Selenium loss during boiling processes and its bioaccessibility in different crops: Estimated daily intake

Food crops provide a good selenium (Se) source for Se-deficient populations. This study assessed how boiling affects Se concentration, speciation, and bioaccessibility in common food crops to determine human Se intake. Boiling rice resulted in an 11.9% decrease in minimum Se content, while sorghum experienced a maximum (34.9%) reduction. Boiled vegetables showed a 21% - 40% Se loss. Cereals showed notable decreases in selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocysteine (SeCys2), while most vegetables exhibited a significant reduction in Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMeCys). Boiling significantly reduced the Se bioaccessibility in all food crops, except cabbage and potato. Cereal crops were more efficacious in meeting the recommended daily intake (RDI) of Se compared to vegetables. Rice exceeds other crops and provides up to 39.2% of the WHO/FAO-recommended target minimum daily intake of 60 μg/day. This study provides insight into a substantial dissonance between the estimated daily intake (EDI) of Se and the bioaccessible Se in both raw and boiled crops. Consequently, revising EDI standards is imperative.

Determination of selenium-containing species, including nanoparticles, in selenium-enriched Lingzhi mushrooms

Mushrooms are considered a valuable food source due to their high protein and fibre and low fat content, among the other health benefits of their consumption. Selenium is an essential nutrient and is renowned for its chemo-preventative properties. In this study, batches of selenium-enriched Lingzhi mushrooms were prepared by growing mycelium and fruit in substrates containing various concentrations of sodium selenite. The mushroom fruit accumulated low levels of selenium with selenomethionine being the most abundant form in all enriched samples. Conversely, the mycelium showed significant selenium accumulation but relatively low proportions of selenomethionine. The red colour of the selenium-enriched mycelia indicated the probable presence of selenium nanoparticles, which was confirmed by single-particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Mean particle diameters of 90-120 nm were observed, with size distributions of 60-250 nm. Additional analysis with transmission electron microscopy confirmed this size distribution and showed that the biogenic selenium nanoparticles were roughly spherical in shape and contained elemental selenium.

Selenomethionine modulates the JAK2 / STAT3 / A20 pathway through oxidative stress to alleviate LPS-induced pyroptosis and inflammation in chicken hearts

Selenium (Se) is involved in many physiopathologic processes in humans and animals and is strongly associated with the development of heart disease. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are cell wall components of gram-negative bacteria that are present in large quantities during environmental pollution. To investigate the mechanism of LPS-induced cardiac injury and the efficacy of the therapeutic effect of SeMet on LPS, a chicken model supplemented with selenomethionine (SeMet) and/or LPS treatment, as well as a primary chicken embryo cardiomyocyte model with the combined effect of SeMet / JAK2 inhibitor (INCB018424) and/or LPS were established in this experiment. CCK8 kit, Trypan blue staining, DCFH-DA staining, oxidative stress kits, immunofluorescence staining, LDH kit, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and western blot were used. The results proved that LPS exposure led to ROS explosion, hindered the antioxidant system, promoted the expression of the JAK2 pathway, and increased the expression of genes involved in the pyroptosis pathway, inflammatory factors, and heat shock proteins (HSPs). Upon co-treatment with SeMet and LPS, SeMet reduced LPS-induced pyroptosis and inflammation and restored the expression of HSPs by inhibiting the ROS burst and modulating the antioxidant capacity. Co-treatment with INCB018424 and LPS resulted in inhibited of the JAK2 pathway, attenuating pyroptosis, inflammation, and high expression of HSPs. Thus, LPS induced pyroptosis, inflammation, and changes in HSPs activity by activating of the JAK2 / STAT3 / A20 signaling axis in chicken hearts. Moreover, SeMet has a positive effect on LPS-induced injury. This work further provides a theoretical basis for treating cardiac injury by SeMet.

Determination of methionine and selenomethionine in food matrices by gas chromatography mass spectrometry after aqueous derivatization with triethyloxonium salts

A novel analytical method for the simultaneous gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) determination of methionine and selenomethionine in food samples is described. Samples were digested with methanesulfonic acid in a closed vessel without the need for reflux. A single step derivatization using triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate was optimized for the conversion of the analytes into their ethyl derivatives, followed by their extraction with hexane and GC-MS analysis.. This derivatization approach was simpler and/or safer with respect to current methods based on alkyl chloroformate or silylating reagents and it yielded very clean chromatography. A design of experiment approach, based on an open source chemometric software, was used to optimize the experimental conditions. When analysis of a 1 mL volume of aqueous standard was performed, detection limits of 1 ng/g methionine and 10 ng/g for selenomethionine were obtained. The method was validated by analysis of a selenized yeast Certified Reference Material NRC SELM-1.

Selenium Decipher: Trapping of Native Selenomethionine-Containing Peptides in Selenium-Enriched Milk and Unveiling the Deterioration after Ultrahigh-Temperature Treatment

Selenopeptide identification relies on databases to interpret the selenopeptide spectra. A common database search strategy is to set selenium as a variable modification instead of sulfur on peptides. However, this approach generally detects only a fraction of selenopeptides. An alternative approach, termed Selenium Decipher, is proposed in the present study. It involves identifying collision-induced dissociation-cleavable selenomethionine-containing peptides by iteratively matching the masses of seleno-amino acids in selenopeptide spectra. This approach uses variable-data-independent acquisition (vDIA) for peptide detection, providing a flexible and customizable window for secondary mass spectral fragmentation. The attention mechanism was used to capture global information on peptides and determine selenomethionine-containing peptide backbones. The core structure of selenium on selenomethionine-containing peptides generates a series of fragment ions, namely, C3H7Se+, C4H10NSe+, C5H7OSe+, C5H8NOSe+, and C7H11N2O2Se+, with known mass gaps during higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) fragmentation. De-selenium spectra are generated by removing selenium originating from selenium replacement and then reassigning the precursors to peptides. Selenium-enriched milk is obtained by feeding selenium-rich forage fed to cattle, which leads to the formation of native selenium through biotransformation. A novel antihypertensive selenopeptide Thr-Asp-Asp-Ile-SeMet-Cys-Val-Lys TDDI(Se)MCVK was identified from selenium-enriched milk. The selenopeptide (IC50 = 60.71 μM) is bound to four active residues of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) active pocket (Ala354, Tyr523, His353, and His513) and two active residues of zinc ligand (His387 and Glu411) and exerted a competitive inhibitory effect on the spatial blocking of active sites. The integration of vDIA and the iteratively matched seleno-amino acids was applied for Selenium Decipher, which provides high validity for selenomethionine-containing peptide identification.

82Se Metabolically-Labeled Yeast as a Matrix-Matched Isotope Dilution Standard for Quantification of Selenomethionine

Selenized yeast is commonly used as a highly bioavailable source of selenium in dietary supplements and feed additives and is used in research settings in various disciplines due to the large number of selenium-containing metabolites formed during growth. With the selenomethionine being the major form of selenium present in selenized yeasts, its accurate quantitation is essential, however, values are frequently underestimated due to the costly and time-consuming hydrolysis-based sample preparation required to release the selenoamino acid from proteins for analysis. The National Research Council Canada has developed an 82-Se-enriched selenized yeast Certified Reference Material, SEEY-1 (DOI: 10.4224/crm.2023.seey-1) intended to be used as a matrix-matched spike material for isotope dilution analysis of selenized yeasts. The total selenium and selenomethionine contents of SEEY-1 were determined to be 322.1 ± 4.8 mg/kg (k = 2) and 635.6 ± 16.8 mg/kg (k = 2), respectively. Here we present results on the preparation of the 82-Se-enriched yeast, the certification process, and provide an example of the use of SEEY-1 as a matrix-matched spike for the analysis of selenomethionine in a sample of selenized yeast. We demonstrate here that SEEY-1 is able to compensate for the partial digestion of yeast proteins and provide reliable analytical data on Se amino acid content in under an hour instead of the 16 hours required for conventional complete acid hydrolysis.

Selenium-enriched Coriolus versicolor mushroom biomass: potential novel food supplement with improved selenium bioavailability

BACKGROUND

The ability of Coriolus versicolor medicinal mushroom to accumulate and transform selenium from selenourea and sodium selenite into an organic form - l-selenomethionine - during growth in liquid medium is examined in this paper. Additionally, the impact of supplementation on biological activity of the selenated mushroom methanol extracts, as well as their chemical composition, is studied.

RESULTS

Selenium accumulation was more efficient with sodium selenite application, but biomass yield was significantly lower (1.89 g DW L^-1 ) compared to samples enriched with selenourea (4.48 g DW L^-1 ). Mushroom sample obtained after growing in liquid medium with selenourea had significantly higher l-selenomethionine content compared to the sample grown in medium with sodium selenite. Selenium-enriched methanol extracts of C. versicolor mushroom showed improved antimicrobial and antioxidant activities compared to non-enriched extract.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that C. versicolor mushroom cultivated in liquid culture enriched with selenourea can be used for the production of novel food supplements with improved selenium bioavailability. More than 30% of total accumulated selenium from selenourea is transformed into l-selenomethionine. Differences in biological activity of methanol extracts can be explained not only by different selenium content but also by the differences in chemical composition of extracts. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of sodium selenite and L-selenomethionine on feed intake, clinically relevant blood parameters and selenium species in plasma, colostrum and milk from high-yielding sows

A field study in periparturient sows fed different dietary concentrations of either sodium selenite or L-selenomethionine (SeMet) was conducted to evaluate feed intake, haematological and biochemical parameters as well as to describe some key selenium (Se) species, namely selenoprotein P (SelP), selenoalbumin (SeAlb) and selenomethionine (SeMet) as well as total Se in plasma, colostrum and milk. Thirty-two sows were allotted to four treatments from 30 days (d) prepartum throughout on average a 32 d lactation period. Sodium selenite supplemented diets contained 0.40 and 0.60 mg Se/kg feed, while SeMet supplemented feed contained 0.26 and 0.43 mg Se/kg feed. Concentrations of sodium selenite and SeMet in complete feed exceeded the upper limits for total dietary Se and added organic Se, respectively, according to the European Union legislation. Blood samples were collected at initiation of the study, at farrowing and at weaning. Colostrum samples were collected at farrowing and milk samples at weaning. Se species were subjected to liquid chromatography, and total Se and Se species were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The SeMet supplemented diets resulted in higher feed intake and in higher levels of total Se, SelP, SeAlb and SeMet in colostrum compared with sows fed sodium selenite. Similar results were obtained for levels of total Se and SeMet in milk at weaning. The higher dietary sodium selenite concentration in sows' feed did not increase the Se transfer into colostrum or milk when compared with those receiving the lower level of sodium selenite. However, the increase in serum-Zn from initiation until farrowing, observed in sows fed SeMet as well as the higher glutamate dehydrogenase activity in sodium selenite supplemented sows in this period might indicate a higher requirement of antioxidant defence in sodium selenite-supplemented sows. To our knowledge, the present data on Se species in plasma, colostrum and milk of sows represent the most complete investigation of Se in sows conducted to date. A higher amount of the above-mentioned Se species in the colostrum of sows supplemented with SeMet might strengthen the piglets' antioxidative system and passive immunity as well as improve their average daily weight gain. The higher feed intake in sows fed diets supplemented with SeMet is an interesting finding that warrants further investigation.

Selenium and selenium species in feeds and muscle tissue of Atlantic salmon

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for animals, including fish. Due to changes in feed composition for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), it may be necessary to supplement feeds with Se. In the present work, the transfer of Se and Se species from feed to muscle of Atlantic salmon fed Se supplemented diets was studied. Salmon were fed basal fish feed (0.35 mg Se/kg and 0.89 mg Se/kg feed), or feed supplemented either with selenised yeast or sodium selenite, at low (1-2 mg Se/kg feed) and high (15 mg Se/kg feed) levels, for 12 weeks. For the extraction of Se species from fish muscle, enzymatic cleavage with protease type XIV was applied. The extraction methods for Se species from fish feed were optimised, and two separate extraction procedures were applied, 1) enzymatic cleavage for organic Se supplemented feeds and 2) weak alkaline solvent for inorganic Se supplemented feeds, respectively. For selenium speciation analysis in feed and muscle tissue anion-exchange HPLC-ICP-MS for analysis of inorganic Se species and cation-exchange HPLC-ICP-MS for analysis of organic Se species, were applied. In addition, reversed phase HPLC-ICP-MS was applied for analysis of selenocysteine (SeCys) in selected muscle samples. The results demonstrated that supplemented Se (organic and inorganic) accumulated in muscle of Atlantic salmon, and a higher retention of Se was seen in the muscle of salmon fed organic Se diets. Selenomethionine (SeMet) was the major Se species in salmon fed basal diets and diets supplemented with organic Se, accounting for 91-118% of the total Se. In contrast, for muscle of salmon fed high inorganic Se diet, SeMet accounted for 30% of the total Se peaks detected. Several unidentified Se peaks were detected, in the fish fed high inorganic diet, and analysis showed indicated SeCys is a minor Se species present in this fish muscle tissue.

Effects of Chinese Cooking Methods on the Content and Speciation of Selenium in Selenium Bio-Fortified Cereals and Soybeans

Cereals and soybeans are the main food sources for the majority of Chinese. This study evaluated the effects of four common cooking methods including steaming, boiling, frying, and milking on selenium (Se) content and speciation in seven selenium bio-fortified cereals and soybeans samples. The Se concentrations in the selected samples ranged from 0.91 to 110.8 mg/kg and selenomethionine (SeMet) was detected to be the main Se species. Total Se loss was less than 8.1% during the processes of cooking except milking, while 49.1% of the total Se was lost in milking soybean for soy milk due to high level of Se in residuals. It was estimated that about 13.5, 24.0, 3.1, and 46.9% of SeMet were lost during the processes of steaming, boiling, frying, and milking, respectively. Meanwhile, selenocystine (SeCys₂) and methylselenocysteine (SeMeCys) were lost completely from the boiled cereals. Hence, steaming and frying were recommended to cook Se-biofortified cereals in order to minimize the loss of Se.

Determination of Proteinaceous Selenocysteine in Selenized Yeast

A method for the quantitation of proteinaceous selenocysteine (SeCys) in Se-rich yeast was developed. The method is based on the reduction of the Se-Se and S-Se bridges with dithiotretiol, derivatization with iodoacetamide (carbamidomethylation), followed by HPLC-ICP MS. The chromatographic conditions were optimized for the total recovery of the proteinaceous selenocysteine, the minimum number of peaks in the chromatogram (reduction of derivatization products of other Se-species present) and the baseline separation. A typical chromatogram of a proteolytic digest of selenized yeast protein consisted of up to five peaks (including SeMet, carbamidomethylated (CAM)-SeCys, and Se(CAM)₂) identified by retention time matching with available standards and electrospray MS. Inorganic selenium non-specifically attached to proteins and selenomethionine could be quantified (in the form of Se(CAM)₂) along with SeCys. Selenocysteine, selenomethionine, inorganic selenium, and the water soluble-metabolite fraction accounted for the totality of selenium species in Se-rich yeast.

Quantification of SeMet and SeCys in Biological Fluids and Tissues by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICP MS)

Selenium (Se) is an element readily absorbed during the intestinal tract and distributed in the body. In biological fluids, tissues, and animal products, Se is known to be present mainly in the form of a selenoamino-acid (selenomethionine (SeMet) or selenocysteine (SeCys)). Both amino-acids have different biological activities which justifies their discrimination. Here, we describe the method allowing the simultaneous determination of SeMet and SeCys in blood/plasma, animal tissues, milk, and eggs by two-dimensional Liquid Chromatography coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (2D HPLC-ICP MS).

Selenium speciation in wheat grain varies in the presence of nitrogen and sulphur fertilisers

This study investigated whether selenium species in wheat grains could be altered by exposure to different combinations of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) fertilisers in an agronomic biofortification experiment. Four Australian wheat cultivars (Mace, Janz, Emu Rock and Magenta) were grown in a glasshouse experiment and exposed to 3 mg Se kg^-1 soil as selenate (Se^VI). Plants were also exposed to 60 mg N kg^-1 soil as urea and 20 mg S kg^-1 soil as gypsum in a factorial design (N + S + Se; N + Se; S + Se; Se only). Plants were grown to maturity with grain analysed for total Se concentrations via ICP-MS and Se species determined via HPLC-ICP-MS. Grain Se concentrations ranged from 22 to 70 µg Se g^-1 grain (dry mass). Selenomethionine (SeMet), Se-methylselenocystine (MeSeCys), selenohomolanthionine (SeHLan), plus a large concentration of uncharacterised Se species were found in the extracts from grains. SeMet was the major Se species identified accounting for between 9 and 24 µg Se g^-1 grain. Exposure to different N and S fertiliser combinations altered the SeMet content of Mace, Janz and Emu Rock grain, but not that of Magenta. MeSeCys and SeHLan were found in far lower concentrations (<4 µg Se g^-1 grain). A large component of the total grain Se was uncharacterisable (>30 % of total grain Se) in all samples. When N fertiliser was applied (with or without S), the proportion of uncharacterisable Se increased between 60 and 70 % of the total grain Se. The data presented here indicate that it is possible to alter the content of individual Se species in wheat grains via biofortification combined with manipulation of N and S fertiliser regimes. This has potential significance in alleviating or combating both Se deficiency and Se toxicity effects in humans.

Selenoamino Acid-Enriched Green Pea as a Value-Added Plant Protein Source for Humans and Livestock

Selenium deficiency in various degrees affects around 15% of the world's population, contributing to a variety of health problems. In this study, we examined the accumulation and biotransformation of soil applied Se-supplementation (sodium selenite and sodium selenate forms) at different concentrations, along with growth and yield formation of green pea, in a greenhouse experiment. Biotransformation of inorganic Se was evaluated using HPLC-ICP-MS for Se-species separation in the above ground parts of green pea. Results showed 3 mg kg-1 SeIV increased green pea growth biomarkers and also caused an increase in protein content in leaves by 17%. Selenomethionine represented 65% of the total selenium content in shoots, but was lower in pods and seeds (54 and 38%, respectively). Selenomethionine was the major species in all plant parts and the only organic selenium form in the lower SeIV concentration range. Elevating the dose of SeIV (≥30 mg kg-1) triggered detrimental effects on growth and protein content and caused higher accumulation of inorganic Se in forms of SeVI and SeIV. Selenocysteine, another organic form of proteinogenic amino acid, was determined when SeIV (≥10 mg kg-1) was applied in higher concentrations. Thus, agronomic biofortification using the appropriate chemical form and concentration of Se will have positive effects on green pea growth and its enriched shoots and seeds provide a value-added protein source for livestock and humans with significant increased selenomethionine.

Evaluation of selenium in dietary supplements using elemental speciation

Selenium-enriched dietary supplements containing various selenium compounds are readily available to consumers. To ensure proper selenium intake and consumer confidence, these dietary supplements must be safe and have accurate label claims. Varying properties among selenium species requires information beyond total selenium concentration to fully evaluate health risk/benefits A LC-ICP-MS method was developed and multiple extraction methods were implemented for targeted analysis of common "seleno-amino acids" and related oxidation products, selenate, selenite, and other species relatable to the quality and/or accuracy of the labeled selenium ingredients. Ultimately, a heated water extraction was applied to recover selenium species from non-selenized yeast supplements in capsule, tablet, and liquid forms. For selenized yeast supplements, inorganic selenium was monitored as a means of assessing selenium yeast quality. A variety of commercially available selenium supplements were evaluated and discrepancies between labeled ingredients and detected species were noted.

Is hepatic oxidative stress a main driver of dietary selenium toxicity in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)?

Most species of sturgeon have experienced significant population declines and poor recruitment over the past decades, leading many, including white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), to be listed as endangered. Reasons for these declines are not yet fully understood but benthic lifestyle, longevity, and delayed sexual maturation likely render sturgeon particularly susceptible to factors such as habitat alteration and contaminant exposures. One contaminant of particular concern to white sturgeon is selenium (Se), especially in its more bioavailable form selenomethionine (SeMet), as it is known to efficiently bioaccumulate in prey items of this species. Studies have shown white sturgeon to be among the most sensitive species of fish to dietary SeMet as well as other pollutants such as metals, dioxin-like chemicals and endocrine disrupters. One of the primary hypothesized mechanisms of toxicity of SeMet in fish is oxidative stress; however, little is know about the specific mode by which SeMet affects the health of white sturgeon. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize oxidative stress and associated antioxidant responses as a molecular event of toxicity, and to link it with the pathological effects observed previously. Specifically, three-year-old white sturgeon were exposed for 72 days via their diet to 1.4, 5.6, 22.4 or 104.4µg Se per g feed (dm). Doses were chosen to range over a necessary Se intake level, current environmentally relevant intakes and an intake representing predicted increases of Se release. Lipid hydroperoxides, which are end products of lipid oxidation, were quantified as a marker of oxidative stress. Changes in gene expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, apoptosis inducing factor and caspase 3 were quantified as markers of the response to oxidative stress. Concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides were highly variable within dose groups and no dose response was observed. GPx expression was significantly increased in the low dose group indicating an induced antioxidant response. Expression of other genes were not significantly induced or suppressed. Overall, there was very little evidence of oxidative stress, and therefore, in contrast to previous reports on other species of teleost fishes, oxidative stress is not believed to be a main driver of toxicity in white sturgeon exposed to SeMet.

[Determination of free selenomethionine in cow milk by UPLC-MS/MS]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of free selenomethionine (SeMet), and be applied to the quantification of free SeMet in cow milk.

METHODS

The analyte was separated on a BEH C18 column (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 μm) at 40 degrees C with a mobile phase of water: acetonitrile: formic acid (95: 5: 0.1, V/V) , a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, and an analysis time of 2. 5 min. At positive electrospray ionization mode, multiple reaction monitoring of the precursor-product ion transitions of m/z 198.0 --> 181.1 was used for the quantification.

RESULTS

The linear calibration curve was obtained in a concentration range of 0.5 - 100 ng/mL with a lower limit of quantification of 0.5 ng/mL. The value of intra- and inter-day accuracy for SeMet fell in the range of 97.6%-100.6% and 97.7%-99.2%, and value of intra- and inter-day precision 0.53%-4.49% and 1.03%-4.54%.

CONCLUSION

The method is specific, sensitive, rapid, and accurate, suitable for the quantification of free SeMet in cow milk.

Dose-Dependent Early Life Stage Toxicities in Xenopus laevis Exposed In Ovo to Selenium

Selenium (Se) is a developmental toxicant in oviparous vertebrates. The adverse reproductive effects of Se toxicity have been predominantly investigated in fishes and birds with only a few studies focusing on amphibians. The objective of this study was to determine tissue-based toxicity thresholds for early life stage Se toxicities in Xenopus laevis as a consequence of in ovo exposure through maternal transfer of dietary Se. Following a 68-day dietary exposure to food augmented with l-selenomethionine (SeMet) at measured concentrations of 0.7 (control), 10.9, 30.4, or 94.2 μg Se/g dry mass (d.m.), adult female X. laevis were bred with untreated males, and resulting embryos were incubated until 5 days postfertilization (dpf). The measured Se concentrations in eggs were 1.6, 10.8, 28.1, and 81.7 μg Se/g d.m., respectively. No biologically significant effects were observed on fertilization success, hatchability, or mortality in offspring. Frequency and severity of morphological abnormalities were significantly greater in 5 dpf tadpoles from the highest exposure group when compared to the control, with eye lens abnormalities being the most prominent of all abnormalities. The estimated EC10 value for frequency of total early life stage abnormalities was 44.9 μg Se/g egg d.m., which suggests that this amphibian species is less sensitive to in ovo Se exposure than most of the fish species studied to date.

Selenium bioaccessibility in stomach, small intestine and colon: Comparison between pure Se compounds, Se-enriched food crops and food supplements

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient for humans as it plays an important role in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Moreover, it may reduce cancer risks. The objective of this work was to examine in vitro the bioaccessibility of Se in three different Se-enriched food supplements and two different Se-enriched food crops, with reference to two pure Se standards, and changes in its speciation during intestinal digestion. Selenate was found to be stable throughout the entire digestion, whereas incubation of selenomethionine resulted in the chemical and microbial production of minor metabolites. The bioaccessibility of Se in Se-enriched food supplements and food crops was found to be highest in the small intestine. Compared to SelenoPrecise and Se-ACE tablets, a yoghurt-based supplement exhibited a much lower Se bioaccessibility, possibly due to the presence of nano- or microparticles of elemental Se. Colon microbiota were found to primarily affect Se bioaccessibility in the colon environment, with the presence of inactivated microbiota resulting in a higher bioaccessibility. A higher potential of Se to reach the colon and become accessible in this phase may result in beneficial effects on the colon health.

Biochemical Comparison of Commercial Selenium Yeast Preparations

The trace mineral selenium (Se) is an essential element for human and animal nutrition. The addition of Se to the diet through dietary supplements or fortified food/feed is increasingly common owing to the often sub-optimal content of standard diets of many countries. Se supplements commercially available include the inorganic mineral salts such as sodium selenite or selenate, and organic forms such as Se-enriched yeast. Today, Se yeast is produced by several manufacturers and has become the most widely used source of Se for human supplementation and is also widely employed in animal nutrition where approval in all species has been granted by regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Characterisation and comparison of Se-enriched yeast products has traditionally been made by quantifying total selenomethionine (SeMet) content. A disadvantage of this approach, however, is that it does not consider the effects of Se deposition on subsequent digestive availability. In this study, an assessment was made of the water-soluble extracts of commercially available Se-enriched yeast samples for free, peptide-bound and total water-soluble SeMet. Using LC-MS/MS, a total of 62 Se-containing proteins were identified across four Se yeast products, displaying quantitative/qualitative changes in abundance relative to the certified reference material, SELM-1 (P value <0.05; fold change ≥2). Overall, the study indicates that significant differences exist between Se yeast products in terms of SeMet content, Se-containing protein abundance and associated metabolic pathways.

Influence of Dietary Selenium Species on Selenoamino Acid Levels in Rainbow Trout

Two forms of selenium (Se) supplementation of fish feeds were compared in two different basal diets. A 12-week feeding trial was performed with rainbow trout fry using either a plant-based or a fish meal-based diet. Se yeast and selenite were used for Se supplementation. Total Se and Se speciation were determined in both diets and whole body of trout fry using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The two selenoamino acids, selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocysteine (SeCys), were determined in whole body of fry after enzymatic digestion using protease type XIV with a prior derivatization step in the case of SeCys. The plant-based basal diet was found to have a much lower total Se than the fish meal-based basal diet with concentrations of 496 and 1222 μg(Se) kg(-1), respectively. Dietary Se yeast had a higher ability to raise whole body Se compared to selenite. SeMet concentration in the fry was increased only in the case of Se yeast supplementation, whereas SeCys levels were similar at the end of the feeding trial for both Se supplemented forms. The results show that the fate of dietary Se in fry is highly dependent on the form brought through supplementation and that a plant-based diet clearly benefits from Se supplementation.

Preparation and characterization of a laboratory scale selenomethionine-enriched bread. Selenium bioaccessibility

This study focuses on the preparation at lab scale of selenomethionine-enriched white and wholemeal bread. Selenium was supplemented either by adding selenite directly to the dough or by using lab-made selenium-enriched yeast. The best results were obtained when using fresh selenium-enriched yeast. The optimum incubation time for selenomethionine-enriched yeast preparation, while keeping formation of selenium byproducts to a minimum, was 96 h. Selenium content measured by isotope dilution analysis (IDA)-ICP-MS in Se-white and Se-wholemeal bread was 1.28 ± 0.02 μg g–1 and 1.16 ± 0.02 μg g–1 (expressed as mean ± SE, 3 replicates), respectively. HPLC postcolumn IDA-ICP-MS measurements revealed that selenomethionine was the main Se species found in Se-enriched bread, which accounted for ca. 80% of total selenium. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion assay provided selenium bioaccessibility values of 100 ± 3% and 40 ± 1% for white and wholemeal Se-enriched bread, respectively, being selenomethionine the main bioaccessible Se species in white bread, while in wholemeal bread this compound was undetectable.

In ovo exposure to selenomethionine via maternal transfer increases developmental toxicities and impairs swim performance in F1 generation zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Selenomethionine (SeMet) is the major form of organoselenium present in food. Adult female fish can accumulate greater concentrations of SeMet from food in aquatic ecosystems contaminated with selenium (Se), and maternal transfer to eggs increases the incidence of developmental toxicities and mortality in F1 generation larval fish. The present study was designed to investigate both immediate and persistent adverse effects of graded exposure to SeMet via in ovo maternal transfer to F1 generation zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult zebrafish were fed either control food (1.3μg Se/g, dry mass or d.m.) or food spiked with increasing concentrations of Se (3.7, 9.6 or 26.6μg Se/g, d.m.) in the form of SeMet for 60d at 5% body mass/d ration, and an additional 30-40d with equal rations (2.5%) of control or SeMet-spiked diets and clean chironomids. Concentrations of Se in eggs of adult zebrafish fed 1.3, 3.7, 9.6 or 26.6μg Se/g d.m. were 2.1, 6.0, 9.6 and 21.9μg Se/g d.m., respectively. Exposure to SeMet via in ovo maternal transfer increased larval zebrafish mortalities in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. In order to investigate persistent adverse effects of in ovo exposure to excess Se, we determined swim performance (Ucrit), tailbeat amplitude and frequency, energy stores (whole body triglycerides and glycogen), and a marker of the physiological stress response (whole body cortisol) of F1 generation zebrafish at 140 days post-fertilization (dpf), and reproductive performance at 180dpf. Reduced Ucrit was observed in F1 generation adult zebrafish exposed to ≥6.0μg Se/g d.m. Concentrations of whole body glycogen in the 6.0μg Se/g d.m. exposed group were significantly lower than the controls. However, no differences were found in concentrations of whole body triglycerides or cortisol in adult zebrafish. Mortalities and developmental toxicities in offspring (F2 generation) of F1 generation adult zebrafish exposed to excess Se via in ovo maternal transfer were comparable to the controls. Overall, the results of this study suggest that exposure to greater concentrations of SeMet via in ovo maternal transfer can significantly impact the survivability of F1 generation fish, which could impact recruitment of wild fish inhabiting Se-contaminated aquatic ecosystems.

Effect of dietary selenomethionine on growth performance, tissue burden, and histopathology in green and white sturgeon

A comparative examination of potential differences in selenium (Se) sensitivity was conducted on two sturgeon species indigenous to the San Francisco Bay-Delta. Juvenile green (Acipenser medirostris), recently given a federally threatened status, and white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) were exposed to one of four nominal concentrations of dietary l-selenomethionine (SeMet) (0 (control), 50, 100, or 200 mg SeMet/kg diet) for 8 weeks. Mortality, growth performance, whole body composition, histopathology, and Se burdens of the whole body, liver, kidneys, gills, heart, and white muscle were determined every 2 to 4 weeks. Significant (p<0.05) mortality was observed in green sturgeon fed the highest SeMet diet after 2 weeks, whereas no mortality was observed in white sturgeon. Growth rates were significantly reduced in both species; however, green sturgeon was more adversely affected by the treatment. Dietary SeMet significantly affected whole body composition and most noticeably, in the decline of lipid contents in green sturgeon. Selenium accumulated significantly in all tissues relative to the control groups. After 4 and 8 weeks of exposure, marked abnormalities were observed in the kidneys and liver of both sturgeon species; however, green sturgeon was more susceptible to SeMet than white sturgeon at all dietary SeMet levels. Our results showed that a dietary Se concentration at 19.7 ± 0.6 mg Se/kg, which is in range with the reported Se concentrations of the benthic macro-vertebrate community of the San Francisco Bay, had adverse effects on both sturgeon species. However, the exposure had a more severe pathological effect on green sturgeon, suggesting that when implementing conservation measures, this federally listed threatened species should be monitored and managed independently from white sturgeon.

Study of selenocompounds from selenium-enriched culture of edible sprouts

Selenium is recognised as an essential micronutrient for humans and animals. One of the main sources of selenocompounds in the human diet is vegetables. Therefore, this study deals with the Se species present in different edible sprouts grown in Se-enriched media. We grew alfalfa, lentil and soy in a hydroponic system amended with soluble salts, containing the same proportion of Se, in the form of Se(VI) and Se(IV). Total Se in the sprouts was determined by acidic digestion in a microwave system and by ICP/MS. Se speciation was carried out by enzymatic extraction (Protease XIV) and measured by LC-ICP/MS. The study shows that the Se content of plants depends on the content in the growth culture, and that part of the inorganic Se was biotransformed mainly into SeMet. These results contribute to our understanding of the uptake of inorganic Se and its biotransformation by edible plants.

Nonchromatographic speciation of selenium in edible oils using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A methodology for the nonchromatographic separation of the main selenium species present in edible oils is presented. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction is used to extract inorganic selenium (iSe), seleno-L-cystine (SeCys₂), seleno-L-methionine (SeMet), and selenocystamine (SeCM) into a slightly acidic aqueous medium. The selenium total (tSe) content is measured in the extracts by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. By repeating the microextraction stage using an ionic liquid instead of water, the sum of SeCys₂, SeMet, and SeCM is obtained and iSe is calculated by difference. The detection limit is 0.03 ng of Se per gram of oil. The fractionation of the edible oils by solid phase extraction followed by dispersive liquid-liquid extraction and atomic absorption measurement also permits speciation of iSe to be carried out. Data for tSe and iSe levels of 15 samples of different origin are given.

Chemical characterisation and speciation of organic selenium in cultivated selenium-enriched Agaricus bisporus

The selenium concentration in Agaricus bisporus cultivated in growth compost irrigated with sodium selenite solution increased by 28- and 43-fold compared to the control mushroom irrigated solely with water. Selenium contents of mushroom proteins increased from 13.8 to 60.1 and 14.1 to 137 μgSe/g in caps and stalks from control and selenised mushrooms, respectively. Selenocystine (SeCys; detected as [SeCys]2 dimer), selenomethionine (SeMet), and methyl-selenocysteine (MeSeCys) were separated, identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry from water solubilised and acetone precipitated proteins, and significant increases were observed for the selenised mushrooms. The maximum selenoamino acids concentration in caps and stalks of control/selenised mushrooms was 4.16/9.65 μg/g dried weight (DW) for SeCys, 0.08/0.58 μg/g DW for SeMet, and 0.031/0.10 μg/g DW for MeSeCys, respectively. The most notable result was the much higher levels of SeCys accumulated by A. bisporus compared to SeMet and MeSeCys, for both control and selenised A. bisporus.

Accelerated determination of selenomethionine in selenized yeast: validation of analytical method

The purpose of this study was to reduce the extraction time, to hours instead of days, for quantification of the selenomethionine (SeMet) content of selenized yeast. An accelerated method using microwave-assisted enzymatic extraction and ultrasonication was optimized and applied to certified reference material (selenized yeast reference material (SELM)-1). Quantitation of SeMet in the extracts was performed by liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The limits of detection and quantitation were 5 ppb SeMet and 15 ppb SeMet respectively and the signal response was linear up to 1,500 ppb SeMet. The average recovery of spiked SeMet from the selenized yeast matrix was 97.7 %. Analysis of an SELM-1 using this method resulted in 100.9 % recovery of the certified value (3448 ± 146 ppm SeMet). This method is suitable for fast reliable determination of SeMet in selenized yeast.

Selenium species and their distribution in freshwater fish from Argentina

The distribution and speciation of selenium (Se) in freshwater fish (muscle and liver tissue) from lakes in Argentina was investigated. Three introduced species, brown trout (Salmo trutta), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and one native species, creole perch (Percichthys trucha), were investigated. Values for total selenium in muscle ranged from 0.66 to 1.61 μg/g, while in the liver, concentrations were much higher, from 4.46 to 73.71 μg/g on a dry matter basis. Separation of soluble Se species (SeCys(2), selenomethionine (SeMet), SeMeSeCys, selenite and selenate) was achieved by ion exchange chromatography and detection was performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results showed that in fish muscle, from 47 to 55 % of selenium was soluble and the only Se species identified was SeMet, which represented around 80 % of soluble Se, while in the liver, the amount of soluble Se ranged from 61 to 76 % and the percentage of species identified (SeMet and SeCys(2)) was much lower and ranged from 8 to 17 % of soluble Se.

The interactive effects of selenomethionine and methylmercury on their absorption, disposition, and elimination in juvenile white sturgeon

Selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) are prevalent pollutants of industrialized watersheds. However, when co-administered, Se has protective effects on organisms from Hg. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought that Se reduces Hg availability, either by forming biologically inert complexes and/or associating with selenoproteins. Despite concerns with aquatic contaminations, relatively little information is available on the interaction in aquatic organisms. In the present study, the interactive effects of Se and Hg on their absorption, disposition, and elimination were examined in juvenile white sturgeon, a benthic fish species at high risk to exposures of both contaminants. Selenium and Hg were provided as L-selenomethionine (SeMet) and methylmercury (MeHg), respectively. Groups of 10 sturgeon were orally intubated with a single dose of either 0 (control), SeMet (500 μg Se/kg body weight; BW), MeHg (850 μg Hg/kg BW), or their combination (Se/Hg; 500 μg Se/kg and 850 μg Hg/kg BW). The blood was repeatedly sampled and urine collected from the fish, over a 48 h post intubation period. At 48 h, the fish were sacrificed for Se and Hg tissue concentration and distribution. The co-administration of SeMet and MeHg significantly (p<0.05) lowered blood concentrations of both Se and Hg and tissue Se concentrations. Similarly, assimilation of Se and Hg was also reduced significantly. The interaction has a more quantitative effect on Se metabolism because the reduction in the overall tissue Se is a consequence of reduced Se absorption at the gut and not from the metabolic effects after absorption. In contrast, given the pulse increase in blood Hg concentration, tissue redistribution, and increased urinary elimination, the interactive effect on tissue Hg concentration is likely to be post-absorption. Even in the absence of exogenous SeMet, Se and Hg co-accumulated in tissue at a Se:Hg molar ratio greater than 1. Thus, similar to mammals, maintaining at least a 1:1 molar ratio of Se and Hg is of great physiological importance in the white sturgeon. Interestingly, SeMet did not divert Hg from the brain. Allocation of Se from the kidneys may have occurred in order to maintain the high Se:Hg molar ratios in the brain of white sturgeon. In the current study, the combined use of kinetic analysis and that of the conventional approach of measuring tissue concentration changes provided a comprehensive understanding of the interactive effect of SeMet and MeHg on their respective metabolic processes in juvenile white sturgeon.

Prostatic response to supranutritional selenium supplementation: comparison of the target tissue potency of selenomethionine vs. selenium-yeast on markers of prostatic homeostasis

Prostate cancer is the product of dysregulated homeostasis within the aging prostate. Supplementation with selenium in the form of selenized yeast (Se-yeast) significantly reduced prostate cancer incidence in the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial. Conversely, the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) showed no such cancer-protective advantage using selenomethionine (SeMet). The possibility that SeMet and Se-yeast are not equipotent in promoting homeostasis and cancer risk reduction in the aging prostate has not been adequately investigated; no direct comparison has ever been reported in man or animals. Here, we analyzed data on prostatic responses to SeMet or Se-yeast from a controlled feeding trial of 49 elderly beagle dogs-the only non-human species to frequently develop prostate cancer during aging-randomized to one of five groups: control; low-dose SeMet, low-dose Se-yeast (3 μg/kg); high-dose SeMet, high-dose Se-yeast (6 μg/kg). After seven months of supplementation, we found no significant selenium form-dependent differences in toenail or intraprostatic selenium concentration. Next, we determined whether SeMet or Se-yeast acts with different potency on six markers of prostatic homeostasis that likely contribute to prostate cancer risk reduction-intraprostatic dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), DHT:T, and epithelial cell DNA damage, proliferation, and apoptosis. By analyzing dogs supplemented with SeMet or Se-yeast that achieved equivalent intraprostatic selenium concentration after supplementation, we showed no significant differences in potency of either selenium form on any of the six parameters over three different ranges of target tissue selenium concentration. Our findings, which represent the first direct comparison of SeMet and Se-yeast on a suite of readouts in the aging prostate that reflect flux through multiple gene networks, do not further support the notion that the null results of SELECT are attributable to differences in prostatic consequences achievable through daily supplementation with SeMet, rather than Se-yeast.

A reliable solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method for the assay of selenomethionine and selenomethylselenocysteine in aqueous extracts: difference between selenized and not-enriched selenium potatoes

A new analytical approach is exploited in the assay of selenium speciation in selenized and not selenium enriched potatoes based on the widely available solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to-GC-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-QqQ MS) method. The assay of selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenomethylselenocysteine (SeMeSeCys) in potatoes here reported provides clues to the effectiveness of SPME technique combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which could be of general use. For the exploitation of the GC method, the selected analytes were converted into their N(O,S)-alkoxycarbonyl alkyl esters derivatives by direct treatment with alkyl chloroformate in aqueous extracts. The performance of five SPME fibers and three chloroformates were tested in univariate mode and the best results were obtained using the divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber and propylchloroformate. The variables affecting the efficiency of SPME analysis were optimized by the multivariate approach of design of experiment (DoE) and, in particular, a central composite design (CCD) was applied. Tandem mass spectrometry in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) has allowed the elimination of matrix interferences, providing reconstructed chromatograms with well-resolved peaks and the achievement of very satisfactory detection and quantification limits. Both precision and recovery of the proposed protocol tested at concentration of 8 and 40 μg kg(-1) (dry matter), offered values ranging from 82.3 to 116.3% and from 8.5 to 13.1% for recovery and precision, respectively. The application of the method to commercial samples of selenized and not selenium enriched potatoes proved that the Se fertilization increases significantly the concentration of these bioavailable selenoamino acids.

Effects of salinity on the toxicity and biotransformation of L-selenomethionine in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos: mechanisms of oxidative stress

Previous studies in mammals have shown that organoselenium depletes the cellular antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) due to activation of organoselenides to organoselenoxides by flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO). Since FMO tends to be induced in euryhaline fish exposed to hypersaline conditions, the developmental toxicity of salinity and organoselenium was examined in the euryhaline fish Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). FMO activity, GSH, and selenium concentrations in Japanese medaka embryos were measured following a 24-h exposure to 0.05 mM L-selenomethionine (SeMet) under different saline conditions: freshwater (<0.5 dS/m), 4.2, 6.7, and 16.8 dS/m. Concentrations of GSH and the hatch-out ratio of the SeMet-treated embryos decreased in a salinity dependent manner. While SeMet treatment led to accumulation within embryos, selenium concentrations were unaltered by salinity treatment. Compared to freshwater-exposed embryos, microsomes from embryos at 6.7 and 16.8 dS/m had enhanced oxidation of SeMet to the selenoxide (10- and 14.3-fold, respectively), which correlated with GSH depletion. The results show that increased SeMet oxidation by hypersaline conditions with subsequent GSH depletion may play an important role in the developmental toxicity of selenomethionine.

The effect of various forms of selenium supplied to pregnant goats on the levels of selenium in the body of their kids at the time of weaning

The aim of this trial was to compare the effect of long-term supplementation of goats with different forms of selenium on body reserves of selenium in their kids at the time of weaning. Thirty-three pregnant goats were divided into five groups. Group C was control while the other four groups were supplemented with selenium (Se) for 6 weeks before parturition (0.3 mg/goat/day) and after parturition (0.9 mg/goat/day). Group "Se-I" received sodium selenite and three other groups received organic forms: "Se-L," lactate-protein complex; "Se-P," Se-proteinate; and "Se-Y," Se-yeast. The kids were weaned at 3 months of age and samples of tissues (liver, pancreas, myocardium, lungs, kidneys, spleen, thigh, tongue, and diaphragm) were taken after slaughtering. The long-term supplementation of goats with Se influenced Se concentration in all examined tissues of kids. Significant differences (p≤0.01) were found between the control and all experimental groups, except for the renal cortex and pancreas (Se-I). The average increase of Se concentration in overall examined tissues in comparison with the control (100%) was as follows: Se-Y, 192%; Se-P, 167%; Se-L, 161%; Se-I, 144%. The highest efficiency was found in the group supplemented with Se-yeast with a high content of selenomethionine, also the other two organic forms of Se were more efficient than the inorganic form.

Crystallization of the fimbrial protein FimP from Actinomyces oris and of a triple Ile-to-Met mutant engineered to facilitate selenomethionine labelling

Actinomyces oris is an oral bacterium important for the development of dental plaque. It expresses two forms of fimbriae: type 1 and type 2. FimP, which is the fimbrial protein that is polymerized into the stalk of the type 1 fimbriae, was cloned, overexpressed and crystallized. X-ray data were collected and processed to 2.2 Å resolution. The crystals belonged to space group P2(1)2(1)2, with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. To facilitate structure determination using single anomalous dispersion, three methionines were introduced by site-directed mutagenesis. Crystals of selenomethionine-labelled protein were obtained by streak-seeding and diffracted to 2.0 Å resolution.

Chronic exposure to dietary selenomethionine increases gonadal steroidogenesis in female rainbow trout

Selenomethionine (Se-Met) is the major dietary form of selenium (Se). Detrimental effects have been associated with exposure to elevated dietary selenium. Previous studies have demonstrated effects of Se on the endocrine system, in particular effects on cortisol and thyroid hormones. However, no information is available regarding effects of Se on sex steroid hormones. In the present study, effects of dietary exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration (4.54 mg/kg wet weight (ww)) of Se-Met for 126 days on concentrations of sex steroid hormones in blood plasma of female rainbow trout were determined. Furthermore, the molecular basis for effects of Se-Met on plasma sex steroid hormone concentrations was investigated. Concentrations of androstenedione (A), estrone (E1), and estradiol (E2) were 39.5-, 3.8-, and 12.7-fold greater in plasma of treated females than the untreated controls, respectively. Testosterone (T) was detected only in plasma of treated females. The greater E2 concentration stimulated greater transcript abundance of vitellogenin (vtg) and zona-radiata protein (zrp). Female rainbow trout exposed to Se-Met had greater transcript abundance of key steroidogenic proteins and enzymes, including peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (pbr), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-hsd). Exposure to Se-Met did not affect transcript abundance of luteinizing hormone (lh) or follicle stimulating hormone (fsh). Similarly, there was no change in transcript abundance of luteinizing hormone receptor (lhr) or follicle stimulating hormone receptor (fshr). Long-term exposure to dietary Se-Met has the potential to stimulate vitellogenesis in female rainbow trout by directly stimulating ovarian tissue steroidogenesis. This is the first study to report effects of Se on sex steroid hormone production in fish.

Method development and optimization for the determination of selenium in bean and soil samples using hydride generation electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The present investigation is the first part of an initiative to prepare a regional map of the natural abundance of selenium in various areas of Brazil, based on the analysis of bean and soil samples. Continuous-flow hydride generation electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-ET AAS) with in situ trapping on an iridium-coated graphite tube has been chosen because of the high sensitivity and relative simplicity. The microwave-assisted acid digestion for bean and soil samples was tested for complete recovery of inorganic and organic selenium compounds (selenomethionine). The reduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV) was optimized in order to guarantee that there is no back-oxidation, which is of importance when digested samples are not analyzed immediately after the reduction step. The limits of detection and quantification of the method were 30 ng L(-1) Se and 101 ng L(-1) Se, respectively, corresponding to about 3 ng g(-1) and 10 ng g(-1), respectively, in the solid samples, considering a typical dilution factor of 100 for the digestion process. The results obtained for two certified food reference materials (CRM), soybean and rice, and for a soil and sediment CRM confirmed the validity of the investigated method. The selenium content found in a number of selected bean samples varied between 5.5±0.4 ng g(-1) and 1726±55 ng g(-1), and that in soil samples varied between 113±6.5 ng g(-1) and 1692±21 ng g(-1).

Distribution of Se and its species in Myriophyllum spicatum and Ceratophyllum demersum growing in water containing Se (VI)

The uptake of Se (VI) by two aquatic plants, Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Ceratophyllum demersum L., and its effects on their physiological characteristics have been studied. Plants were cultivated outdoors under semi-controlled conditions and in two concentrations of Na selenate solution (20 μg Se L(-1) and 10 mg Se L(-1)). The higher dose of Se reduced the photochemical efficiency of PSII in both species, while the lower dose had no effect on PSII. Addition of Se had no effect on the amounts of chlorophyll a and b. The concentration of Se in plants grown in 10 mg Se L(-1), averaged 212 ± 12 μg Seg(-1) DM in M. spicatum (grown from 8-13 d), and 492 ± 85 μg Se g(-1) DM in C. demersum (grown for 31 d). Both species could take up a large amount of Se. The amount of soluble Se compounds in enzyme extracts ranged from 16% to 26% in control, and in high Se solution from 48% to 36% in M. spicatum and C. demersum, respectively. Se-species were determined using HPLC-ICP-MS. The main soluble species in both plants was selenate (∼37%), while SeMet and SeMeSeCys were detected at trace levels.

Dietary selenomethionine exposure in adult zebrafish alters swimming performance, energetics and the physiological stress response

Selenomethionine (Se-Met) is the major form of organoselenium present in food. Early life stages of oviparous vertebrate species, especially fish, are highly susceptible to dietary selenium (Se) exposure; however less is known concerning effects in adults. The present study was designed to investigate behavioral and physiological consequences of dietary Se-Met exposure to adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult fish were fed either control food (1.3μg Se/g, dry weight or dw) or food spiked with varying measured concentrations of Se (3.7, 9.6 and 26.6 μg Se/g, dw) in the form of Se-Met for 60 days at 5% body weight/day ration, and an additional 30-40 days with equal ration (2.5%) of control or Se-Met spiked foods and clean chironomids. At the end of the exposure period, critical swimming speed (Ucrit), oxygen consumption (MO(2)), cost of transport (COT), tail beat amplitude, tail beat frequency, and whole body cortisol, triglyceride and glycogen levels were determined. Significantly reduced Ucrit was observed in fish fed 3.7, 9.6 and 26.6 μg Se/g when compared to control fish. Although MO(2) of fish fed >3 μg Se/g was consistently greater than control fish, those values were not statistically significant. There was no difference in COT among different treatment groups. Tail beat amplitudes of fish fed >3 μg Se/g were lower than control fish, however tail beat frequencies were not altered. Fish fed 3.7, 9.6 and 26.6 μg Se/g had greater whole body triglycerides and glycogen levels than control fish. Fish fed the highest concentration of Se (26.6 μg Se/g) had elevated levels of whole body cortisol compared to control fish. Our results suggest that environmentally relevant dietary Se-Met exposure can alter both behavioral and physiological responses in adult fish, and such consequences could threaten fitness of adult fish in Se impacted aquatic ecosystems.

Changes in selenium speciation associated with increasing tissue concentrations of selenium in wheat grain

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) collected in the Nawanshahr-Hoshiarpur Region (Punjab, India) showed the highest selenium concentrations ever recorded in cereal grains (29-185 microg g(-1)). There was a strong positive relationship between the selenium content in shoots and that in kernels, showing that grain selenium concentration can be predicted from that in the vegetative tissues of the plant. The identity and content of the selenocompounds in the grain samples and in wheat-based reference materials were investigated by HPLC-ICP-dynamic reaction cell-MS. Reversed-phase, cation exchange, and anion exchange HPLC were used to separate the selenium species after ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction with an ultrasonic probe. Selenomethionine and selenate accounted for 72-85% and 2-6% of the sum of the selenium species, respectively. The proportion of organic Se species varied with increasing Se content; namely, SeMet showed a relative reduction whereas the other organoselenium compounds increased up to 18-22% of the total chromatographed selenium. Se-methyl-selenocysteine was detected as a minor compound (0.2-0.5%) in high-Se wheat by both reversed-phase and cation exchange HPLC using retention time matching with the standard substance spiked to the sample extracts. Regular consumption of locally produced wheat-based food items may lead the population of the study area to an excessive intake of selenium. On the other hand, the large predominance of selenomethionine shows that local wheat can be a promising raw material for naturally enriched products to be used to supplement human and animal diets in low selenium areas.

Separation and determination of seleno amino acids using gas chromatography hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction

A new derivatization-extraction method for preconcentration of seleno amino acids using hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction (HF-LPME) was developed for the separation and determination of seleno amino acids in biological samples by gas chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC-ICP-MS). Derivatization was performed with ethyl chloroformate (ECF) to improve the volatility of seleno amino acids. Parameters influencing microextraction, including extraction solvent, pH of sample solution, extraction time, stirring speed, and inorganic salt concentration have been investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) obtained for Se-methyl-selenocysteine (SeMeCys), selenomethionine (SeMet), and selenoethionine (SeEth) were 23, 15, and 11 ng Se l(-1), respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 14.6%, 16.4%, and 19.4% for SeMeCys, SeMet, and SeEth (c = 1.0 ng ml(-1), n = 7), respectively, and the RSDs for SeMeCys, SeMet could be improved obviously if SeEth was utilized as the internal standard. The proposed method was applied for the determination of seleno amino acids in extracts of garlic, cabbage, and mushroom samples, and the recoveries for the spiked samples were in the range of 96.8-108% and 93.4-115% with and without the use of SeEth as internal standard. The developed method was also applied to the analysis of SeMet in a certified reference material of SELM-1 yeast and the determined value is in good agreement with the certified value.

Production and characterization of fully selenomethionine-labeled Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This paper reports, for the first time, a quantitative replacement of methionine (Met) by selenomethionine (SeMet) at >98% substitution, with up to 4940 microg of SeMet/g of yeast obtained for the entire protein pool of a wild-type yeast grown on a SeMet-containing medium. The incorporation of selenium in yeast proteins, in the form of selenomethionine, and the influence of various organic and inorganic Se and S sources present in the media were monitored during the growth of a wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae , which allowed the optimization of the composition of a fully defined synthetic growth medium that ensured maximum SeMet incorporation. Quantitation of SeMet and Met was performed by species-specific isotope dilution GC-MS. The use of ascorbic acid and a minimum concentration of cysteine (5 microg/L) was found to be beneficial to achieve incorporation by limiting the oxidative stress due to the presence of selenium. Except for small amounts of cysteine, no other sources of sulfur were necessary to achieve yeast growth. In a medium containing Se(VI), the maximum replacement of Met with SeMet was 50%, which is considerably higher than that obtained with the current commercial Se yeast formulations. For yeast grown in a Met-free defined medium, which was supplemented with SeMet, nearly total replacement of Met with SeMet could be achieved. The fully Se-labeled yeast could be an important tool for the study of eukaryotic protein structures both by mass spectrometry and by X-ray crystallography through selenomethionine single- and multiple-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD and MAD) phasing. In addition, a particular yeast strain, BY4741, that cannot synthesize Met using inorganic sulfur (met15Delta0) was shown to produce SeMet in the presence of inorganic selenium. This might indicate that the incorporation of inorganic selenium salts [Se(VI) and Se(IV)] is obviously not occurring exclusively through the same biological pathways as for sulfur. The reduction of inorganic Se to hydrogen selenide (H(2)Se), its reactions with organic compounds present in the yeast or in the media, and the possible metabolization through unspecific enzymatic pathways (such as transsulfuration) could also be of considerable importance in the production of selenoamino acids during yeast growth.

High potential for selenium biofortification of lentils ( Lens culinaris L.)

Beneficial forms of selenium (Se) and their impact on human health are a global topic of interest in public health. We are studying the genetic potential for Se biofortification of pulse crops to improve human nutrition. Lentils ( Lens culinaris L.) are an important protein and carbohydrate food and are a valuable source of essential dietary components and trace elements. We analyzed the total Se concentration of 19 lentil genotypes grown at eight locations for two years in Saskatchewan, Canada. We observed significant genotypic and environmental variation in total Se concentration in lentils and that total Se concentration in lentils ranged between 425 and 673 microg kg(-1), providing 77-122% of the recommended daily intake in 100 g of dry lentils. Over 70% of the Se was present as selenomethionine (SeMet) with a smaller fraction (<20%) as inorganic Se and very small amounts as selenocysteine (SeCys). We found that soils from the locations where the lentils were grown were rich in Se (37-301 microg kg(-1)) and that lentils grown in Saskatchewan have the potential to provide an excellent natural source of this essential element. Our analyses gave us a preliminary understanding of the genetic basis of Se uptake in lentil and indicated that any potential strategy for micronutrient biofortification in lentil will require choice of field locations that minimize the spatial variability of soil Se content.

Selenium species in selenium-enriched and drought-exposed potatoes

The aim of this work was to study selenium (Se) speciation in the potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar Desiree, enriched in Se by foliar spraying with a water solution containing 10 mg of Se/L in the form of sodium selenate. Four combinations of treatments were used: well-watered plants with and without Se foliar spraying and drought-exposed plants with and without Se foliar spraying. Water-soluble Se compounds were extracted from potato tubers by water or enzymatic hydrolysis with the enzyme protease XIV, amylase, or a combination of protease XIV and amylase. Extraction was performed using incubation at a constant temperature and stirring (37 degrees C at 200 rpm) or by ultrasound-assisted extraction (300 W), using different extraction times. Separation of soluble Se species (SeCys2, SeMet, SeMeSeCys, selenite, and selenate) was achieved by ion-exchange chromatography, and detection was performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results showed that the concentration of selenate extracted was independent of the enzymatic extraction technique (approximately 98 ng/g for drought-exposed and 308 ng/g for well-watered potato tubers), whereas the extraction yield of SeMet changed with the protocol used (10-36%). Selenate and SeMet were the main soluble Se species (representing 51-68% of total Se) in potato tubers, regardless of the growth conditions.

Chemical form of selenium in naturally selenium-rich lentils (Lens culinaris L.) from Saskatchewan

Lentils (Lens culinaris L.) are a source of many essential dietary components and trace elements for human health. In this study we show that lentils grown in the Canadian prairies are additionally enriched in selenium, an essential micronutrient needed for general well-being, including a healthy immune system and protection against cancer. Selenium K near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has been used to examine the selenium biochemistry of two lentil cultivars grown in various locations in Saskatchewan, Canada. We observe significant variations in total selenium concentration with geographic location and cultivar; however, almost all the selenium (86-95%) in these field-grown lentils is present as organic selenium modeled as selenomethionine with a small component (5-14%) as selenate. As the toxicities of certain forms of arsenic and selenium are antagonistic, selenium-rich lentils may have a pivotal role to play in alleviating the chronic arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh.

Expression, purification and crystallization of native and selenomethionine labeled Mycobacterium tuberculosis FGD1 (Rv0407) using a Mycobacterium smegmatis expression system

FGD1 is an F(420)-dependent glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that has been shown to be essential for activation of the anti-TB compound PA-824. Initial attempts to produce recombinant FGD1 using Escherichia coli as a host was unsuccessful, but when the alternative host Mycobacterium smegmatis was used, soluble protein yields of 7 mg/L of culture were achieved. Both native and selenomethionine-substituted FGD1 were obtained by culturing M. smegmatis in autoinduction media protocols originally developed for E. coli. Using these media afforded the advantages of decreased handling, as cultures did not require monitoring of optical density and induction, and reduced cost by removing the need for expensive ADC enrichment normally used in mycobacterial cultures. Selenomethionine was efficiently incorporated at levels required for multiwavelength anomalous diffraction experiments used in crystal structure determination. As far as we are aware this is the first protocol for preparation of selenomethionine-substituted protein in mycobacteria. Native and selenomethionine-labeled FGD1 were successfully crystallized by vapor diffusion, with the crystals diffracting to 2.1 Angstrom resolution.

Updated estimates of the selenomethionine content of NIST wheat reference materials by GC–IDMS

Updated estimates of the selenomethionine content of four NIST wheat reference materials have been obtained by use of a revised gas chromatography-stable-isotope dilution mass spectrometric method. The revised method makes use of digestion with methanesulfonic acid, which enables more complete recovery of endogenous selenomethionine than was previously achieved by overnight denaturing treatment in 0.1 mol L(-1) HCl. The NIST wheat reference materials each contain approximately 55% of their total Se content as selenomethionine. Information about forms of Se in reference materials adds value to these materials in Se speciation studies. Estimates of selenomethionine content are also provided for other wheat samples, including several grown under conditions of exposure to high Se levels. These samples also contain approximately 55% of their total Se content as selenomethionine. The consistent level of 55% of total selenium occurring in the form of selenomethionine when the total selenium content varies by a factor of 500 is suggestive of an active mechanism of incorporation of selenium into wheat grain. Figure Selenomethionine content of wheat samples.

Selenium Supplementation of Lactating Dairy Cows: Effect on Selenium Concentration in Blood, Milk, Urine, and Feces

The objectives were to determine effects of graded levels of selenized yeast derived from a specific strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CNCM I-3060) on animal performance and in selenium concentrations in the blood, milk, feces, and urine of dairy cows compared with sodium selenite; and to provide preliminary data on the proportion of selenium as selenomethionine in the milk and blood. Twenty Holstein cows were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design study in which all cows received the same total mixed rations, which varied only in source or concentration of dietary selenium. There were 5 experimental treatments. Total dietary selenium of treatment 1, which received no added selenium, was 0.15 mg/kg of dry matter, whereas values for treatments 2, 3, and 4, derived from selenized yeast, were 0.27, 0.33, and 0.40 mg/kg of dry matter, respectively. Treatment 5 contained 0.25 mg of selenium obtained from sodium selenite/kg of dry matter. There were no significant treatment effects on animal performance, and blood chemistry and hematology showed few treatment effects. Regression analysis noted significant positive linear effects of increasing dietary selenium derived from selenized yeast on selenium concentrations in the milk, blood, urine, and feces. In addition, milk selenium results indicated improved bioavailability of selenium from selenized yeast, compared with sodium selenite. Preliminary analyses showed that compared with sodium selenite, the use of selenized yeast increased the concentration of selenomethionine in the milk and blood. There was no indication of adverse effects on cow health associated with the use of selenized yeast.

Selenium long-term administration and its effect on mercury toxicity

An in vivo experiment was conducted to assess selenium bioaccumulation and bioaccessibility through the food chain and its effect on Hg toxicity. For this purpose 72 chickens were fed under different controlled conditions. Chickens were exposed to a common basal diet or a diet supplemented with Hg(II), MeHg, and Se(IV). Enzymatic digestion (feed, chicken muscle, liver, and kidney) as well as simulated human gastric and intestinal digestion (chicken muscle) led to the identification of selenomethionine (SeMet) in all the samples analyzed. Therefore, although chickens have no efficient mechanism for SeMet synthesis they can be considered as a source of SeMet due to its diet and the plant-animal food chain. The kidneys were the target organ for both total Se and SeMet in chickens (1604 +/- 136 and 128 +/- 6 microg kg(-1), respectively), but the greatest body store, among the tissues studied, was the muscle in both cases (84-96% of total Se). Long-term administration of inorganic and organic mercury did not alter SeMet distribution significantly. The antagonistic effect of Se on Hg toxicity by favoring MeHg demethylation is discussed.

Selenium speciation by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography–post-column UV irradiation coupled with atomic fluorescence spectrometry

A technique for the speciation of selenomethylcysteine (SeMeCys), selenocystine (SeCys), selenite [Se(IV)] and selenomethionine (SeMet) was established in this paper using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPAEC-AFS). Analytes were separated on an AminoPac PA10 column and then digested by on-line ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, which destroyed organic compound structure. Hydride generation was used as an available sample introduction technique for atomic fluorescence detection. The detection limits of four compounds were 1-5 microg/L (250 microL injection, 10 times of the baseline noise). The relative standard deviations (RSDs), calculated from seven consecutive injections of 100 microg/L standard mixtures, were from 2 to 4%. Selenious yeast tablet, which had been proposed as selenium supplement, and human urine collected from a volunteer were analyzed. Good spiked recoveries from 86 to 103% were obtained.