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Abstract
In this review, the relevance of selenium (Se) to viral disease will be discussed paying particular attention to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Se, the active centre in selenoproteins has an ongoing history of reducing the incidence and severity of viral infections. Host Se deficiency increased the virulence of RNA viruses such as influenza A and coxsackievirus B3, the latter of which is implicated in the development of Keshan disease in north-east China. Significant clinical benefits of Se supplementation have been demonstrated in HIV-1, in liver cancer linked to hepatitis B, and in Chinese patients with hantavirus that was successfully treated with oral sodium selenite. China is of particular interest because it has populations that have both the lowest and the highest Se status in the world. We found a significant association between COVID-19 cure rate and background Se status in Chinese cities; the cure rate continued to rise beyond the Se intake required to optimise selenoproteins, suggesting an additional mechanism. Se status was significantly higher in serum samples from surviving than non-surviving COVID-19 patients. As regards mechanism, SARS-CoV-2 may interfere with the human selenoprotein system; selenoproteins are important in scavenging reactive oxygen species, controlling immunity, reducing inflammation, ferroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We found that SARS-CoV-2 significantly suppressed mRNA expression of GPX4, of the ER selenoproteins, SELENOF, SELENOM, SELENOK and SELENOS and down-regulated TXNRD3. Based on the available data, both selenoproteins and redox-active Se species (mimicking ebselen, an inhibitor of the main SARS-CoV-2 protease that enables viral maturation within the host) could employ their separate mechanisms to attenuate virus-triggered oxidative stress, excessive inflammatory responses and immune-system dysfunction, thus improving the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Zhang J, Will Taylor E, Bennett K, Rayman MP. Does atmospheric dimethyldiselenide play a role in reducing COVID-19 mortality? GONDWANA RESEARCH : INTERNATIONAL GEOSCIENCE JOURNAL 2023; 114:87-92. [PMID: 35692874 PMCID: PMC9170275 DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental selenium (Se) distribution in the US is uneven, yet US residents appear to have a relatively narrow range of serum Se concentrations, according to the NHANES III survey data; this is probably due to the modern food-distribution system. In the US, Se concentration in alfalfa leaves has been used as a proxy for regional Se exposure (low, medium or high, corresponding to ≤ 0.05, 0.06-0.10 and ≥ 0.11 ppm respectively). Se in plants, soil, water, and bacteria can be transformed into volatile dimethyldiselenide, which can be inhaled and excreted via the lung. Hence, pulmonary Se exposure may be different in states with different atmospheric Se levels. We found a significantly higher death rate from COVID-19 in low-Se states than in medium-Se or high-Se states, though the case densities of these states were not significantly different. Because inhaled dimethyldiselenide is a potent inducer of nuclear-factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), exposure to higher atmospheric dimethyldiselenide may increase Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defences, reducing the activation of NFκB by SARS-CoV-2 in the lung, thereby decreasing cytokine activation and COVID-19 severity. Atmospheric dimethyldiselenide may thereby play a role in COVID-19 mortality, although the extent of its involvement is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Ethan Will Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Kate Bennett
- Surrey Clinical Trials Unit and Clinical Research Facility, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret P Rayman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Hiffler L, Rakotoambinina B. Selenium and RNA Virus Interactions: Potential Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19). Front Nutr 2020; 7:164. [PMID: 33015130 PMCID: PMC7498630 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that already claimed more than 340,000 lives worldwide as of May 23, 2020, the majority of which are elderly. Selenium (Se), a natural trace element, has a key and complex role in the immune system. It is well-documented that Se deficiency is associated with higher susceptibility to RNA viral infections and more severe disease outcome. In this article, we firstly present evidence on how Se deficiency promotes mutations, replication and virulence of RNA viruses. Next, we review how Se might be beneficial via restoration of host antioxidant capacity, reduction of apoptosis and endothelial cell damages as well as platelet aggregation. It also appears that low Se status is a common finding in conditions considered at risk of severe COVID-19, especially in the elderly. Finally, we present a rationale for Se use at different stages of COVID-19. Se has been overlooked but may have a significant place in COVID-19 spectrum management, particularly in vulnerable elderly, and might represent a game changer in the global response to COVID-19.
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Hiffler L, Rakotoambinina B. Selenium and RNA Virus Interactions: Potential Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19). Front Nutr 2020. [PMID: 33015130 DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3594240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that already claimed more than 340,000 lives worldwide as of May 23, 2020, the majority of which are elderly. Selenium (Se), a natural trace element, has a key and complex role in the immune system. It is well-documented that Se deficiency is associated with higher susceptibility to RNA viral infections and more severe disease outcome. In this article, we firstly present evidence on how Se deficiency promotes mutations, replication and virulence of RNA viruses. Next, we review how Se might be beneficial via restoration of host antioxidant capacity, reduction of apoptosis and endothelial cell damages as well as platelet aggregation. It also appears that low Se status is a common finding in conditions considered at risk of severe COVID-19, especially in the elderly. Finally, we present a rationale for Se use at different stages of COVID-19. Se has been overlooked but may have a significant place in COVID-19 spectrum management, particularly in vulnerable elderly, and might represent a game changer in the global response to COVID-19.
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Hiffler L, Rakotoambinina B. Selenium and RNA Virus Interactions: Potential Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19). Front Nutr 2020. [PMID: 33015130 DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/vaqz6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that already claimed more than 340,000 lives worldwide as of May 23, 2020, the majority of which are elderly. Selenium (Se), a natural trace element, has a key and complex role in the immune system. It is well-documented that Se deficiency is associated with higher susceptibility to RNA viral infections and more severe disease outcome. In this article, we firstly present evidence on how Se deficiency promotes mutations, replication and virulence of RNA viruses. Next, we review how Se might be beneficial via restoration of host antioxidant capacity, reduction of apoptosis and endothelial cell damages as well as platelet aggregation. It also appears that low Se status is a common finding in conditions considered at risk of severe COVID-19, especially in the elderly. Finally, we present a rationale for Se use at different stages of COVID-19. Se has been overlooked but may have a significant place in COVID-19 spectrum management, particularly in vulnerable elderly, and might represent a game changer in the global response to COVID-19.
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Mendil D, Demirci Z, Uluozlu OD, Tuzen M, Soylak M. A new separation and preconcentration method for selenium in some foods using modified silica gel with 2,6-diamino-4-phenil-1,3,5-triazine. Food Chem 2017; 221:1394-1399. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Bidari A, Zeini Jahromi E, Assadi Y, Milani Hosseini MR. Monitoring of selenium in water samples using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by iridium-modified tube graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Microchem J 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2007.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Foster HD. A role for the antioxidant defense system in preventing the transmission of HIV. Med Hypotheses 2007; 69:1277-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2007] [Accepted: 03/30/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Arroyo M, Laguardia SP, Bhattacharya SK, Nelson MD, Johnson PL, Carbone LD, Newman KP, Weber KT. Micronutrients in African-Americans with decompensated and compensated heart failure. Transl Res 2006; 148:301-8. [PMID: 17162251 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2006.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2006] [Revised: 07/31/2006] [Accepted: 08/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure is thought to be more common and of greater severity in African-Americans (AAs). Potential mechanisms remain uncertain. The importance of micronutrient deficiencies in the pathophysiologic expression of congestive heart failure (CHF) in AAs remains to be explored, including hypovitaminosis D, which can promote secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), together with hypozincemia and hyposelenemia, the 2 most crucial trace minerals integral to diverse biologic functions. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), Zn, and Se were monitored in 30 AAs hospitalized during June through December 2005, with decompensated failure and reduced ejection fraction (EF) (<35%) of predominantly nonischemic origin treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), furosemide, and spironolactone. Based on their symptomatic status before hospitalization, 15 patients were stratified as having protracted (>or=4 weeks) CHF, whereas 15 patients had short-term (1-2 weeks) CHF. These hospitalized patients were compared with 10 AA outpatients with stable, similarly treated compensated failure and comparable EF, and 9 AA normal volunteers without cardiovascular disease. Serum PTH was elevated in all patients with protracted CHF and in 60% of patients with short-term CHF, but not in compensated patients or normal volunteers. However, serum 25(OH)D was reduced in all patients with >or=4 weeks and 80% with either 1-2 weeks CHF or compensated failure compared with volunteers. Serum Zn was below normal in 11 of 15 patients with protracted CHF, in 8 of 15 patients with shorter duration CHF, and in 5 of 10 patients with compensated failure. Serum Se was reduced in all patients with >or=4 weeks, 60% with short-term CHF, and 90% of compensated patients. Concomitant to hypovitaminosis D, hypozincemia, and hyposelenemia, SHPT is a covariant of CHF in housebound AAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Arroyo
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tenn 38163, USA
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Oliveira AP, Neto JAG, Nóbrega JA, Correia PRM, Oliveira PV. Determination of selenium in nutritionally relevant foods by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using arsenic as internal standard. Food Chem 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Foster HD. How HIV-1 causes AIDS: implications for prevention and treatment. Med Hypotheses 2004; 62:549-53. [PMID: 15050105 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2003.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2003] [Accepted: 12/09/2003] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 encodes for one of the human glutathione peroxidases. As a consequence, as it is replicated, its genetic needs cause it to deprive HIV-1 seropositive individuals not only of glutathione peroxidase, but also of the four basic components of this selenoenzyme, namely selenium, cysteine, glutamine, and tryptophan. Eventually this depletion process causes severe deficiencies of all these substances. These, in turn, are responsible for the major symptoms of AIDS which include immune system collapse, greater susceptibility to cancer and myocardial infarction, muscle wasting, depression, diarrhea, psychosis and dementia. As the immune system fails, associated pathogenic cofactors become responsible for a variety of their own unique symptoms. Any treatment for HIV/AIDS must, therefore, include normalization of body levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, selenium, cysteine, glutamine, and tryptophan. Although various clinical trials have improved the health of AIDS patients by correcting one or more of these nutritional deficiencies, they have not, until the present, been addressed together. Physicians involved in a selenium and amino-acid field trial in Botswana, however, are reporting that this nutritional protocol reverses AIDS in 99% of patients receiving it, usually within three weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold D Foster
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO Box 3050, Victoria BC, Canada V8W 3P5.
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Abstract
AIDS was first identified in Sub-Saharan Africa and North America in the early 1980s. Over the past twenty years, however, HIV-1 has diffused much more rapidly in the former continent than in latter. This appears to be because the virus cannot diffuse well in local populations that have an adequate dietary intake of selenium.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D Foster
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring trace element that is essential for animal and human nutrition, but the range between dietary requirements and toxic levels is relatively narrow. In this review, we are interested in the beneficial effects of selenium and we report on a number of studies of the selenium status of different populations in Saudi Arabia. The Status reflects the geographical area inhabited by the populations. Apart from the few available studies reviewed here, no data on the human status of Se in Saudi Arabia has been obtained. A further objective of this paper is throw some the light on the direction of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Al-Saleh
- Biological and Medical Research Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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