Selenium deficiency associated porcine and human cardiomyopathies

Selenium-Encoded Isotopic Signature Targeted Profiling

Selenium (Se), as an essential trace element, plays crucial roles in many organisms including humans. The biological functions of selenium are mainly mediated by selenoproteins, a unique class of selenium-containing proteins in which selenium is inserted in the form of selenocysteine. Due to their low abundance and uneven tissue distribution, detection of selenoproteins within proteomes is very challenging, and therefore functional studies of these proteins are limited. In this study, we developed a computational method, named as selenium-encoded isotopic signature targeted profiling (SESTAR), which utilizes the distinct natural isotopic distribution of selenium to assist detection of trace selenium-containing signals from shotgun-proteomic data. SESTAR can detect femtomole quantities of synthetic selenopeptides in a benchmark test and dramatically improved detection of native selenoproteins from tissue proteomes in a targeted profiling mode. By applying SESTAR to screen publicly available datasets from Human Proteome Map, we provide a comprehensive picture of selenoprotein distributions in human primary hematopoietic cells and tissues. We further demonstrated that SESTAR can aid chemical-proteomic strategies to identify additional selenoprotein targets of RSL3, a canonical inducer of cell ferroptosis. We believe SESTAR not only serves as a powerful tool for global profiling of native selenoproteomes, but can also work seamlessly with chemical-proteomic profiling strategies to enhance identification of target proteins, post-translational modifications, or protein-protein interactions.

Associations Between Selenium Content in Hair and Kashin-Beck Disease/Keshan Disease in Children in Northwestern China: a Prospective Cohort Study

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between selenium content in hair and the incidence of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and Keshan disease (KD) in China. A prospective cohort study was conducted among children aged 5-12 years with different levels of low-selenium (group 1, Se ≤ 110 ng/g; group 2, 110 < Se ≤ 150 ng/g; and group 3, 150 < Se ≤ 200 ng/g) or selenium-supplemented (group 4, Se > 200 ng/g) exposure. A person-years approach was used to calculate the incidence and rate of positive clinical signs. Relative risk (RR), attributable risk, and etiologic fraction were used to determine the strength of association between selenium and disease incidence. Seven new KBD cases were diagnosed during 3-year follow-up. Positive clinical signs of KBD were found in 17.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.27-21.29) cases per 100 person-years in group 1, 13.28 (9.82-16.74) in group 2, 12.95 (9.34-16.56) in group 3, and 8.18 (5.50-10.85) in group 4. Compared with group 4, the RR (95% CI) of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 2.17 (1.48-3.19), 1.62 (1.07-2.47), and 1.58 (1.03-2.43), respectively. Positive clinical signs of KD were 25.90 (18.62-33.18) cases per 100 person-years in group 1, 5.66 (1.26-10.06) in group 2, 4.60 (0.20-9.00) in group 3, and 14.62 (8.54-20.69) in group 4. Compared with group 4, the RR (95% CI) were 1.77 (1.07-2.93), 0.39 (0.16-0.93), and 0.31 (0.11-0.89), respectively. In children, the onset of KBD was negatively correlated with selenium content within a certain range. However, there may be a U-shaped association between selenium content and KD in children.

Emerging roles of endoplasmic reticulum-resident selenoproteins in the regulation of cellular stress responses and the implications for metabolic disease

Chronic metabolic stress leads to cellular dysfunction, characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The ER is gaining recognition as a key organelle in integrating cellular stress responses. ER homeostasis is tightly regulated by a complex antioxidant system, which includes the seven ER-resident selenoproteins - 15 kDa selenoprotein, type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase and selenoproteins S, N, K, M and T. Here, the findings from biochemical, cell-based and mouse studies investigating the function of ER-resident selenoproteins are reviewed. Human experimental and genetic studies are drawn upon to highlight the relevance of these selenoproteins to the pathogenesis of metabolic disease. ER-resident selenoproteins have discrete roles in the regulation of oxidative, ER and inflammatory stress responses, as well as intracellular calcium homeostasis. To date, only two of these ER-resident selenoproteins, selenoproteins S and N have been implicated in human disease. Nonetheless, the potential of all seven ER-resident selenoproteins to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction warrants further investigation.

Risks to human and animal health related to the presence of moniliformin in food and feed

Moniliformin (MON) is a mycotoxin with low molecular weight primarily produced by Fusarium fungi and occurring predominantly in cereal grains. Following a request of the European Commission, the CONTAM Panel assessed the risk of MON to human and animal health related to its presence in food and feed. The limited information available on toxicity and on toxicokinetics in experimental and farm animals indicated haematotoxicity and cardiotoxicity as major adverse health effects of MON. MON causes chromosome aberrations in vitro but no in vivo genotoxicity data and no carcinogenicity data were identified. Due to the limitations in the available toxicity data, human acute or chronic health‐based guidance values (HBGV) could not be established. The margin of exposure (MOE) between the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) of 6.0 mg/kg body weight (bw) for cardiotoxicity from a subacute study in rats and the acute upper bound (UB) dietary exposure estimates ranged between 4,000 and 73,000. The MOE between the lowest benchmark dose lower confidence limit (for a 5% response ‐ BMDL₀₅) of 0.20 mg MON/kg bw per day for haematological hazards from a 28‐day study in pigs and the chronic dietary human exposure estimates ranged between 370 and 5,000,000 for chronic dietary exposures. These MOEs indicate a low risk for human health but were associated with high uncertainty. The toxicity data available for poultry, pigs, and mink indicated a low or even negligible risk for these animals from exposure to MON in feed at the estimated exposure levels under current feeding practices. Assuming similar or lower sensitivity as for pigs, the CONTAM Panel considered a low or even negligible risk for the other animal species for which no toxicity data suitable for hazard characterisation were identified. Additional toxicity studies are needed and depending on their outcome, the collection of more occurrence data on MON in food and feed is recommended to enable a comprehensive human risk assessment.

Selenium: implications for outcomes in extremely preterm infants

Extremely preterm infants are at high risk for morbidities including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and retinopathy of prematurity likely related to their exposure to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species early in life. Selenium is a trace mineral contributes to the proper function of multiple systems including immunity, redox regulation, and inflammation via the "selenoenzymes" glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, and selenoprotein P. Given that selenium accretion via the placenta occurs primarily during the third trimester, preterm neonates are born selenium deficient. While the role of selenium in animals and adults is better described, publications are lacking in the neonatal population regarding consequences of selenium deficiency or toxicity, accurate monitoring of levels, and proper enteral and parental dosages. This review highlights the role of selenium as it relates to the optimal function of antioxidant systems in extremely preterm infants in order to highlight the gaps in knowledge as it relates to the pathogenesis and prevention of morbidities in this population.

Toenail selenium levels and prevalence of dyslipidaemia among Korean adults

Multiple studies have elucidated the antioxidant properties of Se, which are now well known among the nutrition and biomedical science communities. Recently, considerable interest has been focused on the possible association between Se exposure and risk of metabolic disease, such as lipid dysregulation; however, there is limited epidemiological data on this topic. The present study aimed to investigate associations between toenail Se levels and dyslipidaemia or individual lipid levels, and to examine the effect of dietary supplement use on these associations. We analysed baseline data from a cohort in the Yeungnam area, including 232 men and 269 women. Information on demographic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics was obtained through a self-reported questionnaire. Se levels in toenail specimens were measured using neutron activation analysis. Fasting blood lipid levels were measured during medical examinations. After adjusting for multiple confounding variables, we observed no association between toenail Se levels and dyslipidaemia or individual lipid profiles. However, the association was modified by dietary supplement use. Among the supplement users, higher toenail Se levels were associated with a higher prevalence of lipid dysregulation, whereas non-users exhibited a lower prevalence of lipid dysregulation. Associations between toenail Se levels, lipid levels and dyslipidaemia may be influenced by taking dietary supplements. Future large-scale, prospective cohort studies should be conducted to further evaluate the association between Se levels in the body and metabolic health effects in light of increasing rates of dietary supplement use.

Analysis of the Interactions Between Thioredoxin and 20 Selenoproteins in Chicken

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a small molecular protein with complicated functions in a number of processes, including inflammation, apoptosis, embryogenesis, cardiovascular disease, and redox regulation. Some selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio), and thioredoxin reductase (TR), are involved in redox regulation. However, whether there are interactions between Trx and selenoproteins is still not known. In the present paper, we used a Modeller, Hex 8.0.0, and the KFC2 Server to predict the interactions between Trx and selenoproteins. We used the Modeller to predict the target protein in objective format and assess the accuracy of the results. Molecular interaction studies with Trx and selenoproteins were performed using the molecular docking tools in Hex 8.0.0. Next, we used the KFC2 Server to further test the protein binding sites. In addition to the selenoprotein physiological functions, we also explored potential relationships between Trx and selenoproteins beyond all the results we got. The results demonstrate that Trx has the potential to interact with 19 selenoproteins, including iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (Dio1), iodothyronine deiodinase 3 (Dio3), glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1), glutathione peroxidase 2 (Gpx2), glutathione peroxidase 3 (Gpx3), glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), selenoprotein H (SelH), selenoprotein I (SelI), selenoprotein M (SelM), selenoprotein N (SelN), selenoprotein T (SelT), selenoprotein U (SelU), selenoprotein W (SelW), selenoprotein 15 (Sep15), methionine sulfoxide reductase B (Sepx1), selenophosphate synthetase 1 (SPS1), TR1, TR2, and TR3, among which TR1, TR2, TR3, SPS1, Sep15, SelN, SelM, SelI, Gpx2, Gpx3, Gpx4, and Dio3 exhibited intense correlations with Trx. However, additional experiments are needed to verify them.

Role of tRNA selenocysteine 1 associated protein 1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of cardiomyocyte‑like H9c2 cells

Transfer RNA selenocysteine 1 associated protein 1 (Trnau1ap) serves an essential role in the synthesis of selenoproteins, which have critical functions in numerous biological processes. Selenium deficiency results in a variety of diseases, including cardiac disease. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial injury induced by selenium deficiency remain unclear. The present study examined the effects of Trnau1ap under‑ and overexpression in cardiomyocyte‑like H9c2 cells, by transfection with small interfering RNA and an overexpression plasmid, respectively. Expression levels of glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase and selenoprotein K were decreased in Trnau1ap‑underexpressing cells, and increased in Trnau1ap‑overexpressing cells. Using MTT, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, annexin V and caspase‑3 activity assays, it was demonstrated that reducing Trnau1ap expression levels inhibited the proliferation of H9c2 cells and induced apoptosis. Conversely, increasing Trnau1ap expression levels promoted cell growth. Western blot analysis revealed that the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway was activated in Trnau1ap‑underexpressing cells. Furthermore, the apoptotic pathway was activated in these cells, evidenced by relatively greater expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein and reduced expression levels of Bcl‑2. Taken together, these findings suggest that Trnau1ap serves a key role in the proliferation and apoptosis of H9c2 cells. The present study provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of myocardial injury induced by selenium deficiency.

Effect of Inorganic Dietary Selenium Supplementation on Selenoprotein and Lipid Metabolism Gene Expression Patterns in Liver and Loin Muscle of Growing Lambs

Effect of selenium (Se) supplementation on the selenoprotein and lipid metabolism gene expression patterns in ruminants, especially in lambs is not yet fully understood. The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of Se supplementation on the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression patterns of selected selenoproteins and genes related to lipid metabolism in growing lambs. The experiment was conducted on 48 Polish Merino lambs divided into two groups (n = 24): control (C)-lambs fed with a basal diet (BD) with no Se supplementation, and supplemented (S)-lambs fed with a BD, supplemented with 0.5 mg Se/kg as sodium selenate for 8 weeks. Expression of 12 selenoproteins and six genes related to lipid metabolism was analyzed in the liver and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of growing lambs by qPCR. Significant differences were found in the expression of GPX1, GPX2, SEPM, SEPW1, SEP15, SEPGS2, and TXNRD1 in the liver, and GPX1, SEPP1, SEPN1, SEPW1, SEP15, and MSRB1 in the LD muscle between S and C lambs. Se supplementation mainly upregulated SEPW1, SEP15 (P < 0.001; P < 0.01) mRNA expression in the liver, and GPX1, SEPP1, SEPN1, SEPW1 (P < 0.001; P < 0.01) in the muscle of S group. On the other hand, significant decrease in GPX2 (P < 0.01), SEPM (P < 0.001), and SEPHS2 (P < 0.01) mRNA expression levels were observed in the liver of S group of lambs. Se supplementation did not affect PON1, LXRα, and PPARα mRNA expression levels, but a significant increase in mRNA levels of APOE and LPL in the LD muscle (P < 0.05) as well as LPL (P < 0.05) in the liver were noticed in the group of Se supplemented lambs. Our study confirmed that, in lambs, similarly to other species, mRNA expression patterns of several selenoproteins highly depend on dietary Se levels, and their expression is ruled by hierarchical principles and tissue-specific mechanisms. Moreover, the study showed that changes Se intake leads to different levels of genes expression related with lipid metabolism.

Is It the Appropriate Time to Stop Applying Selenium Enriched Salt in Kashin-Beck Disease Areas in China?

We aimed to identify significant factors of selenium (Se) nutrition of children in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) endemic areas and non-KBD area in Shaanxi Province for providing evidence of whether it is the time to stop applying Se-enriched salt in KBD areas. A cross-sectional study contained 368 stratified randomly selected children aged 4-14 years was conducted with 24-h retrospective questionnaire based on a pre-investigation. Food and hair samples were collected and had Se contents determined with hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Average hair Se content of 349.0 ± 60.2 ng/g in KBD-endemic counties was significantly lower than 374.1 ± 47.0 ng/g in non-KBD counties. It was significantly higher in the male children (365.2 ± 52.3 ng/g) than in the female (345.0 ± 62.2 ng/g, p = 0.002) and significantly higher in the 4.0-6.9 years group (375.2 ± 58.9 ng/g) than the 7.0-14.0 years group (347.0 ± 56.1 ng/g, p < 0.01). Gender, living area, Se intake without supplements, Se-enriched salt, oil source and protein intake were identified as significant factors of hair Se contents. Cereals, meat and milk were commonly included as significant food categories that mainly contributed to Se intake without supplement of the whole population. Balanced dietary structure without Se supplement could effectively enhance and maintain children's Se nutrition. It may be the time to stop applying Se-enriched salt in KBD areas in Shaanxi Province.