Selenium⁻Fascinating Microelement, Properties and Sources in Food

Selenomethionine attenuates Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced jejunal injury in rabbits by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) infection often causes diarrhoea and intestinal barrier damage in young rabbits. The objective of this study was to explore whether selenomethionine (SeMet) can attenuate the jejunal injury caused by KP in rabbits. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of SeMet by performing haematoxylin-eosin (HE), alcian blue periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS), proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA), TUNEL and immunofluorescence staining. In addition, the concentrations of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosisfactor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the jejunal tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that after KP infection, the productivity of rabbits decreased, and the mucosal barrier of the jejunum was damaged. Moreover, KP induced jejunal inflammation, activated the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway, and promoted the expression of the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In addition, KP increased the apoptotic response of intestinal cells and upregulated the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9. SeMet pretreatment significantly decreased the degree of intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. Therefore, we showed that SeMet can reduce inflammation and enhance intestinal barrier function to improve the production performance of rabbits infected with KP.

Viral Infections and the Glutathione Peroxidase Family: Mechanisms of Disease Development

Significance: The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family is recognized for its essential function in maintaining cellular redox balance and countering the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a process intricately linked to the progression of various diseases including those spurred by viral infections. The modulation of GPx activity by viruses presents a critical juncture in disease pathogenesis, influencing cellular responses and the trajectory of infection-induced diseases. Recent Advances: Cutting-edge research has unveiled the GPx family's dynamic role in modulating viral pathogenesis. Notably, GPX4's pivotal function in regulating ferroptosis presents a novel avenue for the antiviral therapy. The discovery that selenium, an essential micronutrient for GPx activity, possesses antiviral properties has propelled us toward rethinking traditional treatment modalities. Critical Issues: Deciphering the intricate relationship between viral infections and GPx family members is paramount. Viral invasion can precipitate significant alterations in GPx function, influencing disease outcomes. The multifaceted nature of GPx activity during viral infections suggests that a deeper understanding of these interactions could yield novel insights into disease mechanisms, diagnostics, prognostics, and even chemotherapeutic resistance. Future Directions: This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impact of viral infections on GPx activity and expression and identify key advances. By elucidating the mechanisms through which GPx family members intersect with viral pathogenesis, we propose to uncover innovative therapeutic strategies that leverage the antioxidant properties of GPx to combat viral infections. The exploration of GPx as a therapeutic target and biomarker holds promise for the development of next-generation antiviral therapies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 42, 623-639.

Selenoprotein P predicting mortallity in acute ill patients with dyspnea

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Good Selenium (Se) status predicts favorable prognoses for various diseases and a reduced overall mortality. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether Selenium status, i.e. Selenoprotein P (SeP) levels, is associated with risk of 90-day mortality in elderly patients with acute dyspnea at the Emergency Department (ED).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients presenting with dyspnea were enrolled from the ED at the University Hospital in Malmö between 2013 and 2018. Cox regression analyses were conducted to evaluate hazard ratios (HRs) for 90-day mortality. This analysis was performed in two steps. Model A included adjustments for age and sex with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) for individual factors such as SeP levels, the Medical Emergency Triage and Treatment System - Adult (METTS-A), BMI levels, comorbidities, and smoking status. Model B was a multivariate analysis with 99 % confidence intervals (99 % CI), incorporating age, sex, and statistically significant factors from Model A, including SeP levels, BMI, heart failure, anemia, and stroke. A lower concentration of SeP was independently associated with a higher risk of death within 90 days. In the continuous model of SeP, the HR was 0.798 (99 % CI 0.678-0.940). When comparing the lowest quartile to the highest quartile of SeP, the HR was 2.462 (99 % CI 1.240-4.891).

CONCLUSION

Low SeP concentrations were found to predict 90-day mortality in ED patients presenting with dyspnea. The assessment of SeP levels could serve as a valuable tool in the initial evaluation of elderly patients in the ED.

Under heat stress conditions, selenium nanoparticles promote lactation through modulation of rumen microbiota and metabolic processes in dairy goats

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on lactation performance, rumen microbial communities, and metabolism in dairy goats under heat stress conditions. Twenty Guanzhong dairy goats with the same parity, similar lactation period (120 ± 15 days), and similar milk yield (1.20 ± 0.16 kg/day) were randomly divided into two groups, with 10 replicates in each group. The control group was fed a standard diet, while the experimental group was supplemented with 0.5 mg SeNPs/kg DM based on the standard diet. The pretrial period lasted for seven days, followed by a 30-day trial period. The results showed that dietary supplementation with SeNPs significantly increased milk yield, milk fat and lactose content in dairy goats, under heat stress conditions. SeNPs significantly altered the composition of the rumen microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Prevotella and Ruminococcus while decreasing the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum. This enhanced the rumen's ability to degrade starch and fiber under heat stress conditions. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis revealed a total of 119 differential metabolites between the two groups, indicating changes in rumen metabolism. Further correlation analysis indicated that Rumen bacterium R-21 was positively correlated with propionate, while Ralstonia insidiosa was negatively correlated with γ-glutamylcysteine. Additionally, several differential microbes, including Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, Rummeliibacillus pycnus, Ralstonia insidiosa, and Prevotella sp BP1-56, were significantly correlated with milk composition. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SeNPs can positively impact milk yield, milk components, and metabolism in dairy goats by improving the composition of the rumen microbiota under heat stress conditions.

Negative association of composite dietary antioxidant index with risk of hepatic fibrosis in individuals underwent cholecystectomy: a cross-sectional study

Cholecystectomy increases the incidence of metabolic associated fatty liver disease and fibrosis. Dietary antioxidants protect the liver from oxidative stress and inhibit the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), yet the epidemiological evidence that links antioxidants intake to hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients underwent cholecystectomy is not available. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association of composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) with the risk of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in the cholecystectomy population. Data of 773 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020 were analyzed. Dietary and supplementary intake of antioxidants were collected to calculate CDAI. The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) assessed by the vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) were used to identify hepatic steatosis and hepatic fibrosis, respectively. Weighted multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were conducted to analyze the association. Weighted multivariate logistic regression analysis with full adjustment for confounding variables showed a negative association between CDAI and hepatic fibrosis in individuals underwent Scholecystectomy [OR (95%CI) = 0.87 (0.79, 0.94), P = 0.010], while non-significant association was found between CDAI and MASLD. Moreover, compared to the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of CDAI was associated with a lower risk of hepatic fibrosis [OR (95%CI) = 0.28 (0.13, 0.60), P = 0.007]. The RCS analysis further indicated a linear negative relationship between intake of CDAI, vitamin E, and selenium and the risk of hepatic fibrosis, whereas vitamin A was non-linearly negatively correlated with the risk of hepatic fibrosis (all P overall < 0.001). Our findings suggest that higher antioxidants intake, especially vitamin E, may be associated with a lower risk of hepatic fibrosis among individuals underwent cholecystectomy. Further studies are needed to validate current findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Selenium in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in Buenos Aires, Argentina

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, but little information is available on its nutritional status in the Argentine population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to obtain reliable and representative data on Se content in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from the Buenos Aires province.

METHODS

The content of the micronutrient Se was determined in 242 samples of bread wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) from 75 districts in Buenos Aires, Argentina (representing 75 % of the wheat-producing districts in the province). Se determination was carried out by atomic absorption with hydride generation.

RESULTS

The Se content varied across the districts; in some of them, the Se levels were below the LOD (10 µg kg-1), while the highest content found was around 114 µg kg-1. The average content ( ± standard deviation) of Se in the analyzed grains was 29.90 ( ± 51.30) µg kg-1. This concentration is considered marginal or deficient according to various authors. It reflects both a low contribution of Se to diets and its low bioavailability in soils.

CONCLUSION

Further research on the Se nutritional status of the population is needed. So far, existing studies suggest a sub-optimal nutritional status, and regarding the Se content of wheat grown in Buenos Aires, it seems to be lower than the minimum recommended to maintain an adequate nutritional status through the consumption of dry plant foods. If these results are confirmed, it would be appropriate to implement strategic policies to promote the increase of Se consumption by the population. Fertilisation of wheat crops is recommended because it is a sure way to increase the Se content in the whole food chain.

The Promising Role of Selenium and Yeast in the Fight Against Protein Amyloidosis

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to research on diseases related to the deposition of misfolded proteins (amyloids) in various organs. Moreover, modern scientists emphasise the importance of selenium as a bioelement necessary for the proper functioning of living organisms. The inorganic form of selenium-sodium selenite (redox-active)-can prevent the formation of an insoluble polymer in proteins. It is very important to undertake tasks aimed at understanding the mechanisms of action of this element in inhibiting the formation of various types of amyloid. Furthermore, yeast cells play an important role in this matter as a eukaryotic model organism, which is intensively used in molecular research on protein amyloidosis. Due to the lack of appropriate treatment in the general population, the problem of amyloidosis remains unsolved. This extracellular accumulation of amyloid is one of the main factors responsible for the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. The review presented here contains scientific information discussing a brief description of the possibility of amyloid formation in cells and the use of selenium as a factor preventing the formation of these protein aggregates. Recent studies have shown that the yeast model can be successfully used as a eukaryotic organism in biotechnological research aimed at understanding the essence of the entire amyloidosis process. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate the reaction of yeast to selenium and the phenomenon of amyloidosis is important in the aetiology and pathogenesis of various disease states. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further research and analysis aimed at explaining and confirming the role of selenium in the processes of protein misfolding disorders. The rest of the article discusses the characteristics of food protein amyloidosis and their use in the food industry. During such tests, their toxicity is checked because not all food proteins can produce amyloid that is toxic to cells. It should also be noted that a moderate diet is beneficial for the corresponding disease relief caused by amyloidosis.

Seleno-chitooligosaccharide-induced modulation of intestinal barrier function: Role of inflammatory cytokines, tight junction proteins, and gut microbiota in mice

This study aimed to explore the function of Seleno-chitooligosaccharide (SOA) on the intestinal barrier through regulation of inflammatory cytokines, tight junction protein, and gut microbiota in mice. The results of ELISA assay demonstrated that SOA significantly increased the levels of IL-2, IL-10, and IFN-γ in serum and ileum. Meanwhile, SOA increased the levels of IL-4 in the ileum (p < 0.05). In addition, Diamine Oxidase (DAO) concentration was decreased in ileum by SOA treatments (p < 0.05). The administration of SOA significantly upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin in the ileum (p < 0.05). By 16S rDNA sequencing, reduced ratio of Bacillota/Bacteroidota was observed in SOA treated mice. Within the phylum of Bacteroidota, SOA increased the relative abundance of Deferribacterota, uncultured Bacteroidales bacterium, and Bacteroides. Within the phylum of Bacillota, increased relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium and Lachnoclostridium, and reduced relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 were observed with SOA supplement. In summary, SOA has the potential to modulate the function of intestinal barrier function and prevent intestinal diseases.

Zinc lysine and selenium yeast can effectively improve the reproductive performance of Northeast white geese

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with selenium yeast (YS) and zinc lysine (ZL) on goose semen quality, testicular tissue structure, reproductive hormone levels, antioxidant capacity and egg fertilization rate. A total of 24 male and 72 female geese, all 180-days-old, were selected and divided into four treatment groups, each with a consistent body weight. Each treatment group had six male and 18 female geese (1:3 ratio of male to female). The control (Ⅰ) group was fed a basal diet. The YS (Ⅱ) group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of selenium-yeast. The ZL (Ⅲ) group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 106.05 mg/kg of zinc-lysine. The YS + ZL (Ⅳ) group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of selenium-yeast and 106.05 mg/kg of zinc-lysine. The experimental period lasted for 91 days. The results showed that supplementation of 0.3 mg/kg YS and 106.05 mg/kg ZL significantly increased sperm motility (P < 0.05), and significantly increased VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, LIN, MAD and STR (P < 0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation of YS and ZL increased the number of germ cells and Johnson score in groups Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ (P < 0.01), and the number of spermatogonia and sertoli cells were significantly different from the control group (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of YS and ZL could increase the reproductive hormone level (P < 0.05) and serum antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05), and the fertilization rate showed a certain promoting trend (P = 0.09). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.3 mg/kg YS and 106.05 mg/kg ZL can improve semen quality, promote testicular development, maintain stability of the fertilization rate, and increase reproductive hormone levels and the serum antioxidant capacity of geese.

Hydroxy-selenomethionine helps cows to overcome heat stress by enhancing antioxidant capacity and alleviating blood-milk barrier damage

Heat stress can lead to decreased feed intake, apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells, and decreased milk yield and quality. Selenium is an important element in the composition of at least 25 selenoproteins. Hydroxy-selenomethionine (HMSeBA) is a novel organic selenium that has been shown to have a better deposition effect. However, whether HMSeBA alleviates damage to the mammary gland blood-milk barrier caused by heat stress and how this affects the performance of dairy cows remain largely unexplored. Therefore, 32 healthy Holstein cows with similar gestation days (150.41 ± 20.07 d), milk yield (36.15 ± 3.02 kg) and parity (3.25 ± 0.51) were selected and randomly divided into two total mixed rations with different selenium (Se) sources: sodium selenite (SSe) and HMSeBA. This study evaluated the outcomes of HMSeBA on antioxidant capacity, immunity, and blood-milk barrier damage in dairy cows during heat stress by collecting the samples of blood, rumen fluid and mammary gland biopsy. The experiment was conducted over 35 d, including a 5-day pre-feeding period and a 30-day experimental period. The temperature and humidity index (THI) were all above 80 throughout the experiment period. The results showed that HMSeBA decreased the respiratory rate (P < 0.001) and the content of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and increased the content of immune factors and antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). In addition, HMSeBA reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and heat shock proteins in mammary gland (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin-stained pathological sections showed massive thickening of acinar walls and severe destruction of glandular structures in the SSe group, but the structure of the acinar mammary gland in the HMSeBA group was intact. Furthermore, HMSeBA promoted the expression of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K, P < 0.001)/protein kinase B (AKT, P = 0.011)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR, P = 0.008) pathway and improved the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1, P = 0.014) and occluding (OCLN, P = 0.012) in the mammary gland, suggesting less damage caused by heat stress to the blood-milk barrier. Our results demonstrated that HMSeBA can improve the antioxidant capacity and immunity of dairy cows and the expression of tight junction proteins in mammary gland to help alleviate the blood-milk barrier damage by heat stress, which could reduce the damage of heat stress on milk yield.

Selenium chelating collagen peptides as tyrosinase inhibitor: Structure characterization and inhibitory activity

Organoselenium compounds have garnered significant attention as a pivotal tyrosinase inhibitor. In this study, we explore a novel collagen peptides-selenium chelate (CP-Se) for tyrosinase inhibitory activity. The results show that selenium can be mainly bound to N─H and C ═ O bonds on collagen peptides. The IC50 value of tyrosinase inhibitory activity for the CP-Se is 0.47 mg/mL, which demonstrates a significant reduction compared to collagen peptides. Furthermore, the CP-Se exhibits low cytotoxicity, with a survival rate of 93.04 ± 1.48%. The CP-Se effectively curtails melanin production to 55.89 ± 1.12% and intracellular tyrosinase activity to 65.21 ± 2.39%, showcasing its efficacy in mitigating pigmentation processes. Additionally, the CP-Se is found to bind specifically to tyrosinase at the critical residues (Asn 81, His 244, or Arg 268), which are pivotal in facilitating the inhibition of tyrosinase activity. Conclusively, a novel approach to reducing the biological toxicity associated with selenium has been developed, while simultaneously amplifying the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of collagen peptides. This would provide a robust theoretical underpinning for the advancement of novel tyrosinase inhibitors.

Preclinical Evaluation of Selene-Ethylenelacticamides in Tuberculosis: Effects Against Active, Dormant, and Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and In Vitro Toxicity Investigation

Selene-ethylenelacticamide derivatives have been suggested as promising scaffolds with leishmanicidal activity. In this work, we demonstrated, for the first time, the effectiveness of selene-ethylenelacticamide derivatives against mycobacteria. Firstly, selene-ethylenelacticamides inhibited the growth of laboratory strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC values ranging from 10 to 20 µM. Importantly, three derivatives were active against two multi-drug-resistant clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis with MIC values similar to pan-sensitive strains. In addition, NC31 and NC34 displayed an improved activity compared to the group treated with isoniazid in the six-week nutrient-starved M. tuberculosis cultures. Moreover, in toxicity studies, NC34 did not significantly affect the viability of both Vero E6 and HepG2 cell lines. NC34 did not affect Artemia salina nauplii survival at concentrations lower than 100 µM. Importantly, NC34 displayed a synergistic effect when combined with rifampicin. Molecular docking simulations were used to evaluate Mycobacterium tuberculosis DprE1 and dihydrofolate reductase enzymes as putative targets of selene-ethylenelacticamides, mechanisms that could contribute to the antitubercular activity. Our findings reveal that NC34 may represent a hit for further drug optimization and for future preclinical development as a new anti-mycobacterial agent, especially in cases of resistant and/or dormant forms of tuberculosis.

Selenium and Episodic Memory: The Moderating Role of Apolipoprotein E ε4

Background: Selenium (Se), a vital trace element, plays a neuroprotective role by mitigating oxidative stress through selenoproteins and regulating metal balance. The apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE4), a significant genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), has been linked to reduced Se levels and weakened antioxidant capacity. This research explores the association between serum Se concentrations and cognitive performance, with an emphasis on how APOE4 status influences this relationship. Methods: This study included 196 older adults from community and memory clinic settings, who underwent assessments for episodic memory, global cognition, and non-memory functions using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological battery, with serum selenium levels analyzed via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and APOE genotyping conducted to determine allele status. Results: Higher serum Se levels were associated with better episodic memory score (EMS) (B = 0.065, 95% CI = 0.020-0.110, p = 0.005) and CERAD total score (TS) (B = 0.119, 95% CI = 0.046-0.193, p = 0.002). However, the interaction between Se and APOE4 status significantly affected EMS (B = -0.074, 95% CI = -0.109 to -0.039, p < 0.001), with significant benefits observed in APOE4-negative participants. Conclusions: This study highlights the genotype-specific impact of Se on cognitive health, emphasizing the need for personalized nutritional interventions targeting Se levels, particularly for APOE4-negative individuals. Future research should further elucidate the mechanisms of Se's effects and assess its therapeutic potential in aging populations.

Selenium Mitigates Caerulein and LPS-induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Inhibiting MAPK, NF-κB, and STAT3 Signaling via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) leads to systemic inflammation, resulting in multiorgan damage. Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome develop in one-third of SAP patients, with a high mortality rate of 60% due to secondary complications. Patients with pancreatitis often have selenium deficiency, and selenium supplements may provide beneficial effects. This study examined the protective role of selenium in a model of SAP induced by caerulein + lipopolysaccharide (cae + LPS). Mice were administered selenium (1 mg/kg) before being challenged with caerulein (6 injections of 50 μg/kg) and LPS (10 mg/kg). At 3 h after the last caerulein injection, blood was collected for estimating pancreatic enzymes and cytokine levels, and the mice were euthanized. We performed morphological and histological studies, measured levels of protease and oxidative stress markers and conducted western blot, ELISA, and RT-qPCR analyses. We examined lung tissue histologically and estimated myeloperoxidase levels. Selenium pretreatment significantly reduced pancreatic enzyme levels such as amylase, lipase, and proteases (specifically MMPs) and reversed tissue injury in the pancreas and lungs caused by cae + LPS. In addition, selenium-treated mice showed decreased levels of inflammatory markers and chemokines. Examination of the downstream inflammatory pathways confirmed the protective effect of selenium, which mediates its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action by inhibiting the major inflammatory signaling pathways (MAPKs, NF-κB, and STAT3) and activating the phosphorylation of Nrf2 via Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. These findings suggest that selenium may be a potential therapeutic option for treating SAP-associated secondary complications.

Associations between serum selenium and serum lipids in adolescents aged 12-19: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body and is important in lipid metabolism. Previous studies on the relationship between selenium and serum lipids were almost conducted in adults, and the research conclusions were inconsistent. Evidence linking selenium and lipids in adolescents is very limited. As an important stage of growth and development, studying the effects of trace elements on the body during adolescence is meaningful.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the association between serum selenium and serum lipids in adolescents aged 12-19.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed 2209 adolescents aged 12-19 years from NHANES 2011 to 2016. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate selenium's association with serum lipids (containing TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C). Moreover, a generalized additive model (GAM) and a fitted smoothing curve (penalized spline method) were conducted to explore the exact curve shape between them.

RESULTS

In the fully adjusted model, it showed a positive association between selenium and TC, TG, LDL-C [TC (β = 0.144 (, 95 % CI (0.084, 0.204), P < 0.001), TG (β = 0.285, 95 % CI (0.134, 0.437), P < 0.001), LDL-C (β = 0.098, 95 % CI (0.022, 0.174), P = 0.011)], whereas a negative association [(β = -0.031, 95 % CI (-0.054, - 0.009), P = 0.006)] between Se and HDL-C. Subgroup analysis showed that the above associations were more significant in females aged 12-19 (P for trend < 0.05). Furthermore, linear associations were performed in Se between TC and LDL-C.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to find evidence demonstrating associations between serum Se and serum lipids in adolescents aged 12-19. The validation of our findings will require further research.

Products of Selenite/Thiols Interaction Have Reducing Properties, Cleave Plasmid DNA and Decrease Rat Blood Pressure and Tension of Rat Mesenteric Artery

Selenium compounds exert their antioxidant activity mostly when the selenium atom is incorporated into selenoproteins. In our work, we tested the possibility that selenite itself interacts with thiols to form active species that have reducing properties. Therefore, we studied the reduction of 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yloxy-3-oxide radical (•cPTIO), damage of plasmid DNA (pDNA), modulation of rat hemodynamic parameters and tension of isolated arteries induced by products of interaction of selenite with thiols. We found that the products of selenite interaction with thiols had significant reducing properties that could be attributed mainly to the selenide and that selenite had catalytic properties in the access of thiols. The potency of thiols to reduce •cPTIO in the interaction with selenite was cysteine > homocysteine > glutathione reduced > N-acetylcysteine. Thiol/selenite products cleaved pDNA, with superoxide dismutase enhancing these effects suggesting a positive involvement of superoxide anion in the process. The observed •cPTIO reduction and pDNA cleavage were significantly lower when selenomethionine was used instead of selenite. The products of glutathione/selenite interaction affected several hemodynamic parameters including rat blood pressure decrease. Notably, the products relaxed isolated mesenteric artery, which may explain the observed decrease in rat blood pressure. In conclusion, we found that the thiol/selenite interaction products exhibited significant reducing properties which can be used in further studies of the treatment of pathological conditions caused by oxidative stress. The results of decreased rat blood pressure and the tension of mesenteric artery may be perspective in studies focused on cardiovascular disease and their prevention.

Research on the Effect and Mechanism of Selenium on Colorectal Cancer Through TRIM32

The intake of selenium (Se) in the human body is negatively correlated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), but its mechanism in the occurrence and development of CRC is not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Se on CRC, and explore the anti-tumor effect of Se supplementation on CRC and its molecular mechanism. In this study, we utilized colony formation assay, cell scratch test, Transwell migration, and flow cytometry to assess cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate that Se effectively suppresses the growth and proliferation of CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW480 and promoting cellular apoptosis. In vivo experiments demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect of Se on tumor growth. CRC-related datasets were extracted from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases for differential expression analysis of TRIM32 and survival analysis. We found that TRIM32 was highly expressed in tumor tissues of CRC patients and correlated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, through RNA sequencing analysis, we identified TRIM32 as a gene that was significantly decreased after Se treatment in HCT116 cells. This finding was subsequently validated by Western blot results. Moreover, TRIM32 knockdown combined with Se treatment significantly inhibited cell growth proliferation and migration and further induced apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings provided evidence that Se inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells by down-regulating TRIM32.

Selenium and Selenoproteins: Mechanisms, Health Functions, and Emerging Applications

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element crucial for human health that primarily functions as an immunonutrient. It is incorporated into polypeptides such as selenocysteine (SeC) and selenomethionine (SeMet), two key amino acids involved in various biochemical processes. All living organisms can convert inorganic Se into biologically active organic forms, with SeMet being the predominant form and a precursor for SeC production in humans and animals. The human genome encodes 25 selenoprotein genes, which incorporate low-molecular-weight Se compounds in the form of SeC. Organic Se, especially in the form of selenoproteins, is more efficiently absorbed than inorganic Se, driving the demand for selenoprotein-based health products, such as functional foods. Se-enriched functional foods offer a practical means of delivering bioavailable Se and are associated with enhanced antioxidant properties and various health benefits. Recent advancements in selenoprotein synthesis have improved our understanding of their roles in antioxidant defense, cancer prevention, immune regulation, anti-inflammation, hypoglycemia, cardiovascular health, Alzheimer's disease, fertility, and COVID-19. This review highlights key selenoproteins and their biological functions, biosynthetic pathways, and emerging applications while highlighting the need for further research.

Clinical and mechanistic insights into biomedical application of Se-enriched probiotics and biogenic selenium nanoparticles

Selenium is an essential element with various industrial and medical applications, hence the current considerable attention towards the genesis and utilization of SeNPs. SeNPs and other nanoparticles could be achieved via physical and chemical methods, but these methods would not only require expensive equipment and specific reagents but are also not always environment friendly. Biogenesis of SeNPs could therefore be considered as a less troublesome alternative, which opens an excellent window to the selenium and nanoparticles' world. bSeNPs have proved to exert higher bioavailability, lower toxicity, and broader utility as compared to their non-bio counterparts. Many researchers have reported promising features of bSeNP such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, in vitro and in vivo. Considering this, bSeNPs have been tried as effective agents for health disorders, especially as constituents of probiotics. This article briefly reviews selenium, selenium nanoparticles, Se-enriched probiotics, and bSeNPs' usage in an array of health disorders. Obviously, there are very many articles on bSeNPs, but we wanted to summarize studies on prominent bSeNPs features published in the twenty-first century. This review is hoped to give an outlook to researchers for their future investigations, ultimately serving better care of health disorders.

Selenium in cancer management: exploring the therapeutic potential

Selenium (Se) is important and plays significant roles in many biological processes or physiological activities. Prolonged selenium deficiency has been conclusively linked to an elevated risk of various diseases, including but not limited to cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Keshan disease, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The intricate relationship between selenium status and health outcomes is believed to be characterized by a non-linear U-shaped dose-response curve. This review delves into the significance of maintaining optimal selenium levels and the detrimental effects that can arise from selenium deficiency. Of particular interest is the important role that selenium plays in both prevention and treatment of cancer. Finally, this review also explores the diverse classes of selenium entities, encompassing selenoproteins, selenium compounds and selenium nanoparticles, while examining the mechanisms and molecular targets of their anticancer efficacy.

High-selenium exposure is associated with modulation of serum lipid metabolism

At present, there is no consensus on the relationship between selenium (Se) exposure and human serum lipid metabolism. The etiological role of high-Se exposure in lipid markers, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) remains unclear. We used serum untargeted metabolomics analysis to evaluate whether high-Se exposure is cross-sectionally associated with lipid metabolism in adults from high-Se exposure area (n = 112) and control area (n = 101) in Hubei Province, China. An untargeted liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based metabolomic analysis identified 144 differential pathways and yielded 204 differentially abundant metabolites, including 32 lipid metabolites associated with lipids profiles. To further explore the correlation between Se exposure and serum lipid metabolism, we measured serum levels of lipid profiles among all the people, including serum cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (APOB). The average serum Se level of the high-Se exposure group was 537.18 μg/L, significantly higher than 72.98 μg/L in the control group (p < 0.0001). The measurement levels of serum TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and APOB in the high-Se exposure group were 1.03 (0.76, 1.34) mmol/L, 2.25 ± 0.48 mmol/L, 1.12 ± 0.24 mmol/L, and 0.77 ± 0.15 g/L, respectively, while the control group were 1.13 (0.84, 1.80) mmol/L, 2.56 ± 0.61 mmol/L, 1.02 ± 0.22 mmol/L, and 0.83 ± 0.16 g/L, respectively (all p values <0.05). Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between serum Se and CHOL (r = -0.201, p < 0.01), serum Se is also associated with metabolomics markers, the negative correlation includes glyceric acid and ect., the positive correlation includes phosphorylcholine and ect. Our study suggests that high-Se exposure is negatively associated with serum lipid profiles and decreases the risk of high-TC and HDL-C dyslipidemia.

RF pulsed plasma modified composite scaffold for enhanced anti-microbial activity and accelerated wound healing

Infected wounds present significant challenges pertaining to healing and often demand administration of strong antibiotics to patients. Also, drug resistant microbes may alter the physiology of wounds to create biofilms, frequently leading to high morbidity and mortality. In this investigation, a biodegradable, microporous composite agarose-chitosan scaffold was fabricated. Furthermore, its surface was modified with diphenyldiselenide deposition, using low pressure pulsed plasma technology. The optimized plasma parameters, viz. 5ON/15OFF (ms) of plasma pulse rate and 80 min of treatment time resulted in scaffolds having enhanced anti-bacterial activity against gram positive microbes like Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and S. epidermidis. The scaffolds were non-toxic to skin cells, as confirmed by the MTT assay. Cell proliferation through plasma treated and untreated scaffolds was assessed by culturing primary human dermal fibroblasts (HdaF) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and visualizing via confocal microscopy. Moreover, in-vivo rat model confirmed accelerated wound healing with plasma treated scaffold (100 % on day 14), as compared to the untreated scaffold (100 % on day 16) when compared with over-the-counter (OTC) ointment Betadine (100 % on day 12).

Prediction and pathway models for assessing soil properties influencing soil selenium enrichment and bioavailability in Aksu Prefecture, northwest China

Selenium (Se) in soil is the primary source of human Se intake, and its content and bioavailability are influenced by soil physicochemical properties. However, the influence of soil physicochemical properties on Se enrichment and bioavailability in soil remains uncertain. Therefore, this study investigated 536 soil samples and their corresponding wheat grain samples collected from the oasis zone of Aksu Prefecture, located in northwest China. The Se content, spatial distribution, and bioaccumulation factor (BCF) in soil and wheat grains as well as soil Se fractions were examined, and the effects of soil physicochemical properties on Se enrichment and bioavailability were assessed. The results indicated that the mean Se content of soil (0.32 mg/kg) surpassed the national Se background level for Chinese soil by a factor of 1.10. The average Se content (0.13 mg/kg) in wheat grains met the national standard for Se-rich cereal products. The prediction model established using multiple linear regression showed that soil calcium carbonate (CaCO3), organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electrical conductivity (EC) were the main physicochemical factors influencing Se enrichment in soil, accounting for 29 % of the variation. The main physicochemical factors affecting Se bioavailability were CaCO3, OM, and iron, and the main Se fractions were the exchangeable and humic acid-bound Se fractions, which together explain 12 % of the variance. Additionally, a structural equation model was employed to analyze the pathways and interactions of soil factors on soil Se enrichment and bioavailability. The results indicated that soil CaCO3 and OM were the most critical factors affecting Se enrichment and bioavailability in soil. These findings can provide technical guidance for the cultivation and layout of Se-rich wheat in local and other similar regions around the world.

Robust Fluorescent Nanoprobe for Rapid Evaluation of the Selenium Supplementation Effect and Imaging

At present, an increasing number of people pay more attention to selenium-enriched food, but the quality of the selenium-enriched food varies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new tool to assess the effects of selenium supplementation in foods by rapidly detecting the levels of the metabolite selenium selenocysteine (Sec). In this work, a fluorescent nanoprobe CS-Sec was designed, synthesized, and characterized for Sec detection and imaging in living biosystems, which exhibited the advantages of good biocompatibility, excellent water solubility, high sensitivity, high selectivity, and rapid response (2.5 min) for Sec detection and imaging in vitro and in vivo and evaluation of selenium supplementation in selenium-rich foods. Specifically, CS-Sec was constructed by grafting alkyne groups on organic small-molecule fluorescent probes with azide groups on azido chitosan by click chemistry. A 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether (DNB) with a strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect was selected as a response group and fluorescence-quenching group, which had excellent chemical specificity toward Sec. In addition, CS-Sec has high selectivity and sensitivity toward Sec over other analytes, and an excellent limit of detection (LOD) is as low as 15 nM. Impressively, CS-Sec has been successfully used to detect and image the concentration of Sec in living HepG2 cells and mouse models with exciting results, indicating that the newly constructed CS-Sec can provide a robust molecule tool for the rapid evaluation of the selenium supplementation effect and imaging in the future.

Volatile Substances, Quality and Non-Targeted Metabolomics Analysis of Commercially Available Selenium-Enriched Rice

Selenium is an essential trace element for the human body. However, its intake is usually low. Therefore, the production and utilization of selenium-enriched food are currently a research hotspot. Despite the remarkable scientific interest in this topic, only a few of the numerous studies focus on commercially available products. This study examined the nutritional quality, physical and chemical properties, cooking characteristics, and eating quality of four commercially available hot-selling rice types, both selenium-enriched and non-selenium-enriched, and discovered that selenium-enriched rice outperforms ordinary rice in terms of both nutritional quality and taste. In addition, we employed the gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) technique to evaluate the volatile chemicals of rice. Some of the chemicals that made selenium-rich rice taste different from regular rice were pentanal, (E)-2-Hexen-1-ol, ethyl-3-methyl butanoate, 2-furan methanol acetate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl hexanoate, methyl hexanoate, isopentyl pentanoate, and ethyl butyrate. We looked into the metabolite profiles of rice using LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics to obtain a better idea of the different metabolites that are found in selenium-enriched rice compared to regular rice. We identified a total of 522 metabolites and screened 182, 227, and 100 differential metabolites in selenium-enriched (A) vs. non-selenium-enriched rice (B/C/D) groups, respectively. This study revealed that selenium primarily influenced the metabolism of D-amino acids, starch, sucrose, and linoleic acid in rice. This study systematically analyzed the quality differences between selenium-enriched and non-selenium-enriched rice available on the market. For consumers, it is essential to understand the quality of selenium-rich rice on the market to guide the purchase of rice.

Opportunities and Regulatory Challenges of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals During COVID-19 Pandemic

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The novel Coronavirus has brought global mortality, disruption, and a significant loss of life. A compromised immune system is a known risk factor for all viral influenza infections. Due to the perceived “immune-boosting” properties of nutraceutical products, sales of dietary supplements have grown globally. In recent years, consumers have increasingly demanded nutraceutical products rather than curative synthetic medicines for preventive therapies for the coronavirus disease outbreak of 2019 (COVID-19). Healthy foods and nutraceuticals have become daily diet plans for consumers. Although there has been an increase in demand, there is no such regulation and harmonized process, which stands as a barrier to the approval of these products. Therefore, many misbranded and spurious products are entering the market, which may harm consumers. This article focuses on the role of functional foods and nutraceutical in the management of COVID-19 also focuses on the different nutraceutical regulations in each country and compare the similarities and differences of the following countries: India, the USA (United States of America), the EU (European Union), and China. The comparative study of nutraceutical regulations in India, the USA, Europe, and China shows that there is a difference regarding the nutraceutical regulations; however, despite the differences, it is observed that it has the same underlying objective, i.e., ensuring the safety of the consumers by maintaining the product quality.

Selenium participates in the formation of kidney stones by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells

Objectives: To investigate the role of selenium and selenium-containing proteins in the etiology and pathogenesis of kidney stones.Methods: The HK-2 cell line was subjected to supersaturation oxalate treatment to establish an in vitro model of calcium oxalate kidney stones, while SD rats were administered with ethylene glycol to establish an in vivo model of calcium oxalate kidney stones. qPCR analysis was employed to investigate the alterations in selenoproteins within the models, and subsequently, genes exhibiting significant changes were identified. Subsequently, based on the functions of these genes, their regulatory effects on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis during the disease progression were examined both in HK-2 cells and rat kidneys. Finally, Selenomethionine (SeMet) supplementation was introduced to explore its therapeutic potential for kidney stone management.Results: The involvement of Selenoprotein K in the pathogenesis of calcium oxalate kidney stone disease has been confirmed, exhibiting significant alterations. Manipulation of its expression levels through overexpression and knockdown techniques resulted in a corresponding reduction or increase in oxidative stress, ERS, and apoptosis within renal tubular epithelial cells. SelK regulates ERS and apoptosis by controlling the IRE1-ASK1-JNK pathway. In addition, SeMet treatment, which contains selenium, effectively reduced the levels of oxidative stress, ERS, and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro models, thereby alleviating tubular epithelial cell damage and reducing the formation of kidney stones in experimental rats.Discussion: Selenium is involved in the occurrence and development of kidney stones by regulating oxidative damage to renal tubular epithelial cells. The results suggest that dietary selenium supplementation in daily life may be of great significance for the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Selenium, a Notable Micronutrient: A Crucial Element in the Context of All-Cause Long-Term Mortality in Renal Failure

Selenium is a trace element involved in crucial antioxidative and anti-inflammatory processes in the body. Low selenium status has been linked to increased mortality due to compromised immune function and heightened risk of cardiovascular events. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face elevated mortality risks, prompting the need for strategies to mitigate these events. Selenium deficiency is prevalent among CKD patients, yet the long-term implications and its association with mortality in this population remain unclear. This study assessed seventy-five CKD patients' serum selenium levels (SSL) between January and February 2020. The objective was to investigate the correlation between SSL and 36-month all-cause mortality in CKD patients. Baseline laboratory values, dialysis adequacy, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), serum selenium status, and all-cause mortality at 36 months were subjected to statistical analysis. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. Significant differences were observed in CCI between surviving and deceased groups, with deceased patients being older and afflicted with more comorbidities. SSL also exhibited a significant difference between the groups, with levels in the mortality group significantly lower than those in other patients, suggesting a potential role of selenium in predicting patient outcomes. SSL equal to or lower than 66.35 were associated with approximately 5 times higher likelihood of mortality within three years of follow-up. Our study highlights the significant association between low serum selenium levels and survival in patients with chronic kidney disease, underscoring the potential importance of selenium monitoring in this population. These findings emphasize the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore potential interventions aimed at improving outcomes in CKD patients.

Combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis reveals the key pathways involved in the responses of soybean plants to high Se stress

High selenium (Se) levels can induce toxicity, inhibit growth, and affect gene expression and metabolite content in plants. However, the molecular mechanism by which high Se stress affects soybean plants remains unclear. This study examined the responses of soybean leaves and roots to high Se stress using transcriptome and metabolome analyses. High Se stress significantly inhibited soybean root growth, reduced leaf area, and affected the antioxidant enzyme system in roots and leaves, resulting in the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). High Se stress increased indoleacetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in the roots by 3.34-fold, 8.94-fold, 0.25-fold, and 5.65-fold, respectively. Similarly, high Se stress increased IAA, ABA, JA, and SA in the leaves by 1.96-fold, 10.54-fold, 2.03-fold, and 4.22-fold, respectively. In addition, high Se stress affected ion absorption and transport in soybean plants. Transcriptome results showed that there were 10,038 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in soybean roots and 5811 DEGs in leaves, which affected the expression of antioxidant enzymes, ion transport and hormone-related genes. Metabolome results revealed that there were 277 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in soybean leaves and 312 DEMs in roots. Soybean roots and leaves were significantly enriched in the "β-alanine metabolism" pathway under high Se stress, with differential expression of Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), Amine oxidase (AO), and other related genes, thereby relieving oxidative stress. This study improves our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the responses of soybean plants to high Se stress and provides a basis for breeding Se-enriched soybean plants.

Nano-Selenium Modulates NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway and Mitochondrial Dynamics to Attenuate Microplastic-Induced Liver Injury

BACKGROUND

Microplastics (PS-MPs) are a new type of pollutant with definite hepatotoxicity. Selenium, on the other hand, has natural, protective effects on the liver.

OBJECTIVES/METHODS

The purpose of this experiment is to find out whether nano-selenium (SeNP) can alleviate liver damage caused by microplastics. Initially, we established through in vitro experiments that SeNP has the ability to enhance the growth of healthy mouse liver cells, while microplastics exhibit a harmful impact on normal mouse hepatocyte cell suspensions, leading to a decrease in cell count. Subsequently, through in vivo experiments on male ICR mice, we ascertained that SeNPs alleviated the detrimental impacts of PS-MPs on mouse liver.

RESULTS

SeNPs hinder the signaling pathway of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles, which is crucial for reducing inflammation induced by PS-MPs. In terms of their mechanism, SeNPs hinder the abnormalities in mitochondrial fission, biogenesis, and fusion caused by PS-MPs and additionally enhance mitochondrial respiration. This enhancement is crucial in averting disorders in energy metabolism and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

To summarize, the use of SeNPs hindered inflammation by regulating mitochondrial dynamics, thus relieving liver damage caused by PS-MPs in mice. The anticipated outcomes offer new research directions that can be referenced in terms of inflammatory injuries caused by PS-MPs.

Optimizing food waste bioconversion with sodium selenite-enhanced Lucilia sericata maggots: a sustainable approach for chicken feed production and heavy metal mitigation

Recycling food waste by feeding it to insects can result in the continuous production of high-quality animal feed protein and organic fertilizer. However, the bioconversion efficiency and safety of using insects as feed protein for animal breeding are important factors limiting the development of this technology. Therefore, we aimed to optimize the efficiency of bioconversion of food waste using Lucilia sericata maggot (LSM). Sodium selenite (SS) was used to improve the quality and safety of each trophic-level organism. The results showed that an SS concentration of 15 mg kg-1 w.w. in the food waste culture substrate (SS15), the yield and quality of the obtained LSMs were optimal. The total selenium (Se) content of LSMs was 82.4 ± 1.16 mg kg-1 d.w., and non-inorganic Se accounted for 96.4% ± 2.01% of the total Se content. Additionally, the conversion efficiency of food waste was 18.7% higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). When SS15 was used to raise maggots as a protein substitute for fish meal (commercial feed), the weight of the chickens and the crude protein content were 1.09-1.26 times and 1.09-1.13 times, respectively (p < 0.05), in comparison with the corresponding findings obtained with the use of ordinary maggots and commercial feed. In this group, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and immunoglobulin A and G activities were significantly higher than those obtained with the other feeds (p < 0.05). During this cyclic utilization process, the total Se content in chickens (0.31 ± 0.05 mg kg-1 w.w. in the breast, 0.19 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 w.w. in the leg, and 0.57 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 w.w. in the liver) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the Cu and Zn contents in the LSMs and chickens increased, whereas cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel absorption was inhibited (p < 0.05). Health risk assessment based on the levels of Se and heavy metals showed that Se-enriched chickens produced using this method can be safely consumed.

A systematic review of Selenium as a complementary treatment in cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Selenium, a trace element with antioxidant properties, has been widely studied for its benefits in cancer treatment. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate existing evidence on the effectiveness of selenium as a complementary treatment in cancer patients.

METHOD

In May 2023, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of selenium substitution therapy on adult cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. Including and excluding patient criteria were defined beforehand.

RESULTS

From 4511 search results, 12 studies in 14 publications with 2483 patients were included in this systematic review. Types of cancer covered in the reviewed studies are non-Hodgkin lymphoma, head and neck cancer, thyroid cancer, acute myeloid or acute lymphocytic leukaemia, stage I non-small lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical and endometrial cancer, prostate cancer and non-invasive urothelial carcinoma. Common outcomes were PSA change, radiotherapy associated toxicities, overall survival (OS), recurrence free interval (RFI) and quality of life (QoL). Most studies showed some concerns in the risk of bias evaluation. The results were heterogeneous: Regarding radiotherapy toxicities, patients with sufficient levels of Se at baseline do not profit of Se supplementation, while those with a deficiency of Se at baseline have significantly reduced toxicities on some scales. Regardless blood levels of Se, no benefit was found for OS, Recurrence Free Interval, Progression Free Interval, Quality of life and PSA compared to control/placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Due to the very heterogeneous results and methodical limitations of the included studies, a clear statement regarding the effectiveness of Se supplementation is not possible, whereas cancer patients with a Se deficiency could profit from a Se supplementation during radio- or chemotherapy. Further studies should define Se deficiency as inclusion criterion and analyze levels of Se during time of intervention.

Selenium-enriched fermented beverage with improved sensorial properties using lactic acid bacteria

The aim of this study was to formulate a Selenium (Se)-bioenriched fermented beverage using selenized lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with desirable sensory attributes and shelf-life. The fruit-origin strains Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum CRL 2051 and Fructobacillus tropaeoli CRL 2034 were grown in MRS-fructose with 5 mg/L Se before inoculation. Then, the selenized strains were inoculated separately or together in a fruit juice and cowmilk beverage and allowed to ferment at 30 °C for 14 h. During microbial growth, the strains accumulated 62.8-93.5 µg/L of total Se, with 32.7-47.8 µg/L composed of the amino acids selenocysteine (SeCys), and 6.1-12.7 µg/L of selenomethionine (SeMet). The beverages fermented by L. paraplantarum CRL 2051 alone and by the mixed culture showed the highest levels of general acceptance and best sensory attributes. The latter fermented beverage exhibited high microbial resistance to cold storage after 52 days and to gastrointestinal tract conditions as well as an acceptable sensory shelf-life of 42 days. For the first time, microbial selenization previous to food fermentation successfully allowed Se fortification and the formulation of a functional Se-enriched beverage with desirable sensory properties and shelf-life.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05984-4.

Effects of deep-sea water on training efficiency, locomotor function and respiratory metabolism in young and aged mice

Deep sea water (DSW) contains many trace minerals, and its applications, which include its use as drinking water, have gradually been expanding. Generally, humans tend to be lacking in mineral intake and deficiencies of trace minerals may increase the risk of several health problems. In recent years, the lack of exercise among the elderly has become an issue, leading to the onset of frailty and sarcopenia, which in turn increases the risk of dementia. Therefore, we investigated whether the daily intake of DSW-extract-added water (DSW; hardness 300 mg/L) impacted the training effect in aged mice. Treatment with DSW significantly induced a training effect in aged mice subjected to treadmill exercise. Locomotor function and metabolic capacity were also significantly increased in aged mice after DSW treatment. The results indicate that daily intake of DSW may enhance the training effect of exercise and affect locomotor performance.

Selenium in Surgery

Selenium, a micronutrient essential for many enzymatic functions, is crucial for maintaining human health. Its presence in the human diet is of paramount importance for metabolism and support of the immune system. Many diseases of surgical importance are related to the level of selenoproteins and their influence on different organs. The aim of this concise narrative review is to highlight the role of selenium as a trace element in various surgical morbidities, a concept that is often neglected or not well perceived by most surgeons.

Selenium Nanoparticles Ameliorate Adverse Impacts of Aflatoxin in Nile Tilapia with Special Reference to Streptococcus agalactiae Infection

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a plant-origin toxin that could induce oxidative stress in fish. The micromineral selenium (Se) possesses well-documented antioxidant properties. To assess the ameliorative effects of SeNPs (1 mg/kg fish feed) on oxidative stress induced by AFB1 (500 μg/kg fish feed), Nile tilapia (32.2±1.7 g body weight) were distributed randomly and even in six groups for 8-week feeding trial. Live enzymes, AST, ALT, and ALP levels were increased in the serum of fish fed AFB1-contaminated diet, and the addition of SeNPs could restore normal values compared to the control. The gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme and catalase (CAT) enzyme, and DNA fragmentation were significantly increased in response to aflatoxin exposure, while dietary SeNPs could mitigate the generated oxidative stress. The innate immunity, serum antibacterial activity (SAA), oxidative burst activity (OBA), phagocytic activities (PA and PI), and gene expression of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, heat shock protein70 (Hsp), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) revealed a status of immunosuppression in Nile tilapia fed on AFB1-contaminated diet. These findings showed that fish became more vulnerable to Streptococcus agalactiae infection with a high mortality rate while dietary SeNPs provided a high relative protection level (RPL). From the obtained findings, SeNPs could mitigate the oxidative stress induced by feeding the AFB1 diet and could boost the immunity of stressed Nile tilapia.

Selenium alleviates pancreatic fibrosis in chickens caused by mercuric chloride: Involvement of the MAPK signaling pathway and selenoproteins

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is a widespread inorganic mercury with digestive toxicity. The pancreas is an important digestive organ in animals, and pancreatic fibrosis (PF) is a major pathological feature of chronic pancreatitis, which can be caused by heavy metals. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for the animal organism, performing biological functions in the form of selenoproteins, as well as alleviating the toxicity of heavy metals. In this study, we explored the specific mechanisms underlying the protective effect of Se on HgCl2-induced pancreatic injury in chickens. Morphological observation and serum biochemical analysis showed that Se attenuated HgCl2-caused pancreatic tissue damage and elevated glucose concentration and α-amylase activity. Next, the expression of oxidative stress indicators such as MDA and GSH-Px as well as inflammation-related markers including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected. Results showed that Se had an inhibitory effect on HgCl2-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, we found that Se alleviated HgCl2-induced PF by detecting the expression of markers related to PF including TGF-β1, α-SMA, COL1A1, and FN1. Mechanistically, Se attenuated HgCl2-induced PF via the MAPK signaling pathway. Importantly, several selenoproteins, especially those with antioxidant activity, were involved in the protective effect of Se on HgCl2 toxicity. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that Se inhibited HgCl2-induced oxidative stress and inflammation and alleviated chicken PF through the MAPK signaling pathway, in which some antioxidant selenoproteins were involved.

A U-shaped association between selenium intake and cancer risk

While selenium is a cofactor of several antioxidant enzymes against cancer and is essential for human health, its excess intake may also be harmful. Though a safe intake of selenium has recently been recommended, it is not well understood in the Asian population. We aimed to determine the association between dietary intake of selenium and cancer risk in a case-control study of 3758 incident cancer cases (i.e., stomach, colon, rectum, lung cancers, and other sites) and 2929 control subjects in Vietnam. Daily intake of selenium was derived from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The unconditional logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between selenium intake and cancer risk. We observed a U-shaped association between selenium intake and cancer risk. A safe intake ranged from 110.8 to 124.4 µg/day (mean 117.8 µg/day). Compared to individuals with the safe intake of selenium, individuals with the lowest intake (i.e., 27.8-77.2 µg/day) were associated with an increased risk of cancer (OR = 3.78, 95% CI 2.89-4.95) and those with the highest intake (169.1-331.7 µg/day) also had an increased cancer risk (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.45-2.39). A U-shaped pattern of association between selenium intake and cancer risk was stronger among participants with body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m2 and never smokers than BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 and ever smokers (P'sheterogeneity = 0.003 and 0.021, respectively) but found in both never and ever-drinkers of alcohol (Pheterogeneity = 0.001). A U-shaped association between selenium intake and cancer risk was seen in cancer sites of the stomach, colon, rectum, and lung cancers. In summary, we found a U-shaped association between selenium intake and cancer risk and a safe selenium intake (mean: 117.8 µg/day) in the Vietnamese population. Further mechanistic investigation is warranted to understand better a U-shaped association between selenium intake and cancer risk.

Is Micronutrient Supplementation Helpful in Supporting the Immune System during Prolonged, High-Intensity Physical Training?

It is well known that during prolonged, high-intensity physical training, athletes experience a state of immunosuppression and that balanced nutrition can help maintain immunity. This review summarizes the effects (amplified by virus infection) of high-intensity, long-term exercise on immunity, critically presenting key micronutrients and supplementation strategies that can influence athletes' performance and their immune system. The main conclusion is that micronutrient supplementation with diet could help to protect the immune system from the stress effects induced by intense physical activities. The importance of personalized supplementation has been also recommended.

The effects of high doses of selenium supplementation on mRNA and protein levels of cMLCK levels and total antioxidant capacity in rat heart tissue

BACKGROUND

High doses of selenium are associated with heart disease prevalence in high-risk areas. Cardiac myosin light chain kinase (cMLCK) is an essential enzyme for normal function of heart tissue. Therefore, we studied the effect of high doses of selenium on the expression of cMLCK gene and its protein in normal heart tissue in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, Se 0.3mg/kg, Se 1.5mg/kg, and Se 3mg/kg. Sodium-selenite was administered orally into drinking water for 20 weeks. Se levels of heart tissue were measured by atomic absorption. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and total serum antioxidant capacity were measured. Moreover, the concentration of MLCK protein and the gene expression level of cMLCK in normal heart tissue were analyzed.

RESULTS

Excess Se in dietary can significantly increase CPK. Se concentration of heart tissue in the Se 3mg/kg group was significantly higher than the control. cMLCK mRNA levels were decreased by 0.3mg/kg and 3mg/kg sodium selenite intake. There was no significant difference between the three groups for total antioxidant capacity and MLCK protein.

CONCLUSION

High concentrations of selenium can probably effect on normal function of the heart tissue by changing the expression levels of cMLCK.

Effects of Dietary Bio-Fermented Selenium Supplementation on Growth, Immune Performance, and Intestinal Microflora of Chinese Mitten Crabs, Eriocheir sinensis

Selenium is a vital trace mineral that is crucial for maintaining regular biological processes in aquatic animals. In this study, a four-week dietary trial was carried out to assess the impact of bio-fermented selenium (Bio-Se) on the growth and immune response of Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis. The crabs were randomly allocated to five dietary treatment groups, each receiving a different dose of Bio-Se. The doses included 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.5, and 3.0 mg/kg and were accurately measured in basal diet formulations. The results showed the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate (SR) in the 1.5 mg/kg Bio-Se group were the highest, and 3.0 mg/kg of Bio-Se has an inhibitory effect on the WGR, SGR, and SR. The activities of the immune enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and acid phosphatase (ACP), of the hepatopancreas were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the 1.5 mg/kg Bio-Se group, while they decreased (p < 0.05) in the 3.0 mg/kg feeding group compared to the 0 mg/kg feeding group. The concentration of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) exhibited the opposite pattern. Similarly, the mRNA expression levels of antimicrobial peptides (ALF-1, Crus-1, and LYS), ERK, and Relish genes were also observed to be the highest in the 1.5 mg/kg Bio-Se group compared with the other groups. Furthermore, the administration of 1.5 mg/kg of Bio-Se resulted in an increase in the thickness of the intestinal plica and mucosal layer, as well as in alterations in the intestinal microbial profile and bacterial diversity compared to the dose of 0 mg/kg of Bio-Se. Notably, the population of the beneficial bacterial phylum Fusobacteria was increased after crabs were fed the 1.5 mg/kg Bio-Se diet. In conclusion, the oral administration of 1.5 mg/kg of Bio-Se improved the growth efficiency, antioxidant capabilities, immunity, and intestinal health of E. sinensis. Through a broken-line analysis of the WGR against dietary Bio-Se levels, optimal dietary Bio-Se levels were determined to be 1.1 mg/kg. These findings contribute valuable insights to the understanding of crab cultivation and nutrition.

Association Between Dietary Selenium Intake and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread respiratory condition characterized by chronic inflammation. Selenium, an essential trace element, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the diet is often complex, and the absence of one nutrient may indicate a concurrent deficiency in others. Therefore, inadequate dietary selenium intake may suggest deficiencies in other elements. Despite its potential benefits, there is a scarcity of evidence regarding the association between dietary selenium intake and COPD.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential association between dietary selenium intake and COPD among American adults.

Patients and Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in the United States from 1999 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline analyses, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were conducted to assess the correlation between dietary selenium intake and COPD.

Results

A total of 39,654 participants were included in the study. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for COPD in the highest selenium intake group (T3, > 122.0 μg/day) was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71-0.91, p < 0.001) compared to the lowest intake group (T1, < 81.6 μg/day). Dietary selenium intake exhibited a linear negative correlation with COPD. Among participants reporting selenium supplementation, a similar negative association persisted.

Conclusion

This study observed a negative correlation between dietary selenium intake and COPD among American adults, indicating a possible association between higher selenium intake and a lower risk of COPD.

Polygonum bistorta Linn. as a green source for synthesis of biocompatible selenium nanoparticles with potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Here, we report for the first time, green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using pharmacologically potent herb of Polygonum bistorta Linn. for multiple biomedical applications. In the study, a facile and an eco-friendly approach is utilized for synthesis of SeNPs using an aqueous roots extract of P. bistorta Linn. followed by extensive characterization via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis. The XRD and FTIR data determine the phase composition and successful capping of plant extract onto the surface of NPs while SEM and TEM micrographic examination reveals the elliptical and spherical morphology of the particles with a mean size of 69 ± 23 nm. After comprehensive characterization, the NPs are investigated for antifungal, antibacterial, antileishmanial, antioxidant, and biocompatibility properties. The study reveals that Polygonum bistorta Linn. synthesized SeNPs exhibit significant antibacterial and antifungal activities with Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium oxysporum inducing the highest zone of inhibition of 14 ± 1.0 mm and 20 ± 1.2 mm, respectively at the concentration of 40 mg/mL. The NPs are also found to have antiparasitic potential against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania tropica. Furthermore, the NPs are discovered to have excellent potential in neutralizing harmful free radicals thus exhibiting considerable antioxidant potential. Most importantly, Polygonum bistorta Linn. synthesized SeNPs showed substantial compatibility against blood cells in vitro studies, which signifies the nontoxic nature of the NPs. The study thus concludes that medicinally important Polygonum bistorta Linn. roots can be utilized as an eco-friendly, sustainable, and green source for the synthesis of pharmacologically potent selenium nanoparticles.

Antioxidant Potential of Exosomes in Animal Nutrition

This review delves into the advantages of exosomes as novel antioxidants in animal nutrition and their potential for regulating oxidative stress. Although traditional nutritional approaches promote oxidative stress defense systems in mammalian animals, several issues remain to be solved, such as low bioavailability, targeted tissue efficiency, and high-dose by-effect. As an important candidate offering regulation opportunities concerned with cellular communication, disease prevention, and physiology regulation in multiple biological systems, the potential of exosomes in mediating redox status in biological systems has not been well described. A previously reported relationship between redox system regulation and circulating exosomes suggested exosomes as a fundamental candidate for both a regulator and biomarker for a redox system. Herein, we review the effects of oxidative stress on exosomes in animals and the potential application of exosomes as antioxidants in animal nutrition. Then, we highlight the advantages of exosomes as redox regulators due to their higher bioavailability and physiological heterogeneity-targeted properties, providing a theoretical foundation and feed industry application. Therefore, exosomes have shown great potential as novel antioxidants in the field of animal nutrition. They can overcome the limitations of traditional antioxidants in terms of dosage and side effects, which will provide unprecedented opportunities in nutritional management and disease prevention, and may become a major breakthrough in the field of animal nutrition.

Liposomes as selenium nanocarriers for foliar application to wheat plants: A biofortification strategy

In the present work, liposomes have been used as nanocarriers in the biofortification of wheat plants with selenium (Se) through foliar application. Liposomal formulations were prepared using 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and Phospholipon®90H (P90H) (average size <100 nm), loaded with different concentrations of inorganic Se (selenite and selenate) and applied twice to the plants in the stage of vegetative growth. Liposomes enhanced Se uptake by wheat plants compared to direct application. The highest Se enrichment was achieved using the phospholipid DPPC and a concentration of 1000 μmol·L-1 of Se without affecting the biomass, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and the concentration of mineral nutrients of the plants. The chemical speciation of Se in the plants was further investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The results from XAS spectra revealed that most of the inorganic Se was transformed to organic Se and that the use of liposomes influenced the proportion of C-Se-C over C-Se-Se-C species.

Biological Properties of Boletus edulis Extract on Caco-2 Cells: Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Boletus edulis (BE) is a mushroom well known for its taste, nutritional value, and medicinal properties. The objective of this work was to study the biological effects of BE extracts on human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2), evaluating parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, a hydroethanolic extract of BE was obtained by ohmic heating green technology. The obtained BE extracts are mainly composed of sugars (mainly trehalose), phenolic compounds (taxifolin, rutin, and ellagic acid), and minerals (K, P, Mg, Na, Ca, Zn, Se, etc.). The results showed that BE extracts were able to reduce cancer cell proliferation by the induction of cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 stage, as well as cell death by autophagy and apoptosis, the alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-3 activation. The extracts modified the redox balance of the cell by increasing the ROS levels associated with a decrease in the thioredoxin reductase activity. Similarly, BE extracts attenuated Caco-2 inflammation by reducing both iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression and COX-2 protein expression. In addition, BE extracts protected the intestine from the oxidative stress induced by H2O2. Therefore, this study provides information on the potential use of BE bioactive compounds as anticancer therapeutic agents and as functional ingredients to prevent oxidative stress in the intestinal barrier.

Biomarkers of food intake and their relevance to metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) constitutes a prevalent risk factor associated with non communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A major factor impacting the etiology of MetS is diet. Dietary patterns and several individual food constituents have been related to the risk of developing MetS or have been proposed as adjuvant treatment. However, traditional methods of dietary assessment such as 24 h recalls rely greatly on intensive user-interaction and are subject to bias. Hence, more objective methods are required for unbiased dietary assessment and efficient prevention. While it is accepted that some dietary-derived constituents in blood plasma are indicators for certain dietary patterns, these may be too unstable (such as vitamin C as a marker for fruits/vegetables) or too broad (e.g. polyphenols for plant-based diets) or reflect too short-term intake only to allow for strong associations with prolonged intake of individual food groups. In the present manuscript, commonly employed biomarkers of intake including those related to specific food items (e.g. genistein for soybean or astaxanthin and EPA for fish intake) and novel emerging ones (e.g. stable isotopes for meat intake or microRNA for plant foods) are emphasized and their suitability as biomarker for food intake discussed. Promising alternatives to plasma measures (e.g. ethyl glucuronide in hair for ethanol intake) are also emphasized. As many biomarkers (i.e. secondary plant metabolites) are not limited to dietary assessment but are also capable of regulating e.g. anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, special attention will be given to biomarkers presenting a double function to assess both dietary patterns and MetS risk.

Supplementation with organic yeast-derived selenium provides immune protection against experimental necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a potentially fatal poultry disease that causes enormous economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary organic yeast-derived selenium (Se) on immune protection against experimental necrotic enteritis (NE) in commercial broilers. Chickens were fed basal diets supplemented with different Se levels (0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 Se mg/kg). To induce NE, Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) was orally administered at 14 days of age post hatch. The results showed that birds fed 0.25 Se mg/kg exhibited significantly increased body weight gain compared with the non-supplemented/infected birds. There were no significant differences in gut lesions between the Se-supplemented groups and the non-supplemented group. The antibody levels against α-toxin and NetB toxin increased with the increase between 0.25 Se mg/kg and 0.50 Se mg/kg. In the jejunal scrapings and spleen, the Se-supplementation groups up-regulated the transcripts for pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, iNOS, and LITAF and avian β-defensin 6, 8, and 13 (AvBD6, 8 and 13). In conclusion, supplementation with organic yeast-derived Se alleviates the negative consequences and provides beneficial protection against experimental NE.

Selenium Species in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Selenium is an important trace element for humans and animals as it plays a key role in several major metabolic pathways. Several studies were conducted to better understand the role of selenium against diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type 2 (T2DM), but the obtained conclusions are contradictory. A simple linear relationship does not exist between the risk of T2DM and selenium levels but is best represented in a dose-dependent manner, getting often the U-graph. This relation also depends on selenium chemical forms that are present in a diet or supplements. Both too low and too high selenium intakes could increase the risk of diabetes. Moreover, the baseline status of Se should be taken into consideration to avoid over-supplementation. The focus of this brief overview is to report the recent updates concerning selenium participation in diabetes mellitus.

A comprehensive review on nutritional interventions and nutritive elements: Strengthening immunity for effective defense mechanism during pandemic

The pandemic has brought attention to the importance of a healthy immune system in preventing infectious diseases. In this in-depth review, the process by which nutritional interventions and fundamental nutrients affect immune function has been discussed with the goal of enhancing the body's natural defenses against viral infections. We explored the complex interplay between diet and immunology, highlighting the essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive substances that are crucial for enhancing immune response. We also investigated the effect of dietary patterns and supplementation methods on immune function. We assessed the effectiveness and potential mechanisms of action of various nutritional therapies in modifying immune responses through a thorough examination of scientific literature. Additionally, we go through the significance of individualized nutrition and highlight possible factors to consider for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with chronic conditions. This review attempts to provide a thorough understanding of the role of diet in boosting immunity by synthesizing available research. It also offers insights into practical methods for enhancing the immune function during the current epidemic and in the future.