Selenium, iodine, and the relation with Kashin-Beck disease

An Examination of Chemical Tools for Hydrogen Selenide Donation and Detection

Hydrogen selenide (H2Se) is an emerging biomolecule of interest with similar properties to that of other gaseous signaling molecules (i.e., gasotransmitters that include nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide). H2Se is enzymatically generated in humans where it serves as a key metabolic intermediate in the production of selenoproteins and other selenium-containing biomolecules. However, beyond its participation in biosynthetic pathways, its involvement in cellular signaling or other biological mechanisms remains unclear. To uncover its true biological significance, H2Se-specific chemical tools capable of functioning under physiological conditions are required but lacking in comparison to those that exist for other gasotransmitters. Recently, researchers have begun to fill this unmet need by developing new H2Se-releasing compounds, along with pioneering methods for selenide detection and quantification. In combination, the chemical tools highlighted in this review have the potential to spark groundbreaking explorations into the chemical biology of H2Se, which may lead to its branding as the fourth official gasotransmitter.

Comparative Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in Chondrocytes from Rats Exposed to Low Selenium and T-2 Toxin

The aim of this study was to construct rat models of environmental risk factors for Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) with low selenium and T-2 toxin levels and to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the rat models exposed to environmental risk factors. The Se-deficient (SD) group and T-2 toxin exposure (T-2) group were constructed. Knee joint samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and cartilage tissue damage was observed. Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect the gene expression profiles of the rat models in each group. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis were performed and five differential gene expression results were verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR). A total of 124 DEGs were identified from the SD group, including 56 upregulated genes and 68 downregulated genes. A total of 135 DEGs were identified in the T-2 group, including 68 upregulated genes and 67 downregulated genes. The DEGs were significantly enriched in 4 KEGG pathways in the SD group and 9 KEGG pathways in the T-2 group. The expression levels of Dbp, Pc, Selenow, Rpl30, and Mt2A were consistent with the results of transcriptome sequencing by qRT‒PCR. The results of this study confirmed that there were some differences in DEGs between the SD group and the T-2 group and provided new evidence for further exploration of the etiology and pathogenesis of KBD.

Associations between maternal and infant selenium status and child growth in a birth cohort from Dhaka, Bangladesh

Deficiency of essential trace element, Se, has been implicated in adverse birth outcomes and in child linear growth because of its important role in redox biology and associated antioxidant effects. We used data from a randomised controlled trial conducted among a cohort of pregnant and lactating women in Dhaka, Bangladesh to examine associations between Se biomarkers in whole blood (WBSe), serum and selenoprotein P (SEPP1) in maternal delivery and venous cord (VC) blood. Associations between Se biomarkers, birth weight and infant growth outcomes (age-adjusted length, weight, head circumference and weight-for-length z-scores) at birth, 1 and 2 years of age were examined using regression analyses. WB and serum Se were negatively associated with birth weight (adjusted β, 95 % CI, WBSe delivery: −26·6 (–44·3, −8·9); WBSe VC: −19·6 (–33·0, −6·1)); however, delivery SEPP1 levels (adjusted β: −37·5 (–73·0, −2·0)) and VC blood (adjusted β: 82·3 (30·0, 134·7)) showed inconsistent and opposite associations with birth weight. Positive associations for SEPP1 VC suggest preferential transfer from mother to fetus. We found small associations between infant growth and WBSe VC (length-for-age z-score β, 95 % CI, at birth: −0·05 (–0·1, −0·01)); 12 months (β: −0·05 (–0·08, −0·007)). Weight-for-age z-score also showed weak negative associations with delivery WBSe (at birth: −0·07 (–0·1, −0·02); 12 -months: −0·05 (–0·1, −0·005)) and in WBSe VC (at birth: −0·05 (–0·08, −0·02); 12 months: −0·05 (–0·09, −0·004)). Given the fine balance between essential nutritional and toxic properties of Se, it is possible that WB and serum Se may negatively impact growth outcomes, both in utero and postpartum.

Selenium in Infants and Preschool Children Nutrition: A Literature Review

Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, is fundamental to human health, playing an important role in the formation of thyroid hormones, DNA synthesis, the immune response, and fertility. There is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological research, particularly the serum Se concetration in healthy infants and preschool children compared to the estimated dietary Se intake. However, Se deficiencies and exceeding the UL have been observed in infants and preschool children. Despite the observed irregularities in Se intake, there is a lack of nutritional recommendations for infants and preschool children. Therefore, the main objective of this literature review was to summarize what is known to date about Se levels and the risk of deficiency related to regular consumption in infants and preschool children.

Clinical and Radiographic Features of the Atlantoaxial Dislocation Associated With Kashin-Beck Disease

OBJECTIVES

Keshin-Beck disease (KBD) is a particular type of osteoarthritis that affects many joints. However, the deformity of atlantoaxial joint has been rarely reported in KBD, and therefore its clinical and radiograph features have not been identified.

METHODS

We reviewed data in 14 patients who were diagnosed with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) in KBD at our institution. The demographic data, clinical history, imaging data, operative data, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score were collected for evaluation.

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation was 50 ± 1.7 years old. The most common features of AAD in KBD were the osteoarthritis, characterized by hypertrophic dens and anterior arch of the atlas. The average inner anteroposterior diameter (IAPD) of C1 was 28 ± 3.5 mm and the average spinal canal diameter was 14 ± 3.3 mm, which were respectively lower than the control level. Five patients had severe C1 stenosis (IAPD < 26mm). Separated odontoid process, like os odontoideum, was seen 9 patients. The tip of dens fused to C1 was observed in 4 patients; 12 patients had high-riding vertebral artery; and 5 patients had severe C1 stenosis, and they underwent C1 laminectomy with C1-C2 interarticular fusion or occipital-cervical fusion. All the patients displayed neurologic improvement after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The atlantoaxial level could be affected by KBD, which may lead to typical abnormalities and cause AAD. A C1 laminectomy with an C1-C2 interarticular fusion or occipital-cervical fusion is recommended for the patient with severe stenosis.

Stabilization of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Nano-Selenium Using Anoectochilus burmannicus Extract as a Potential Novel Functional Ingredient

Anoectochilus burmannicus is an orchid that contains phenolic compounds and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. This study aimed to investigate whether its ethanolic extract (ABE) can be used as a reducing agent and/or a stabilizer of nano-selenium (SeNP) synthesis. SeNPs exhibited higher antioxidant activity than ABE-SeNPs. In contrast, ABE-SeNP (4 µM Se) had greater anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced macrophages than SeNPs. Interestingly, ABE acted as a stabilizer for SeNPs by preventing particle aggregation and preserving its antioxidant activity after long-term storage (90 days). Moreover, after the freeze-drying process, ABE-SeNPs could be completely reconstituted to suspension with significantly stable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to freshly prepared particles, suggesting the cryoprotectant and/or lyoprotectant role of ABE. The present study shows the potential of ABE as an effective stabilizer for nanoparticles and provides evidence for the development of ABE-SeNPs as a food supplement or novel functional ingredient for health benefits.

Selenium in selected samples of infant formulas and milk commercialized in Belgium and Brazil: Total content, speciation and estimated intake

Total selenium (Se) and Se species concentrations were determined in 50 infant formulas and milk samples commercialized in Brazil and Belgium. Infant formula categories were starter, follow-up, specialized and plant-based (soy and rice), while milk samples included whole, skimmed, semi-skimmed and plant-based products. Total Se content was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), after microwave digestion. An enzymatic extraction method was applied to evaluate the Se species, mostly selenomethionine (SeMet), Se(IV) and Se(VI), through High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to ICP-MS (LC-ICP-MS). Starters and follow-up samples presented the highest total Se concentrations and values up to 30 µg/kg were observed in the reconstituted product. The lowest level (below the LOQ = 10 µg/kg) was verified in an anti-regurgitation specialized formula. The relative agreement between the measured total Se and the Se content declared on the label varied from 55 % to 317 %. Concentrations in infant formulas were not markedly different from concentrations in milk except for rice and oat milk samples that showed values below the LOQ. SeMet was the main species found in milks, while in infant formulas the species concentrations varied according to the product. The daily intake (DI) of Se via infant formula consumption was calculated and compared with the Adequate Intake (AI) value and the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) established by the EFSA NDA Panel and ANVISA, respectively. Estimated maximum intakes of total Se obtained for reconstituted infant formula were 40.6 mg/day, corresponding to 400 % and 202 % of the DRI and AI, respectively.

Biological Activity of Selenium and Its Impact on Human Health

Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring metalloid element essential to human and animal health in trace amounts but it is harmful in excess. Se plays a substantial role in the functioning of the human organism. It is incorporated into selenoproteins, thus supporting antioxidant defense systems. Selenoproteins participate in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, control reproductive functions and exert neuroprotective effects. Among the elements, Se has one of the narrowest ranges between dietary deficiency and toxic levels. Its level of toxicity may depend on chemical form, as inorganic and organic species have distinct biological properties. Over the last decades, optimization of population Se intake for the prevention of diseases related to Se deficiency or excess has been recognized as a pressing issue in modern healthcare worldwide. Low selenium status has been associated with an increased risk of mortality, poor immune function, cognitive decline, and thyroid dysfunction. On the other hand, Se concentrations slightly above its nutritional levels have been shown to have adverse effects on a broad spectrum of neurological functions and to increase the risk of type-2 diabetes. Comprehension of the selenium biochemical pathways under normal physiological conditions is therefore an important issue to elucidate its effect on human diseases. This review gives an overview of the role of Se in human health highlighting the effects of its deficiency and excess in the body. The biological activity of Se, mainly performed through selenoproteins, and its epigenetic effect is discussed. Moreover, a brief overview of selenium phytoremediation and rhizofiltration approaches is reported.

Application of Single-Cell and Spatial Omics in Musculoskeletal Disorder Research

Musculoskeletal disorders, including fractures, scoliosis, heterotopic ossification, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, and muscular injury, etc., can occur at any stage of human life. Understanding the occurrence and development mechanism of musculoskeletal disorders, as well as the changes in tissues and cells during therapy, might help us find targeted treatment methods. Single-cell techniques provide excellent tools for studying alterations at the cellular level of disorders. However, the application of these techniques in research on musculoskeletal disorders is still limited. This review summarizes the current single-cell and spatial omics used in musculoskeletal disorders. Cell isolation, experimental methods, and feasible experimental designs for single-cell studies of musculoskeletal system diseases have been reviewed based on tissue characteristics. Then, the paper summarizes the latest findings of single-cell studies in musculoskeletal disorders from three aspects: bone and ossification, joint, and muscle and tendon disorders. Recent discoveries about the cell populations involved in these diseases are highlighted. Furthermore, the therapeutic responses of musculoskeletal disorders, especially single-cell changes after the treatments of implants, stem cell therapies, and drugs are described. Finally, the application potential and future development directions of single-cell and spatial omics in research on musculoskeletal diseases are discussed.

Detection of selenoprotein transcriptome in chondrocytes of patients with Kashin-Beck disease

Background: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a deformed osteochondral disease with a chronic progression that is restrictively distributed in eastern Siberia, North Korea, and some areas of China, and selenium deficiency has been identified as an important factor in the pathogenesis of this disease in recent years. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the selenoprotein transcriptome in chondrocytes and define the contribution of selenoprotein to KBD pathogenesis. Methods: Three cartilage samples were collected from the lateral tibial plateau of adult KBD patients and normal controls paired by age and sex for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to detect the mRNA expression of 25 selenoprotein genes in chondrocytes. Six other samples were collected from adult KBD patients and normal controls. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used on four adolescent KBD samples and seven normal controls (IHC) to determine the expression of proteins screened by RT-qPCR results that had different gene levels. Results: Increased mRNA expression of GPX1 and GPX3 was observed in chondrocytes, and stronger positive staining was displayed in the cartilage from both adult and adolescent patients. The mRNA levels of DIO1, DIO2, and DIO3 were increased in KBD chondrocytes; however, the percentage of positive staining decreased in the KBD cartilage of adults. Conclusion: The selenoprotein transcriptome, mainly the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and deiodinase (DIO) families were altered in KBD and might play a vital role in the pathogenesis of KBD.

Association of oxidative stress and Kashin-Beck disease integrated Meta and Bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between oxidative stress (OS) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).

METHODS

Terms associated with "KBD" and "OS" were searched in the six different databases up to October 2021. Stata 14.0 was used to pool the means and standard deviations using random-effect or fixed-effect model. The differentially expressed genes in the articular chondrocytes of KBD were identified, the OS related genes were identified by blasting with the GeneCards. The KEGG pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis was conducted using STRING.

RESULTS

The pooled SMD and 95% CI showed hair selenium (-4.59; -6.99, -2.19), blood selenium (-1.65; -2.86, -0.44) and glutathione peroxidases (-4.15; -6.97, -1.33) levels were decreased in KBD, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.12; 0.60, 1.64), nitric oxide (2.29; 1.31, 3.27), nitric oxide synthase (1.07; 0.81, 1.33) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (1.69; 0.62, 2.77) were increased compared with external controls. Meanwhile, hair selenium (-2.71; -5.32, -0.10) and glutathione peroxidases (-1.00; -1.78, -0.22) in KBD were decreased, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.42; 1.04, 1.80), nitric oxide (3.08; 1.93, 4.22) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (0.81; 0.00, 1.61) were elevated compared with internal controls. Enrichment analysis revealed apoptosis was significantly correlated with KBD. The significant biological processes revealed OS induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. The cellular component of OS located in the mitochondrial outer membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

The OS levels in KBD were significantly increased because of selenium deficiency, OS mainly occurred in mitochondrial outer membrane, released of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and induced apoptotic signaling pathway.

In Silico Analysis of Collagens Missense SNPs and Human Abnormalities

Collagens are the most abundant proteins in the extra cellular matrix/ECM of human tissues that are encoded by different genes. There are single nucleotide polymorphisms/SNPs which are considered as the most useful biomarkers for some disease diagnosis or prognosis. The aim of this study is screening and identifying the functional missense SNPs of human ECM-collagens and investigating their correlation with human abnormalities. All of the missense SNPs were retrieved from the NCBI SNP database and screened for a global frequency of more than 0.1. Seventy missense SNPs that met the screening criteria were characterized for functional and stability impact using six and three protein analysis tools, respectively. Next, HOPE and geneMANIA analysis tools were used to show the effect of SNPs on three-dimensional structure (3D) and physical interaction of proteins. Results showed that 13 missense SNPs (rs2070739, rs28381984, rs13424243, rs1800517, rs73868680, rs12488457, rs1353613, rs59021909, rs9830253, rs2228547, rs3753841, rs2855430, and rs970547), which are in nine different collagen genes, affect the structure and function of different collagen proteins. Among these polymorphisms, COL4A3-rs13424243 and COL6A6-rs59021909 were predicted as the most effective ones. On the other hand, designed mutated and native 3D of rs13424243 variant illustrated that it can disturb the protein motifs. Also, geneMANIA predicted that COL4A3 and COL6A6 are interacting with some proteins including: DDR1, COL6A1, COL11A2 and so on. Based on our findings, ECM-collagens functional SNPs are important and may be considered as a risk factor or molecular marker for human disorders in the future studies.

Abnormal Level of Manganese, Iron, Iodine, and Selenium in the Hair of Children Living in Kashin-Beck Disease Endemic Areas

Biological geochemistry is a main suggested cause of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), due to the absence or excess of elements in the environment. Initially, Se deficiency is regarded as the most key role in the etiology of KBD, and selenium supplementation effectively helps to prevent and control KBD. However, several elements are reported to be relevant to KBD or selenium in succession, which indicated selenium deficiency is not the original etiology of KBD. The study comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of the bio-element profile of KBD and further re-examined the unique role of selenium in etiology. The study measured 14 elements, including sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, iodine, manganese, lead, arsenic, and mercury, which were detected from hair samples collected from 150 boys. Research participants were separated based on whether they had received any preventative treatment (with and without selenium supplementation). From endemic areas, 30 KBD and 30 healthy children without any preventative treatment were selected alongside 30 KBD and 30 healthy children with selenium supplementation. The participants from endemic areas were then compared to 30 healthy children living in non-endemic areas. Compared to the non-endemic group, the levels of iron and manganese were all significantly higher in the endemic groups and were further elevated in KBD participants (p < 0.05). In contrast, selenium and iodine levels in endemic areas were much lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The proportions of selenium excess (p < 0.05) and iodine deficiency (p < 0.05) in endemic groups were significantly lower than participants from non-endemic areas. Meanwhile, excess levels of iron (p < 0.05) and manganese (p < 0.05) were higher in the endemic groups. Moreover, the proportions of Zn/Fe and Se/Mn were found to be significantly lower in endemic area participants than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Three pairs of elements had a correlation coefficient value of more than 0.6: 0.7423 for manganese and calcium, 0.6446 for potassium and sodium, and 0.6272 for manganese and iron. The ratios of Se/Mn and Zn/Fe were associated with a correlation coefficient value of 0.8055. Magnesium, sodium, copper, and iodine levels were meticulously examined using binary regression analysis. This was also used to determine the ratios of Ca/Mg, Ca/P, Zn/Fe, Se/Mn, and Se/I. Thus, the study largely revealed the vital role of manganese, iron, and iodine (in conjunction with selenium) in KBD etiology and pathogenesis. High manganese and iron levels with low selenium and iodine levels were identified as characteristic features of the bio-element profile of KBD. The different element ratios reflect the interaction between several elements. The most significant of these were the proportions of Se/Mn and Zn/Fe, which may be significant in the occurrence and development of KBD.

Selenium biofortification of soybean genotypes in a tropical soil via Se-enriched phosphate fertilizers

Soybean is a major crop in Brazil and is usually grown in oxidic soils that need high rates of phosphate (P) fertilizers. Soybean is also very suitable for biofortification with Se, since its grains have high protein contents and are widely consumed worldwide (directly or indirectly). Few studies have addressed Se application under field conditions for soybean biofortification, especially in tropical soils. Here, we evaluated agronomic and physiological responses resulting from different strategies for biofortifying soybean grains with Se by applying this element via soil, using both conventional and enhanced-efficiency P fertilizers as Se carriers. The experiment was carried out at the Uva Farm, in Capão Bonito (São Paulo), Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block split-plot design, with four fertilizer sources-conventional monoammonium phosphate (C-MAP), conventional monoammonium phosphate + Se (C-MAP + Se), enhanced-efficiency monoammonium phosphate (E-MAP), and enhanced-efficiency monoammonium phosphate + Se (E-MAP + Se), and four soybean genotypes (M5917, 58I60 LANÇA, TMG7061, and NA5909). The selenium rate applied via C-MAP + Se and E-MAP + Se was 80 g ha^-1. The application of the tested fertilizers was carried out at the sowing of the 2018/2019 cropping season, with their residual effect being also assessed in the 2019/2020 cropping season. Selenium application increased grain yield for the TMG7061 genotype. For all evaluated genotypes, Se content in grains increased in the 2018/2019 harvest with the application of Se via C-MAP + Se and E-MAP + Se. In general, the application of Se via C-MAP favored an increase in amino acid contents in grains and decreased lipid peroxidation. In summary, the application of Se-enriched P fertilizers via soil increased soybean grain yield, leading to better grain quality. No residual effects for biofortifying soybean grains were detected in a subsequent soybean cropping season.

Reactive sulfur and selenium species in the regulation of bone homeostasis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important modulators of physiological signaling and play important roles in bone tissue regulation. Both reactive sulfur species (RSS) and reactive selenium species (RSeS) are involved in ROS signaling, and recent work suggests RSS and RSeS involvement in the regulation of bone homeostasis. For example, RSS can promote osteogenic differentiation and decrease osteoclast activity and differentiation, and the antioxidant activity of RSeS play crucial roles in balancing bone remodeling. Here, we outline current research progress on the application of RSS and RSeS in bone disease and regeneration. Focusing on these investigations, we highlight different methods, tools, and sources of RSS and RSeS, and we also highlight future opportunities for delivery of RSS and RSeS in biological environments relating to bone.

Case report: A 3-year follow-up study of simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty for Femoral head necrosis in a patient with Kashin-Beck Disease

Introduction

Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) is an endemic disease predominantly affecting joint and skeletal muscle, predisposing the articular cartilage to degeneration and necrosis. Currently,staged total hip arthroplasty is a common surgical method for advanced femoral head necrosis from KBD, but there are no reports in the literature on simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SB-THA) for patients with KBD.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old male from Shaanxi Province, an endemic area, had bilateral hip pain for 4 years, with hips inversion and a crossed gait. After preoperative preparation, a SB-THA was performed by a posterolateral approach. Postoperative medication and functional exercises were administered and the patient was followed up for at least 3 years after discharge. The patient's hip mobility, hip scores and quality of life scores were recorded in detail during the follow-up.

Result

The patient stopped antibiotic treatment on the postoperative day-2, and all inflammatory indicators showed normal and started appropriate exercise, and the pain score decreased significantly. On the postoperative day-7, the patient had gradually adapted to various forms of rehabilitation exercises. He was discharged from the hospital on the postoperative day-10 and continued to be followed up. From the preoperative period to the last follow-up, the patient's bilateral hip mobility and functional scores improved significantly, and no adverse events such as hip pain, prosthesis loosening or dislocation were found at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

The patient's performance was satisfactory both intraoperatively and in the early postoperative period, but the hip scores and quality of life scores began to plateau or even decline from the third year after surgery to the last follow-up, probably due to the influence of further damage to articular cartilage in other parts of the body.

In vitro toxicological assessment and biosensing potential of bioinspired chitosan nanoparticles, selenium nanoparticles, chitosan/selenium nanocomposites, silver nanoparticles and chitosan/silver nanocomposites

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is widely used in various industries and biological fields. H₂O₂ rapidly contaminants with water resources and hence simple detection process is highly wanted in various fields. The present study was focused on the biosensing, antimicrobial and embryotoxicity of bioinspired chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs), selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs), chitosan/selenium nanocomposites (Cs/Se NCs), silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and chitosan/silver nanocomposites (Cs/Ag NCs) synthesized using the aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linn. leaves extract. The physico-chemical properties of as-synthesized nanomaterials were confirmed by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Further, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) sensing properties and their sensitivities were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometry (CA) methods, in which Cs/Ag NCs showed pronounced sensing properties. In addition, the mode of antibacterial interaction results clearly demonstrated the effective inhibitory activity of as-prepared Ag NPs and Cs/Ag NCs against Gram negative pathogenic bacteria. The highest embryotoxicity was recorded at 0.19 μg/ml of Ag NPs and 1.56 μg/ml of Se NPs. Intriguingly, the embryo treated with Cs/Se NCs and Cs/Ag NCs significantly reduced the toxicity in the presence of Cs matrix. However, Cs/Se NCs did not show good response in H₂O₂ sensing than the Cs/Ag NCs, implying the biocompatibility of Cs/Ag NCs. Overall, the obtained results clearly suggest that Cs/Ag NCs could be suitable for dual applications such as for the detection of environmental pollutant biosensors and for biomedical research.

Selenium uptake and accumulation in winter wheat as affected by level of phosphate application and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Selenium (Se) is an advantageous element to crops. However, the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), phosphate (P) and selenite in soil on Se uptake by winter wheat remain elusive. Pot trials were carried out including seven levels of P (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg kg^-1) and non-mycorrhizal inoculation (NM), inoculation of Funneliformis mosseae (F.m) or Glomus versiforme (G.v). The present results found that grain phosphorus concentration increased with increase of P level from 0 to 100 mg kg^-1 and then tended to plateau, while grain Se concentration decreased with the level of P from 0 to 400 mg kg^-1. Based on mathematical modeling, inoculation of F.m or G.v dramatically improved grain Se concentration by 16.90% or 12.53% under the lower level of P (48.76 mg kg^-1). Furthermore, partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) identified that both up-regulated of the expression of AMF-inducible phosphate transporter and improved Se bioavailability in rhizosphere soil contributed to enhancing plant Se concentration under P levels ≤ 100 mg kg^-1. The present study demonstrated that AMF combined with 48.76 mg kg^-1 P applied in soil can not only achieve high grain yield, but also fully exploit the biological potential of Se uptake in wheat.

Dietary supplementation with biogenic selenium nanoparticles alleviate oxidative stress-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that promotes body health. Endemic Se deficiency is a major nutritional challenge worldwide. The low toxicity, high bioavailability, and unique properties of biogenic Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) allow them to be used as a therapeutic drug and Se nutritional supplement. This study was conducted to investigate the regulatory effects of dietary SeNPs supplementation on the oxidative stress-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and its association with mitochondrial function and gut microbiota in mice. The effects of dietary SeNPs on intestinal barrier function and antioxidant capacity and its correlation with gut microbiota were further evaluated by a fecal microbiota transplantation experiment. The results showed that Se deficiency caused a redox imbalance, increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, altered the composition of the gut microbiota, and impaired mitochondrial structure and function, and intestinal barrier injury. Exogenous supplementation with biogenic SeNPs effectively alleviated diquat-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, inhibiting the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), preventing the impairment of mitochondrial structure and function, regulating the immune response, maintaining intestinal microbiota homeostasis by regulating nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-like 2 (Nrf2)-mediated NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. In addition, Se deficiency resulted in a gut microbiota phenotype that is more susceptible to diquat-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. Supranutritional SeNPs intake can optimize the gut microbiota to protect against intestinal dysfunctions. This study demonstrates that dietary supplementation of SeNPs can prevent oxidative stress-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction through its regulation of mitochondria and gut microbiota.

Hydrochemical characteristics of surface waters and their relationships to the Kashin-Beck Disease in Longzi County, Tibet

Although previous studies have been reported between the Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) epidemic and the hydrochemical characteristics of surface waters, the etiology of the disease remains unclear. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the relationship between the KBD and the hydrochemical characteristics of surface waters in Longzi County. Results show that, the pH (mean = 7.27 ± 0.30), total hardness (TH, mean = 57.08 ± 45.74 mg L-1), total dissolved solids (TDS, mean = 67.56 ± 44.00 mg L-1) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP, mean = 84.11 ± 23.55 mV) of surface waters in KBD endemic areas are lower than those in the non-KBD endemic areas (means of pH = 7.49 ± 0.30; TH = 262.06 ± 123.29 mg L-1; TDS = 253.25 ± 100.39 mg L-1; ORP = 215.90 ± 55.99 mV). These results suggest that long-term consumption of low TDS, essential trace elements (e.g., nickel, cobalt, iron, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, and iodine) deficient, and potential toxic elements (e.g., arsenic) enriched waters by humans likely causes the KBD. Environmental factors such as the geology and geomorphology may produce biogeochemical imbalance, geomorphic, vegetation types and local climatic conditions may have significant impact on food fungi toxin poisoning and water organic compound poisoning, and these also impact the KBD occurrence.

Effectiveness of Selenium on Chondrocyte Glycoprotein Glycosylation Which Play Important Roles in the Pathogenesis of an Endemic Osteoarthritis, Kashin-Beck Disease

In this study, we aimed to explore the effectiveness of selenium on the chondrocyte glycoprotein glycosylation which plays important roles in the pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Cartilage samples were collected from KBD patients after total knee replacement surgery. Chondrocytes were cultured with sodium selenium. The group of chondrocytes which were cultured without adding sodium selenium was considered as control group. Lectin microarray was used to screen the differences in lectin levels between KBD and KBD with selenium groups. Stronger signals for Bandeiraea simplicifolia (BS-I), Hippeastrum hybrid lectin (HHL), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA), Psophocarpus tetragonolobus lectin I (PTL-I), Psophocarpus tetragonolobus lectin II (PTL-II), Sophora japonica agglutinin (SJA), Lotus tetragonolobus lectin (LTL), and Triticum vulgaris (WGA) were observed in the KBD group. Meanwhile, Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) lectin (LEL), Peanut agglutinin (PNA), and Sambucus nigra lectin (SNA) signals were lower in the KBD group. Selenium may have the function of influence the expression levels of carbohydrate chains Galα1,3-Gal, high mannose, and GlcNAc.

A Comprehensive Review on Selenium and Its Effects on Human Health and Distribution in Middle Eastern Countries

Selenium (Se) is an important microelement with numerous positive effects on human health and diseases. It is important to specify that the status and consumption of Se are for a specific community as the levels of Se are extremely unpredictable between different populations and regions. Our existing paper was based on the impacts of Se on human health and disease along with data on the Se levels in Middle Eastern countries. Overall, the findings of this comprehensive review show that the consumption and levels of Se are inadequate in Middle Eastern nations. Such findings, together with the growing awareness of the importance of Se to general health, require further work primarily on creating an acceptable range of blood Se concentration or other measures to determine optimal Se consumption and, consequently, to guarantee adequate Se supplementation in populations at high risk of low Se intake.

Meta-analysis of Association Studies of Selenoprotein Gene Polymorphism and Kashin-Beck Disease: an Updated Systematic Review

To evaluate the association between selenoprotein gene polymorphisms and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) susceptibility through a systematic review and updated meta-analysis. PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were electronically searched using the terms "selenoprotein" and "Kashin-Beck disease" or "KBD" with a search time from the establishment of the database to January 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for methodological quality evaluation of the included studies. Stata 14.0 software was used to pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. There were a total of eight included case-control studies covering 2025 KBD patients and 1962 controls. Meta-analysis results show that the pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for DIO2 (rs225014) were 0.69 (0.52, 0.91), 0.69 (0.50, 0.96), and 0.72 (0.52, 0.99) in the allele, heterozygote, and dominant models, respectively. The OR and 95%CI for SEPS1 (-105G>A) were 2.47 (1.85, 3.29), 9.36 (4.58, 19.12), 2.17 (1.53, 3.08), and 8.60 (4.25, 17.38) in the allele, homozygote, dominant, and recessive models, respectively. In addition, the OR and 95%CI for Sep15 (rs5859) were 2.05 (1.06, 3.96) in the allele model. These results illustrate that there was a significant association between DIO2 (rs225014), SEPS1 (-105G>A), Sep15 (rs5859), and KBD. For GPX1 (rs1050450, rs1800668, rs3811699), DIO2 (rs225014, rs1352815, rs1388382), TrxR2 (rs1139793, rs5746841), GPX4 (rs713041, rs4807542), and SEPP1 (rs7579, 25191g/a), there was no significant statistical difference between the KBD and control groups (P>0.05). We conclude that the DIO2 (rs225014), SEPS1 (-105G>A), and Sep15 (rs5859) gene polymorphism are associated with susceptibility to KBD.

Effect of Low Nutrition and T-2 Toxin on C28/I2 Chondrocytes Cell Line and Chondroitin Sulfate-Modifying Sulfotransferases

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of low nutrition and trichothecenes-2 toxin (T-2) on human chondrocytes cell line C28/I2 and the gene expression levels of some chondroitin sulfate (CS)-modifying sulfotransferases.

METHODS

The chondrocytes were divided into 4 intervention groups: (a) control group (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12 [DMEM/F-12] with fetal bovine serum [FBS]), (b) low-nutrition group (DMEM/F-12 without FBS), (c) T-2 group (DMEM/F-12 with FBS plus 20 ng/mL T-2), and (d) combined group (DMEM/F-12 without FBS plus 20 ng/mL T-2). Twenty-four hours postintervention, ultrastructural changes in the chondrocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Live cell staining and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay were performed to observe cell viability. The expression of CS-modifying sulfotransferases, including carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3, 12, 13, 15 (CHST-3, CHST-12, CHST-13, and CHST-15, respectively), and uronyl 2-O-sulfotransferase (UST) were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis.

RESULTS

The cells in the T-2 group and combined group had significantly lower live cell counts and relative survival rates than the control group. TEM pictures revealed decreased electron density of mitochondria in the low-nutrition group. The T-2 group and combined group both caused mitochondrial swelling, damage, and reduction in mitochondrial number. RT-qPCR showed a trend of altered expression of CHST and increased expression of UST genes under low-nutrition, T-2 toxin and combined interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show early-stage Kashin-Beck disease chondrocyte pathophysiology, consisting of chondrocyte cell damage and compensatory upregulation of CHST and UST genes.

Trace Element Selenium Effectively Alleviates Intestinal Diseases

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in the body. It is mainly used in the body in the form of selenoproteins and has a variety of biological functions. Intestinal diseases caused by chronic inflammation are among the most important threats to human health, and there is no complete cure at present. Due to its excellent antioxidant function, Se has been proven to be effective in alleviating intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Therefore, this paper introduces the role of Se and selenoproteins in the intestinal tract and the mechanism of their involvement in the mediation of intestinal diseases. In addition, it introduces the advantages and disadvantages of nano-Se as a new Se preparation and traditional Se supplement in the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases, so as to provide a reference for the further exploration of the interaction between selenium and intestinal health.

The Nutritional Supply of Iodine and Selenium Affects Thyroid Hormone Axis Related Endpoints in Mice

Selenium and iodine are the two central trace elements for the homeostasis of thyroid hormones but additional trace elements such as iron, zinc, and copper are also involved. To compare the primary effects of inadequate intake of selenium and iodine on the thyroid gland, as well as the target organs of thyroid hormones such as liver and kidney, mice were subjected to an eight-week dietary intervention with low versus adequate selenium and iodine supply. Analysis of trace element levels in serum, liver, and kidney demonstrated a successful intervention. Markers of the selenium status were unaffected by the iodine supply. The thyroid gland was able to maintain serum thyroxine levels even under selenium-deficient conditions, despite reduced selenoprotein expression in liver and kidney, including deiodinase type 1. Thyroid hormone target genes responded to the altered selenium and iodine supply, whereas the iron, zinc, and copper homeostasis remained unaffected. There was a notable interaction between thyroid hormones and copper, which requires further clarification. Overall, the effects of an altered selenium and iodine supply were pronounced in thyroid hormone target tissues, but not in the thyroid gland.

Status and risks of selenium deficiency in a traditional selenium-deficient area in Northeast China

In agricultural lands with selenium (Se) deficiency, bioavailability of Se in plants is low. Residents from large-scale agricultural production areas with Se deficiency often suffer from endemic diseases because of consumption of agricultural products lacking in Se. One such area in Northeast China where Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease originated, was selected for investigating the geochemistry, influencing factors, and risks of Se in the agroecosystems. Analysis of field samples indicates that the Se deficiency in soil is significantly reduced compared with that of several decades ago, and 62.6% of soils are now Se-sufficient in the southern Songnen Plain. However, Se in crop products remains low due to weak soil-plant transfer, resulting in high risks of Se deficiency related diseases in the rural population of this area. Structural equation modeling, principal component analysis, and other statistical analyses revealed that climate conditions and soil physical and chemical properties are the key factors influencing the spatial distribution of soil Se. Extensive use of agricultural fertilizers may indirectly inhibit the migration of Se from soil to plants. Ensuring sufficient Se contents in agricultural products to meet the minimum daily requirements of residents remains a challenge in Se-deficient areas, especially in the increased agricultural production environment in China.

Peanut selenium distribution, concentration, speciation, and effects on proteins after exogenous selenium biofortification

Fortification of Se is vital importance for both nutritional demand and prevention of Se-deficiency-related diseases. To better understand t selenium distribution, concentration, speciation, its effects on proteins, and cytotoxic activity, the biofortification of exogenous Se in peanut was conducted in this study. Our data have shown that foliar spraying of Se-riched fertilizer was more efficient for biotransformation of inorganic Se to organic Se by peanut plant. Besides, the Se content in peanut was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Our present study also confirmed that SeCys₂, MeSeCys, and SeMet were the main Se speciation within peanut proteins. Moreover, the secondary structure and thermostability of peanut protein were altered as a result of the Se treatments, and these alterations could be attributed to the replacements of cysteine and methionine by selenocysteine and selenomethionine, respectively. The Se-enriched peanut protein could significantly inhibit the growth of Caco-2 and HepG2 in a concentration-dependent manner.

Kashin-Beck disease diagnosis based on deep learning from hand X-ray images

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) is a serious endemic bone disease leading to short stature. The early radiological examinations are crucial for potential patients. However, many children in rural China cannot be diagnosed in time due to the shortage of professional orthopedists. In this paper, an algorithm is developed to automatically screening KBD based on hand X-ray images of subjects, which can help the government reducing human resources investment and assisting the poor precisely.

METHODS

The KBD diagnosis method focuses on multi-feature fusion for classification. Two kinds of features presented in X-ray images are extracted by a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). One is the global features that represent shapes and structures of the whole hand bone. The other is local features that represent edge and texture information from critical regions of the metaphysis. The global features tend to sketch the major informative parts, whereas other fine local features can provide supplementary information. Then both kinds of features are combined and fed into the KBD classifier of a fully connected neural network (FCNN) to obtain diagnostic results.

RESULT

Our research team collected 960 samples in KBD endemic areas of Tibet from 2017 to 2018. The dataset contains 219 KBD positive images and 741 negative images. Experiments indicate that the method based on multi-feature achieves the best average accuracy and sensitivity rate of of 98.5% and 97.6% for diagnosis, which is 4.0% and 7.6% higher than the method with only the global features respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The KBD diagnosis method shows that our proposed multi-feature fusion helps to achieve higher diagnosis performance and stability compared with only using global features for detection. The automated KBD diagnosis algorithm provides substantial benefits to reduce large-scale screening costs and missed diagnosis rate.

Magnetic resonance imaging at 7.0 T for evaluation of early lesions of epiphyseal plate and epiphyseal end in a rat model of Kashin-Beck disease

Background

Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) is a disabling osteoarticular disease involving growth and joint cartilage. Early diagnosis can effectively prevent the progress of the disease. However, the early diagnosis of it is still very difficult. Our aim was to study the knee joint lesions of a rat KBD model using ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compare it with X-ray imaging to analyze the possible MRI manifestations of KBD, and to further explore ways to determine the pathological damage of KBD in the early stage.

Methods

A total of 96 Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups: normal diet (Group A), KBD-affected diet (Group B), normal diet+T-2 toxin (Group C), and KBD-affected diet+T-2 toxin (Group D). T-2 toxin was administered at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day. In the 4th week, 8th week, and 12th week, eight rats randomly selected in each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after undergoing X-ray and 7.0 T MRI imaging, and then knee joints were harvested, sliced, and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining.

Results

Characteristic image changes including of continuity interruption and early closure and fusion of epiphyseal plates were observed on T1WI in rat model of KBD. The total necrosis rates in the H&E stain of group A to group D were 4.35, 52.38, 33.3, and 73.68%, respectively. The positive rate of image change under 7.0 T MRI was 0.833 VS. that under X-ray was 0.33 (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

MRI at 7.0 T is highly sensitive to the early pathological changes of the epiphysis, epiphyseal plate, and metaphyseal end, which can improve imaging positive rate of KBD and decrease the rate of missed diagnosis. This imaging modality can be used for research on early joint lesions and for early diagnosis of KBD.

Comparison of the toxic mechanism of T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol on human chondrocytes by microarray and bioinformatics analysis

T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (DON) are two representative mycotoxins that are commonly found in cereals and agricultural products. As T-2 toxin and DON are considered the cause of Kashin-Beck disease, a special osteoarticular disease, chondrocytes would be a vital target site for these toxins. To fully understand the toxicity effects of T-2 toxin and DON on chondrocytes, the present study investigated and compared the gene expression profiles and underlying mechanisms of T-2 toxin and DON on cultured human chondrocytes by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. Normal human chondrocytes were treated with T-2 toxin at 0.01 μg/ml and DON at 1.0 μg/ml for 72 h and analyzed by microarray using Affymetrix Human Gene Chip. Comprehensive analysis, including gene ontology, pathways and gene-gene networks was performed to identify the crucial gene functions, related signal pathways and key genes. A total of 175 and 237 differentially expressed genes were identified in human chondrocytes for T-2 toxin and DON treatment, respectively. Of these, 47 had the same expression tendencies in the two groups. The protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that the 10 hub genes were different between the two groups. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the toxic mechanism of T-2 toxin and DON on human chondrocytes and suggest that although T-2 toxin and DON showed some similar toxic mechanisms in human chondrocytes, they also had different toxic characteristics.

Selenium and iodine in diabetes mellitus with a focus on the interplay and speciation of the elements

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease caused by insulin deficiency (type I) or dysfunction (type II). Diabetes is a threatening public health concern. It is considered as one of the priority non-communicable diseases, due to its high and increasing incidence, the associated healthcare costs, and threatening medical complications. Two trace elements selenium (Se) and iodine (I) were intensively discussed in the context of diabetic pathology and, possibly, etiology. It seems there is a multilayer involvement of these essential nutrients in glucose tolerance, energy metabolism, insulin signaling and resistance, which are mainly related to the antioxidant selenoenzymes and the thyroid hormones. Other factors might be related to (auto)immunity, protection against endoplasmic reticulum stress, and leptin signaling. The aim of the current review is to evaluate the current understanding of the role of selenium and iodine in diabetes with a focus on the biochemical interplay between the elements, their possible role as biomarkers, and their chemical speciation. Possible impacts from novel analytical techniques related to trace element speciation and isotopic analysis are outlined.

The effects of zinc deficiency on homeostasis of twelve minerals and trace elements in the serum, feces, urine and liver of rats

Background

Zinc deficiency can change the concentrations of minerals and trace elements in the body. However, previous studies still had many limitations.

Objective

To reveal the effects of zinc deficiency on homeostasis of 16 minerals and trace elements.

Methods

Forty-five rats were divided randomly into three groups: normal zinc diet (30 mg/kg), low zinc diet (10 mg/kg), and pair-fed diet(30 mg/kg). The concentrations of 16 minerals and trace elements in serum, feces, urine, and liver were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The excretion of 16 elements in urine and feces were calculated and compared.

Results

Zinc-deficient rats exhibited significant changes in up to 12 minerals and trace elements. The low zinc diet induced decreased excretion of zinc and concentrations of zinc in serum, feces, urine, and liver. Zinc deficiency increased feces concentrations of Mg, Cu, Se, K, Ag, Fe and Mn; decreased the concentrations of Mg, Cu, Se, K in liver and urine, and a diminished amount of Ag was observed in serum. Decreased urinary concentrations of Zn Ca, Mg, Cu, Se, K, Na, As and Cr, suggested that zinc-deficient rats increased the 9 elements’ renal reabsorption. Decreased concentrations of Ca in liver, urine, and feces, decreased excretion in urine and feces and increased serum total Ca suggested that zinc deficiency increased the redistribution of Ca in serum or other tissues. Zinc deficiency increased excretion of Cu, Se, Fe; and decreased the excretion of other 8 elements except for Ag.

Conclusions

Zinc deficiency changed the excretion, reabsorption and redistribution of 12 minerals and trace elements in rats. Our findings are the first to show that zinc deficiency alters the concentrations of Ag, Cr, and As.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12986-019-0395-y.

Association between DIO2 polymorphism and the risk of Kashin-Beck disease in the Tibetan population

BACKGROUND

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a local, multiple and deformable osteoarthropathy, mostly occurring in Tibet. Type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (DIO2) is implicated in the activation of thyroid hormones to which the bones are very sensitive. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the association between KBD and DIO2 in the Tibetan population.

METHODS

We carried out a case-control study among 316 cases and 320 controls from a Tibetan population. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms in DIO2 were selected and genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY platform (Agena Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by logistic regression analysis. HaploReg (https://pubs.broadinstitute.org/mammals/haploreg/haploreg.php) and GTEx (http://www.gtexportal.org) databases were applied for functional assessment of the polymorphisms.

RESULTS

The "A/C" genotype of rs1352815 (OR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.14-8.85, p = 0.027) and the "A/G" genotype of rs1388382 (OR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.30-11.11, p = 0.015) were associated with the susceptibility of KBD under the co-dominant model. With gender stratification analysis, rs1388382 showed obvious evidence for correlation with an elevated risk of KBD in females under the co-dominant model (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.06-10.41, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in the present study indicate that DIO2 polymorphisms rs1352815 and rs1388382 were correlated with KBD susceptibility among Tibetans, which also sheds new light on the role of DIO2 in the development of KBD.

Endemic Kashin-Beck disease: A food-sourced osteoarthropathy

OBJECTIVE

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteoarthropathy, which causes disability and heavy socioeconomic burdens. The preventive measures have been taken in the past few decades. However, recent KBD-epidemiological trend and comprehensive effect of its preventive measures need to be evaluated.

METHODS

By employing typical survey, cross-sectional survey, case-control study, intervention trial, and national surveillance, the present study summarizes comprehensive role of KBD-preventive measures.

RESULTS

The endemic KBD is distributed in a long and narrow area of the world. The latest epidemic began in the late 1950s and lasted until the end of 1980s. Epidemiology of the KBD was characterized by early-onset, gender equality, agricultural area, regional discrepancy, family aggregation, annual fluctuation, etc. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that etiology of the KBD was food-related factors such as fungal contamination of grains, selenium deficiency, imbalance of protein intake, etc. A series of intervention measures for KBD control had been implemented since 1990s, and involved more than 300 million residents. National incidences were 22.1% in 1990, 16.0% in 1995, 12.3% in 2000, 5.5% in 2005, 0.38% in 2010, and 0.18 in 2015, respectively. Although new patients were annually decreased, it still affected 22,567,600 inhabitants and there were 574,925 patients in 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

Etiology of the KBD is food-sourced. Its decreased incidence may attribute to an effective implementation of preventive measures. It is possible to eradicate KBD from the earth in the near future.

Hair multi-bioelement profile of Kashin-Beck disease in the endemic regions of China

BACKGROUND

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a serious chronic osteochondral disease that is endemic in humans. Selenium (Se) has been considered in hypotheses of the aetiology of KBD, but few studies have explored the relationship between other elements and KBD.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the relationship between 39 elements and KBD.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 150 boys aged 6 to 14 years were randomly selected from a total population of 1,214 children. Subjects from endemic areas were divided into five groups: (KBD -Bin, N = 30; KBD + Se-Yongshou, N = 30; Control -Bin, N = 30; Control + Se -Yongshou, N = 30; and Control External -Chang'an, N = 30). Samples of occipital hair were collected from each subject, and thirty-nine elements, including 15 toxic elements, 19 nutrient elements, and 5 other elements were assayed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Correlation analysis of the elements in each group was performed by ggcorrplot (visualization of a correlation matrix using 'ggplot2') and PerformanceAnalytics packages in the program R Project.

RESULTS

Among the 15 toxic elements, the levels of aluminum (Al) and bismuth (Bi) in the KBD -Bin were significantly higher than in the other groups, and the levels of silver (Ag), beryllium (Be), platinum (Pt), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn) and lead (Pb) in the KBD -Bin were significantly lower than in the other groups. Among the 19 nutrient elements, the levels of selenium (Se), iodine (I), sulfur (S), and boron (B) in the KBD -Bin were significantly lower than in the other groups. The levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), strontium (Sr) and phosphorus (P) in the KBD -Bin were significantly higher than in the other groups. Correlations between various elements were remarkably different among the groups. There were positive correlations between As and Pb, Cd and Sb, Pb and Sb, Sb and U in the Control External -Chang'an, between Al and Ni, Cd and Pb, Tl and Ni, Ti and U in the Se-S KBD, and between B and I, B and Mo, Mn and V in the Control External -Chang'an.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the interactions between elements do not represent a simple reciprocal relationship in the occurrence of KBD. In fact, KBD was associated with an imbalance in multiple elements that play a dynamic and interactive role in the development of the disease.

Ecological analysis of Kashin-Beck osteoarthropathy risk factors in Tibet's Qamdo City, China

We studied Tibet’s Qamdo City, which currently hosts the most serious prevalence of Kashin-Beck osteoarthropathy (KB) in China. This study utilizes the geographical detector (GeoDetector) algorithm to measure the individual and interactive influences of risk factors on KB and to quantify the highest potential risk subzones of each principal factor. With a comprehensive consideration of 13 possible related factors, namely, the tectonic division, stratum, moisture index, gross domestic product, mean annual precipitation, soil type, groundwater type, elevation, mean annual temperature, vegetation type, geomorphic type, slope degree and slope aspect, our results indicate that the main exposure factors for KB in Qamdo City are geological factors (tectonic division and stratum), wetting factors (moisture index and mean annual precipitation), and an economic factor (gross domestic product). In contrast, other factors have little effect on the prevalence of KB in Qamdo City. All 13 factors either nonlinearly or bivariately enhance each other, and the interactions between these factors can increase the prevalence of KB. Consequently, it can be inferred that KB in Qamdo City is caused primarily by a set of multiple and interrelated disease risk factors.

The Importance of Se-Related Genes in the Chondrocyte of Kashin-Beck Disease Revealed by Whole Genomic Microarray and Network Analysis

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic, chronic, and degenerative osteoarthropathy. Selenium (Se) deficiency plays important role in the pathogenesis of KBD. We aimed to screen Se-related gene from chondrocytes of patients with KBD. Whole-genome oligonucleotide microarrays were used to detect differentially expressed genes. qRT-PCR was used to confirm the microarray results. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to screen Se-related genes from differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology (GO) classifications and network analysis of Se-related genes were constituted by STRING online system. Three hundred ninety-nine differentially expressed genes were obtained from microarray. Among them, 54 Se-related genes were identified by CTD. The qRT-PCR validation showed that four genes expressed similarly with the ones in the microarray transcriptional profiles. The Se-related genes were categorized into 6 cellular components, 8 molecular functions, 44 biological processes, 10 pathways, and 1 network by STRING. The Se-related gene insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), interleukin 6 (IL6), BCL2, apoptosis regulator (BCL2), and BCL2-associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX), which involved in many molecular functions, biological processes, and apoptosis pathway may play important roles in the pathogenesis of KBD.

Heavy Metals of Santiago Island (Cape Verde) Alluvial Deposits: Baseline Value Maps and Human Health Risk Assessment

The chemical composition of surface geological materials may cause metabolic changes and promote endemic diseases (e.g., oncological, gastrointestinal, neurological or cardiovascular diseases). The results of a geochemical survey is presented following the guidelines proposed by the International Project IGCP 259 performed on the alluvium of Santiago Island (Cape Verde) and focused on public health issues. Geochemical mapping is the base knowledge needed to determine critical contents of potential toxic elements and the potentially harmful regions in the planet. This work presents maps of baseline values of potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in Santiago alluvium and the assessment of their human health risks. According to the results the Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and V baseline values are above the Canadian guidelines for stream sediments (for any proposal use) and for soils (for agricultural and residential proposal uses) and also above the target values of Dutch guidelines. Hazard indexes (HI) were calculated for children and adults. For children (HI) are higher than 1 for Co, Cr and Mn, indicating potential non-carcinogenic risk. For the other elements and for adults there is no potential non-carcinogenic risk. Cancer risk was calculated for Cd, Cr and Ni exposures, for adults and children, and the results are only slightly higher than the carcinogenic target risk of 1 × 10-6 for adults exposed to Cr by inhalation. However, these results may be underestimated because alluvial contaminants may be indirectly ingested by groundwater and by crop and vegetables consumption.

Distribution, formation and human-induced evolution of geogenic contaminated groundwater in China: A review

The sustainability of groundwater usage faces quality problem caused by anthropogenic activity as well as geogenic contamination. With varied climate zones, geomorphology and geological background, China faces a variety of geogenic contaminated groundwater (GCG) reported known as high TDS, Fe, Mn, As, F, I, NH₄⁺, U, Cr and low I, Se, etc., may still exist some others not fully known yet. The problem of GCG is more significant in northern China due to extensive groundwater usage, arid climate and widespread Holocene strata. High salinity groundwater is mainly distributed in semi-arid/arid northwestern inland basins and coastal areas. Elevated Fe and Mn are frequently concomitant and controlled by redox potential, prevailing in the Sanjiang Plain, Yellow River Basin, and middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin. High As groundwater occurs in reducing aquifer is mainly distributed in the Yellow River, Yangtze River and Huai River Basins as well as the Songnen Plain and Xinjiang. Fluoride is characterized by its areal distribution in northern China in comparison with scatter occurrence in the south. The dissolution of F-bearing minerals as well as evaporation effect both contribute to elevated F. High iodine groundwater mainly distributed in the Yellow-Huai-Hai River Basin and low iodine prevailing in piedmont areas both pose health issues. Iodine is related to decomposition of organic matter (OC) as well as marine origin. Contributed by OC mineralization naturally-occurring NH₄⁺ was found in reducing aquifers. The GCG triggers endemic disease in addition to reduce groundwater resource. The co-occurrence like high TDS and F, As and F are frequently observed posing major challenges for mitigation. Anthropogenic influence like abstraction and pollutant infiltration would alter groundwater flow and the redox condition causing the further evolution of GCG. Identification of GCG should be made in rural areas where private wells prevail to ensure resident's health.

Roles for selenium and selenoprotein P in the development, progression, and prevention of intestinal disease

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient essential to human health, the function of which is mediated in part by incorporation into a class of proteins known as selenoproteins (SePs). As many SePs serve antioxidant functions, Se has long been postulated to protect against inflammation and cancer development in the gut by attenuating oxidative stress. Indeed, numerous studies over the years have correlated Se levels with incidence and severity of intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Similar results have been obtained with the Se transport protein, selenoprotein P (SELENOP), which is decreased in the plasma of both IBD and CRC patients. While animal models further suggest that decreases in Se or SELENOP augment colitis and intestinal tumorigenesis, large-scale clinical trials have yet to show a protective effect in patient populations. In this review, we discuss the function of Se and SELENOP in intestinal diseases and how research into these mechanisms may impact patient treatment.

Selenium, Selenoproteins, and Immunity

Selenium is an essential micronutrient that plays a crucial role in development and a wide variety of physiological processes including effect immune responses. The immune system relies on adequate dietary selenium intake and this nutrient exerts its biological effects mostly through its incorporation into selenoproteins. The selenoproteome contains 25 members in humans that exhibit a wide variety of functions. The development of high-throughput omic approaches and novel bioinformatics tools has led to new insights regarding the effects of selenium and selenoproteins in human immuno-biology. Equally important are the innovative experimental systems that have emerged to interrogate molecular mechanisms underlying those effects. This review presents a summary of the current understanding of the role of selenium and selenoproteins in regulating immune cell functions and how dysregulation of these processes may lead to inflammation or immune-related diseases.