selenium

Dianabol is a well-known anabolic steroid; however, its misuse has been associated with hepatotoxic effects.

The present study aims to investigate the effects of selenium, vitamin E, and clove extract on liver function and apoptotic pathways to identify potential therapeutic strategies for mitigating steroid-induced hepatotoxicity.

Thirty-three male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. The control group received physiological serum, while experimental groups were administered dianabol (15 mg/kg) alone or in combination with vitamin E (100 IU/kg), selenium (0.5 mg/kg), and methanolic clove extract (4 mg/kg) for 42 days via oral gavage. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture, and liver tissues were excised for molecular analyses. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured, and apoptosis-related gene expression (BAX, BCL2) was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests.

Dianabol treatment resulted in a significant increase in AST activity, which was mitigated by clove extract. No significant differences in ALT activity were observed. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was elevated in the dianabol and selenium-treated group but decreased with clove extract. Dianabol suppressed pro-apoptotic BAX expression while increasing BCL2 expression. However, selenium, clove, and vitamin E counteracted these effects by enhancing BAX and reducing BCL2 expression, suggesting a potential protective role against dianabol-induced apoptosis suppression.

This study highlights the impact of dianabol on liver function and apoptosis-related gene expression, while demonstrating the protective potential of selenium, clove extract, and vitamin E.

Selenium (Se) deficiency leads to impairment of human immune function. Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common immune-related diseases that affects the quality of life among patients. This study aims to investigate the effect of adequate Se intake on the severity of symptoms and quality of life among participants with AR.

A total of 60 participants were recruited for the study and were divided into 2 groups; adequate Se intake (adSe) group and inadequate Se intake (InadSe) group based on nutritional suggestion calculated using a nutritional software package. All the participants were asked to complete the self-reported validated questionnaire on the severity of their symptoms and quality of life impairment for patients with AR.

The participants in InadSe group obtained significantly higher scores in almost all the aspects of the severity of symptoms and quality of life impairment compared with participants in adSe group (P<0.05). In addition, the amount of daily Se intake of the participants in this study was negatively correlated with the total scores of the questionnaires (P<0.05).

The findings of this study indicated adequate Se intake, according to the recognized dietary guidelines, which tends to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life among people with AR.

Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is widely used in clinical practice for various ailments. However, its use is associated with detrimental effects on the liver, including inflammation and oxidative stress. Selenium, an essential trace element, may serve as an effective ergogenic aid by enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve liver health.

The current study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of selenium supplementation and HIIT on dexamethasone-induced liver inflammation in rats.

Forty male Wistar rats (aged 6 - 8 weeks, 150 - 190 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8 per group): (1) Normal control (NC), (2) dexamethasone control (DC), (3) dexamethasone + high-intensity interval training + saline (DT), (4) dexamethasone + selenium supplement (DS), and (5) dexamethasone + selenium supplement + high-intensity interval training (DST). The training groups performed HIIT at a velocity of 24 - 34 m/min (~85% - 100% VO 2max ) for four weeks (5 days/week). Supplement groups received 100 mg of selenium (on odd days) via oral gavage. Inflammatory induction was achieved through subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg for 3 days). Gene expression levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-5 (IL-1β) in liver tissue were determined using real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc tests (P < 0.05).

Four weeks of dexamethasone supplementation significantly downregulated the inflammatory markers IL-4 (P = 0.077) and IL-1β (P = 0.029). Subsequently, HIIT and selenium supplementation were associated with significant modulation of IL-4 and IL-1β (P < 0.05). According to the Bonferroni results, HIIT combined with selenium supplementation had the greatest impact on the modulation of inflammatory markers in liver tissue.

These findings suggest that selenium supplementation combined with HIIT can effectively improve inflammatory conditions in individuals suffering from liver metaflammation.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is described by structural or functional defects staying for three months. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) face complications and increased susceptibility to infections due to their compromised immune system. In addition, malnutrition and chronic inflammatory conditions are prevalent in CKD patients. Selenium, an essential trace element, plays a crucial role as a cofactor in antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GPX), contributing to vascular endothelial function. Selenium deficiency in patients with ESKD may intensify oxidative stress, increase susceptibility to cardiovascular complications, and impact mortality rates. Despite the significance of selenium in this context, studies on its levels in children undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are limited.

This study assessed serum selenium levels in children undergoing HD, compared with healthy children. Furthermore, we sought to establish correlations between selenium levels and inflammatory profiles in the HD group.

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 pediatric patients with ESKD undergoing HD (HD group) and 50 healthy children (control group) in Tehran, Iran. Blood samples were collected from both groups, and serum selenium levels along with inflammatory markers were analyzed. The inclusion criteria encompassed pediatric ESKD patients undergoing HD for at least six months without recent inflammation or infections. The exclusion criteria comprised active infections, immunodeficiency syndromes, and corticosteroid therapy. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistics.

Significant differences were observed in serum selenium levels between the HD and control groups (P=0.039). Correlation analysis disclosed a direct relationship among selenium levels and participant age (r = 0.235, P=0.036), with no significant difference between genders. Notably, significant correlations were found between selenium levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). In contrast, no significant correlation between selenium levels and other inflammatory profiles was established.

This study underscores the importance of assessing serum selenium levels in pediatric ESKD patients undergoing HD. Understanding the interplay between selenium deficiency and inflammatory profiles can inform interventions aimed at improving outcomes and reducing complications in this vulnerable population. Further researches are necessary to explain these associations and to explore possible therapeutic interventions.

Selenium, a trace element present in specific selenoproteins, is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium is also an antioxidant with immunosuppressive properties and may help in managing thyroid autoimmune diseases, including Graves’ (GD) hyperthyroidism and Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO). There were 320 clinical studies related to selenium and thyroid published in English and French between January 1, 2000, and June 1, 2023. Our focus was to identify studies reporting levels of serum selenium in patients with GD and studies that assessed the effect of selenium supplementation on outcomes of GD hyperthyroidism and GO. We also reviewed 20 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials that reported selenium levels in GD and the effects of supplementation on GD and GO outcomes. Our review showed that patients with GD had serum selenium levels lower than those of various control patients. In the short-term, a selenium supplement to antithyroid drugs showed benefit for GD hyperthyroidism in most studies, but long-term benefits and positive effects on remission rate were unclear. Some studies did not show benefit. The benefits may depend on baseline selenium deficiency. Two randomized controlled trials showed positive effects of supplementation for mild GO; however, studies about moderate and severe GO are still needed. There is evidence for benefit with short-term selenium supplementation for GD hyperthyroidism, but controlled studies are needed to assess long-term benefits, and benefits in selenium-sufficient areas.

The involvement of essential trace elements in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) has been suggested, although the available evidence is limited.

The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between serum selenium (Se), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) status with thyroid auto-antibodies and thyroid echogenicity in women with newly diagnosed HT.

A cohort of newly diagnosed female HTs (n = 56) and matched controls (n = 64) were recruited. Serum Se, Fe, Zn, and Cu were measured by furnace graphite atomic absorption spectrometry (FGAAS). Thyroid hormone profiles and thyroid autoantibodies were assessed via ELISA.

In HTs, mean serum Se, Fe, and Zn were significantly lower, while serum Cu was higher in HTs compared to controls (64.11 ± 20.75 vs. 92.3 ± 29.36 μg/L, 53.67 ± 14.09 vs. 70.38 ± 18.44 μg/dL, 64.38 ± 18.88 vs. 90.89 ± 29.99 μg/dL, and 101.18 ± 33.40 vs. 82.2 ± 26.82 μg/dL; all P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between serum Se, Zn, and Cu with thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibody (Tg-Ab) levels (P < 0.001). While no significant correlation was observed between thyroid antibodies and serum Fe levels, logistic regression revealed associations between thyroid antibodies and serum Fe. Upon dividing serum Se and Zn into quartiles, there was a significant alteration in the levels of TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab, with a reduction in the levels of antibodies observed from the first quartile to the fourth quartile.

We conclude that Se, Fe, and Zn deficiency, coupled with increased Cu levels, are associated with elevated thyroid antibodies in the setting of Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation represents a promising approach for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These stem cells, however, have a short lifespan following transplantation into recipient animals. Selenium nanoparticles, due to their size, aid in drug delivery for brain disorders. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of MSCs and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-coated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in a rat model of AD.

An Alzheimer-like phenotype was induced through intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of streptozotocin (STZ).  Rats were assigned to five groups: control, Alz (STZ; 3 mg/kg, 10 μl, ICV), Alz+stem cell (ICV transplantation), Alz+SeNP (0.4 mg/kg, orally), and Alz+stem cell+SeNPs. The ICV administration of STZ mimicked some aspects of AD in the Alz groups. SeNPs were administrated for 30 days following STZ administration. The novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance learning (PAL) tests were used to evaluate cognition and memory. Oxidative stress biomarkers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were assessed by biochemical analysis, ELISA kits, and Congo red staining, respectively. 

The combined therapy of PVA-coated SeNPs and MSC transplantation was more effective in enhancing memory reacquisition compared to either SeNPs or MSCs alone. The use of stem cells in conjunction with PVA-coated SeNPs significantly boosted anti-oxidant capacity.

The results suggest that the joint treatment with PVA-coated SeNPs and MSCs offers considerable neuroprotection against AD in animal models.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the potential side effects of vancomycin in children with systemic infections. We aimed to evaluate the effect of selenium on the prevention of Vancomycin-associated AKI (VA-AKI) This study is a parallel randomized controlled trial in Heshmatieh Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. According to the simple random sampling method, thirty patients between 1 month and 18 years old with systemic infections were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention and control groups were treated with vancomycin plus selenium and vancomycin alone, respectively. Urine and blood samples were obtained from patients at the beginning and seven days after the treatment to evaluate AKI among patients. We found no significant difference between baseline BUN, creatinine, and microalbumin in the two groups (P>0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups post-treatment urine microalbumin (P= 0.045). The frequency of AKI in the intervention group [5(33.3%)] was lower than the control group [11(73.3%)] (P = 0.02). There were few changes between the mean difference baseline and post-treatment Cr (0.1mg/dl) and BUN (2.9mg/dl). Drug efficacy was 66%, and the number needed to treat (NNT) was equal to 2.In the present study, we concluded that selenium could prevent vancomycin-induced AKI. Future investigations on the higher numbers of patients are needed.

Patients with acute stroke are vulnerable to infectious diseases due to low consciousness, aspiration, dysphagia, and underlying conditions. Zinc and selenium play critical roles in boosting the immune system. This study aimed to compare serum zinc and selenium levels in patients with stroke before and after infection.

The present prospective study was conducted on patients with stroke in Hamadan, west of Iran, from 2019 to 2020. Serum levels of zinc and selenium were measured before and after infection in patients with stroke. The calculated sample size for this study was 78 patients. A paired t-test was used to compare the mean zinc and selenium levels. The linear regression model was used to assess the association of clinical and para-clinical factors with the change in the serum level of selenium after infection. The level of statistical significance was 0.05.

The mean (±SD) age of participants was 71.33±14.27 years, and 55.1% of the participants were female. The mean (±SD) serum zinc levels before and after infection were 80.4±7.6 µg/dL and 74.3±7.9 µg/dL, respectively, indicating a significant difference (P<0.001). These values for selenium were 118.1±42.8 µg/dL and 78.4±29.4 µg/dL, respectively (P<0.001). There was a significant association between sepsis and decreases in the levels of selenium (-28.86 µg/dL, 95% CI: -56.13, -1.59) and zinc (-9.84 µg/dL, 95% CI: -16.12, -3.56).

Based on our results, the levels of zinc and selenium in patients with stroke significantly decrease after infection compared to before infection.

 The objective of this study was to develop a nanoencapsulated platform for coenzyme Q10 nanoparticles (coQNPs) or selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and explore their potential therapeutic benefits in treating hyperlipidemia and combating simvastatin (SV)-induced myopathy and adverse reactions in hyperlipidemic rats.

 The physical and chemical properties of the solid nanoparticles, coQNPs, and SeNPs were characterized, including zeta potential studies. Male Wistar albino rats were treated with various interventions for 112 days, including a nano-vehicle only, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD with SV alone, or with coQNPs or/and SeNPs for the last 30 days.

 The coQNPs and SeNPs exhibited uniform spherical shapes with high encapsulation efficiency (EE% 91.20±2.14 and 94.89±1.54, respectively). The results demonstrated that coQNPs and SeNPs effectively reduced hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, SV-induced myopathy, and hepatotoxicity. However, combining SV with coQNPs and SeNPs resulted in severe liver and muscle damage. Treatment with SV and SeNPs or SV and coQNPs alone showed significant improvements compared to SV treatment alone.

 These findings suggest that the CoQNPs or SeNPs platforms offer advanced relief for hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance while limiting adverse effects such as myopathy and hepatotoxicity.

The oxidant/ antioxidant balance is disrupted in anemia. Antioxidant capacity depends on antioxidant enzyme activity and some trace elements. This study aimed to evaluate oxidant/ antioxidant status and its correlation with red blood cell indices and anemia severity in anemic patients.

Blood samples were taken from 90 anemic patients and 95 healthy people. Circulatory miR-122 was assayed by real-time PCR. Malondialdehyde (MDA), pro-oxidant/ antioxidant balance (PAB), supper oxide demitasse (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPxs) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and zinc were measured by colorimetric method. Selenium was also determined using atomic absorption.

Selenium and zinc decreased significantly in the case group (**P=0.004 and ***P=0.000). The amount of miR-122 up-regulated in the anemia (**P=0.003). MDA was significantly raised in the case vs control (***P=0.0002). PAB was higher in the case group (**P=0.005). SOD and GPxs activity was decreased along with TAC in anemic patients (*P=0.02, **P=0.008, *P=0.038). Zinc and PAB levels correlated with some red blood cell indices. PAB was associated with anemia severity.

Increased PAB and decreased zinc/selenium increased oxidant levels in anemic patients. RBC indices and anemia severity were correlated with oxidant/ antioxidant somewhere.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rapid loss of kidney function that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Oxidative hazard, inflammation, mitochondrial deterioration and depletion of cellular energy stores, which terminate in organ dysfunction, are the major hallmarks of AKI. The current experimental investigation attempted to evaluate the effects of selenium (Se), a pivotal micronutrient, on the ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced kidney damage emphasizing on the biogenesis of mitochondria.

Male Wistar rats (n = 18) were randomly allocated into three groups: sham, IR, and Se + IR. Rats in the last group 1 h before IR induction, were treated with Se (0.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Six hours after reperfusion blood and kidney tissue samples were collected, and animals were euthanized. In addition to the evaluation of biochemical factors and histopathology, the protein levels of sirtuin1 (SIRT-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) of the kidney tissues were determined via western blotting.

Pre-treatment with Se could significantly improve IR-induced kidney function markers (creatinine and BUN) as well as the pathological alteration in comparison with the IR group (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the Se + IR group, a substantial surge of the Sirt-1 and PGC-1α at the protein level was recorded compared to the IR group.

The results proposed that Se displays a protective role against renal IR injury via up-regulating proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. Due to the pivotal role of mitochondria in renal tubules, these results offer insight into the plausible preventative and/or therapeutic effects of Se against AKI after further studies.

Acute-phase inflammatory and oxidative response following major gastrointestinal surgeries may lead to critical conditions in pediatric patients. Selenium plays a key role in the antioxidant defense system and anti-inflammatory pathways, which are important in the clinical outcomes of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The present study aimed to assess the possible correlations between serum selenium levels and clinical outcomes in PICU patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgeries.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 66 critically ill pediatric patients who were in the postoperative stage of major gastrointestinal surgeries. Serum selenium concentration was assessed using the atomic absorption method, and the clinical outcomes were collected prospectively.

Serum selenium concentration upon PICU admission was 38.9±9.8 ng/ml, and no significant correlation was observed between the serum selenium level and the nutritional status of the patients. Furthermore, no significant associations were denoted between the serum selenium concentration and some clinical outcomes, such as the duration of ventilator dependency, PICU length of stay, and PICU/28-day mortality. However, the statistical analysis of the obtained data showed negative, significant associations between the serum selenium concentration, infection rate, and length of hospital stay (P= 0.01 and P=0.04, respectively).

According to the results, serum selenium concentration decreased in the post-gastrointestinal-surgery patients admitted to the PICU upon PICU admission, and the reduction was associated with prolonged hospitalization and a higher infection rate.