC were enhanced with increasing Se intake, while the positive effects of Se intake on FEV1 varied less dramatically. High Se intake (Q4 level, above 137.65 mcg/d) improved FVC (β = 353, 95% CI: 80 to 626) and FEV1 (β = 543, 95% CI: 118 to 969) in asthmatic patients compared to low Se intake (Q1 level, below 76.75 mcg/d). At the Q2 level (76.75-105.1 mcg/d) and Q4 level (Se ≥137.65 mcg/d) of Se intake, the correlation between FEV1 and asthma disappeared.

Conclusion

Our research has revealed a positive correlation between selenium intake and lung function in asthma patients and the strength of this positive correlation is related to the amount of selenium intake. We recommend that asthma patients consume 137.65 mcg to 200 mcg of selenium daily to improve pulmonary function while avoiding the adverse effects of selenium on the human body.

Cholesterol transport and beyond: Illuminating the versatile functions of HDL apolipoproteins through structural insights and functional implications

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) play a vital role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health, as they are intricately involved in cholesterol transport and inflammation modulation. The proteome of HDL particles is indeed complex and distinct from other components in the bloodstream. Proteomics studies have identified nearly 285 different proteins associated with HDL; however, this review focuses more on the 15 or so traditionally named "apo" lipoproteins. Important lipid metabolizing enzymes closely working with the apolipoproteins are also discussed. Apolipoproteins stand out for their integral role in HDL stability, structure, function, and metabolism. The unique structure and functions of each apolipoprotein influence important processes such as inflammation regulation and lipid metabolism. These interactions also shape the stability and performance of HDL particles. HDLs apolipoproteins have multifaceted roles beyond cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and are involved in various physiological processes and disease states. Therefore, a detailed exploration of these apolipoproteins can offer valuable insights into potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of HDL apolipoproteins, highlighting their distinct structures, functions, and contributions to various physiological processes. Exploiting this knowledge holds great potential for improving HDL function, enhancing cholesterol efflux, and modulating inflammatory processes, ultimately benefiting individuals by limiting the risks associated with CVDs and other inflammation-based pathologies. Understanding the nature of all 15 apolipoproteins expands our knowledge of HDL metabolism, sheds light on their pathological implications, and paves the way for advancements in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of lipid and inflammatory-related disorders.

Selenium Deficiency Exacerbates Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury in Newborn C3H/HeN Mice

Extremely preterm infants are often treated with supraphysiological oxygen, which contributes to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). These same infants exhibit compromised antioxidant capacities due in part to selenium (Se) deficiency. Se is essential for basal and inducible antioxidant responses. The present study utilized a perinatal Se deficiency (SeD) mouse model to identify the combined effects of newborn hyperoxia exposure and SeD on alveolarization and antioxidant responses, including the identification of affected developmental pathways. Se-sufficient (SeS) and SeD C3H/HeN breeding pairs were generated, and pups were exposed to room air or 85% O2 from birth to 14 d. Survival, antioxidant protein expression, and RNA seq analyses were performed. Greater than 40% mortality was observed in hyperoxia-exposed SeD pups. Surviving SeD pups had greater lung growth deficits than hyperoxia-exposed SeS pups. Gpx2 and 4 protein and Gpx activity were significantly decreased in SeD pups. Nrf2-regulated proteins, Nqo1 and Gclc were increased in SeD pups exposed to hyperoxia. RNA seq revealed significant decreases in the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways. Se is a biologically relevant modulator of perinatal lung development and antioxidant responses, especially in the context of hyperoxia exposure. The RNA seq analyses suggest pathways essential for normal lung development are dysregulated by Se deficiency.

Necroptosis in Pneumonia: Therapeutic Strategies and Future Perspectives

Pneumonia remains a major global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective therapeutic approaches. Recently, necroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, has garnered attention in the fields of pharmacology and immunology for its role in the pathogenesis of pneumonia. Characterized by cell death and inflammatory responses, necroptosis is a key mechanism contributing to tissue damage and immune dysregulation in various diseases, including pneumonia. This review comprehensively analyzes the role of necroptosis in pneumonia and explores potential pharmacological interventions targeting this cell death pathway. Moreover, we highlight the intricate interplay between necroptosis and immune responses in pneumonia, revealing a bidirectional relationship between necrotic cell death and inflammatory signaling. Importantly, we assess current therapeutic strategies modulating necroptosis, encompassing synthetic inhibitors, natural products, and other drugs targeting key components of the programmed necrosis pathway. The article also discusses challenges and future directions in targeting programmed necrosis for pneumonia treatment, proposing novel therapeutic strategies that combine antibiotics with necroptosis inhibitors. This review underscores the importance of understanding necroptosis in pneumonia and highlights the potential of pharmacological interventions to mitigate tissue damage and restore immune homeostasis in this devastating respiratory infection.