Possible new organoselenium supplement – evaluation of its influence on the kidneys in comparison with inorganic sodium selenite

Exo-trig selenocyclization of secondary allylic carboxamides using Woollins' reagent: en route to 2,5-disubstituted selenazolines

We report microwave-assisted selenation and exo-trig cyclization of secondary allylic carboxamides using Woollins' reagent, a serendipitous finding observed during an attempt to synthesize N-allylbenzoselenoamide compounds. This resulted in the first reported synthesis of 2-aryl-5-methyl selenazolines. Twenty-one diversified selenazolines and three late-stage-functionalized drug molecules were synthesized in 42-93% and 25-52% yield, respectively, and these were evaluated further for their anti-proliferative activity.

Effect of sodium selenite on chosen anti- and pro-oxidative parameters in rats treated with lithium: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Selenium is an essential element of antioxidant properties. Lithium is widely used in medicine but its administration can cause numerous side effects including oxidative stress. The present study aimed at evaluating if sodium selenite could influence chosen anti- and pro-oxidant parameters in rats treated with lithium.

METHODS

The experiment was performed on four groups of Wistar rats: I (control) - treated with saline; II (Li) - treated with lithium (2.7 mgLi/kg b.w. as Li2CO3), III (Se) - treated with selenium (0.5 mgSe/kg b.w. as Na2SeO3), IV (Li+Se) - treated with Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3 together at the same doses as in group II and III, respectively. All treatments were performed by stomach tube for three weeks in form of water solutions. The following anti- and pro-oxidant parameters: total antioxidant status (TAS) value, catalase (CAT) activity, concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in plasma as well as whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured.

RESULTS

Selenium given alone markedly enhanced whole blood GPx and diminished plasma CAT vs.

CONTROL

Lithium significantly decreased plasma CAT and slightly increased AA vs.

CONTROL

Selenium co-administration restored these parameters to the values observed in control animals. Furthermore, selenium co-administration significantly increased GPx in Li-treated rats. All other parameters (TAS, SOD and MDA) were not affected by lithium and/or selenium.

CONCLUSION

Further research seems to be warranted to decide if application of selenium as an adjuvant in lithium therapy is worth considering.