The role of selenium in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson''s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system in adults. It is characterized by slowly progressive muscle stiffness، tremor and loss of motor skills. When certain areas of the brain lose their ability to produce dopamine، this disorder occurs. Selenium is a trace element that has antioxidant properties and regulates dopamine levels in the body; it is an essential element for many physiological functions. The aim of this study was to compare the serum selenium concentration in Parkinson’s disease and healthy cohorts. In this case-control study، the serum level of selenium in patients with Parkinson’s disease and healthy cohorts was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Data were analyzed using MATLAB software version 6. 5. The result of this study demonstrated that there is significant difference between the serum level of selenium in patients with Parkinson''s disease and healthy individuals. Serum levels of selenium were 57 ± 13 μg/l in patients versus 93 ± 18 μg/l in healthy individuals; serum selenium levels in patients was 63% less than controls (P<0. 000). Selenium supplementation may help to eliminate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.