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1.
[Selenium and zinc: "antioxidants" for healthy aging?].
Steinbrenner, H, Klotz, LO
Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie. 2020;(4):295-302
Abstract
Selenium and zinc are essential trace elements and an inadequate dietary intake has been implicated in the decline of immune and cognitive functions in aged persons and in the pathogenesis of age-related disorders. Both micronutrients are often marketed as "antioxidants" in mineral supplements; however, neither selenium nor zinc are antioxidants per se but they may exert beneficial effects as components of enzymes and other proteins that catalyze redox reactions and/or are involved in the maintenance of redox homeostasis. According to epidemiological data older individuals have an increased risk of developing deficiencies in the selenium and zinc status; however, such statistical correlations in epidemiological studies do not imply a causal association. Intervention trials are scarce and have yielded inconsistent and sometimes even adverse results. It should also be noted that the observed deficiencies in micronutrients may not necessarily be attributable to inadequate dietary intake as the absorption and distribution within the body might also be influenced by factors such as medications or interaction with other food ingredients. Thus, any dietary supplementation should be implemented with caution and persons who wish to take mineral supplements should first seek medical advice. This article discusses the role of selenium and zinc in biological antioxidant systems, summarizes findings on the supply and supplementation of aged persons with these trace elements and on the influence they may exert on aging-related health issues, such as cognitive decline and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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2.
Effects of Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin on SARS-CoV: Implications for COVID-19.
Polansky, H, Lori, G
Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine. 2020;:2515690X20932523
Abstract
The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, is a betacoronavirus closely related to the human severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The recent COVID-19 outbreak created an urgent need for treatment. To expedite the development of such treatment, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies are currently testing several existing drugs for their effect on the virus. Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are natural, broad-spectrum, antiviral treatments proven to be safe and effective in several clinical studies. In this article, we present evidence indicating that the 5 Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin ingredients have anti-betacoronavirus, and specifically, anti-SARS-CoV effects. We consider this evidence as a first indication of the anti-coronavirus effects of Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin. Next, we are planning to conduct a clinical study with users of the treatments to test the effects of Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin on individuals at risk and those infected with the virus.
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3.
Copper and selenium status as biomarkers of neonatal infections.
Hackler, J, Wisniewska, M, Greifenstein-Wiehe, L, Minich, WB, Cremer, M, Bührer, C, Schomburg, L
Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS). 2020;:126437
Abstract
Neonatal infections are a major risk factor for neonatal mortality. A reliable diagnosis of early-onset sepsis (EOS) is hampered by the variable clinical presentations of the children. We hypothesized that changes in the Se or Cu status, or the biomarkers selenoprotein P (SELENOP) or ceruloplasmin (CP) alone or in combination may be informative of EOS. We generated a new human CP-specific non-competitive immunoassay (ELISA) suitable of analysing small sample volumes and validated the method with a commercial CP source. Using this novel CP assay, we analysed a case-control study of EOS (n = 19 control newborns, n = 18 suspected cases). Concentrations of Se, Cu, SELENOP, CP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) along with the Cu/Se and CP/SELENOP ratios were evaluated by correlation analyses as biomarkers for EOS. Diagnostic value was estimated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. The new CP-ELISA displayed a wide working range (0.10-6.78 mg CP/L) and low sample requirement (2 μL of serum, EDTA-, heparin- or citrate-plasma). Plasma CP correlated positively with Cu concentrations in the set of all samples (Pearson r = 0.8355, p < 0.0001). Three of the infected neonates displayed particularly high ratios of Cu/Se and CP/SELENOP, i.e., 3.8- to 6.9-fold higher than controls. Both the Cu/Se and the CP/SELENOP ratios correlated poorly with the early infection marker IL-6, but strongly and positively with the acute-phase protein CRP (Cu/Se-CRP: Spearman ϱ = 0.583, p = 0.011; CP/SELENOP-CRP: ϱ = 0.571, p = 0.013). The ROC curve analyses indicate that a combination of biomarkers for the Se and Cu status do not improve the early identification of EOS considerably. This study established a robust, highly precise, partly validated and scalable novel CP sandwich ELISA suitable for basic and clinical research, requiring minute amounts of sample. The ratio of circulating CP/SELENOP constitutes a promising new composite biomarker for detection of EOS, at least in a subset of severely diseased children.
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4.
Selenium and Selenoprotein P Deficiency Correlates With Complications and Adverse Outcome After Major Trauma.
Braunstein, M, Kusmenkov, T, Zuck, C, Angstwurm, M, Becker, NP, Böcker, W, Schomburg, L, Bogner-Flatz, V
Shock (Augusta, Ga.). 2020;(1):63-70
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Abstract
BACKGROUND A declining selenium (Se) status constitutes a characteristic of critical illness and may affect disease course and survival. The dynamics of trauma-induced changes in biomarkers of Se status are poorly characterized, and an association with multiple organ failure (MOF) and mortality can be hypothesized. It was the aim of this study to investigate Se and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) concentrations in major trauma patients during the early posttraumatic period. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-four patients after major trauma (ISS ≥16) were included at our level one trauma center. Se supplementation ever during the 90-day observation period was defined as an exclusion criterion. Serum samples were drawn within less than 60 min after trauma, and after 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Serum Se was analyzed by X-ray fluorescence and SELENOP concentrations by ELISA. The data were correlated to clinical parameters, occurrence of MOF defined by MOF and APACHE II score, lung injury defined by Horowitz index and clinical outcome (90-days survival). RESULTS Serum Se and SELENOP concentrations of the trauma patients were significantly below the average of healthy European subjects (mean ±SD; Se, 41.2±8.1 vs. 84.7±23.3 μg/L, P < 0.001; SePP, 1.5±0.3 vs. 4.3±1.0 mg/L, P < 0.001). A strong deficit was present already at the first time point (Se; 33.6±10.5 μg/L, SELENOP 1.4±0.5 mg/L). The clinical scores collectively showed an inverse relation between health status and Se biomarkers. Patients who did not survive the 90-day observation period exhibited significantly lower initial post-trauma Se status than the surviving patients (mean±SD; Se, 24.7±7.2 vs. 39.2±8.4 μg/L, P<0.05; SePP, 1.1±0.4 vs. 1.6±0.4 mg/L, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Very low Se and SELENOP concentrations occur fast after major trauma and are associated with poor survival odds. These findings support the notion that early Se substitution may constitute a meaningful adjuvant treatment strategy in trauma patients.
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Selenium and Copper as Biomarkers for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis.
Sun, Q, Hackler, J, Hilger, J, Gluschke, H, Muric, A, Simmons, S, Schomburg, L, Siegert, E
Nutrients. 2020;(6)
Abstract
Circulating selenoprotein P (SELENOP) constitutes an established biomarker of Se status. SELENOP concentrations are reduced in inflammation and severe disease. Recently, elevated SELENOP levels have been suggested as diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We decided to re-evaluate this hypothesis. A group of healthy controls (n = 30) was compared with patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc, n = 66), one third with SSc-related PAH. Serum was analysed for trace elements and protein biomarkers, namely SELENOP, glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and ceruloplasmin (CP). Compared to controls, patients with SSc-related PAH displayed reduced serum Se (91 ± 2 vs. 68 ± 2 µg/L) and SELENOP concentrations (3.7 ± 0.8 vs. 2.7 ± 0.9 mg/L), along with lower GPx3 activity (278 ± 40 vs. 231 ± 54 U/L). All three biomarkers of Se status were particularly low in patients with skin involvement. Serum Cu was not different between the groups, but patients with SSc-related PAH showed elevated ratios of Cu/Se and CP/SELENOP as compared to controls. Our data indicate that patients with SSc-related PAH are characterized by reduced Se status in combination with elevated CP, in line with other inflammatory diseases. Further analyses are needed to verify the diagnostic value of these TE-related biomarkers in PAH.
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6.
Circulating Selenium and Cardiovascular or All-Cause Mortality in the General Population: a Meta-Analysis.
Xiang, S, Dai, Z, Man, C, Fan, Y
Biological trace element research. 2020;(1):55-62
Abstract
The association of circulating selenium level with mortality remains controversial. This meta-analysis investigated the association between elevated circulating selenium level and cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in the general population. PubMed and Embase databases (up to January 20, 2019) were searched for observational studies or post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the association between elevated circulating selenium level and cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in the general population. Twelve observational studies (ten cohort and two case-control studies) with a total of 25,667 individuals were included. Comparison with the lowest and the highest circulating selenium level showed that the pooled risk ratio (RR) values of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were 1.36 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.18-1.58) and 1.35 (95% CI 1.13-1.62), respectively. When analyzed selenium level as a continuous variable, each standard deviation selenium increase significantly reduced 20% all-cause mortality risk. However, the lowest circulating selenium level was not associated with a high risk of coronary mortality (RR 1.43; 95% CI 0.93-2.19). This meta-analysis indicated that low circulating selenium level was associated with higher risk of cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in the general population. Low circulating selenium level did not confer significant effect on coronary death.
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Zinc oxide‑selenium heterojunction composite: Synthesis, characterization and photo-induced antibacterial activity under visible light irradiation.
Ahmad, A, Ullah, S, Ahmad, W, Yuan, Q, Taj, R, Khan, AU, Rahman, AU, Khan, UA
Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology. 2020;:111743
Abstract
The designing of new antibacterial agents with high and long-lasting activities are urgently needed in order to cope with the fast-emerging bacterial resistance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) have shown a significant promise as broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, and are efficient material in compromising bacterial membrane stability that leads to an increased cell permeability to nano-products. However, further engineering is required to improve their biological activities and to minimize their toxicity to healthy cells. In an attempt to resolve this issue, two semiconductor materials, ZnO and selenium (Se), were fabricated into a unique structural composite by a newly developed facile green method, and the designed composite was applied as an antibacterial nanomedicine. The developed methodology involves the initial preparation of ZnO, followed by its fabrication with Se at different temperatures (70 °C to 95 °C). Our experimental data showed that well defined interpenetrated crystalline Se network on ZnO (ZnO-Se) can be obtained at 80 °C for 180 min. The as-prepared ZnO-Se showed promising results in inhibiting the challenged bacterial strains under light irradiation (visible light) as compared to free ZnO. The enhanced biocidal property of ZnO-Se could be ascribed to its improved light-harvesting ability for sustainable induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an active contact killing mechanism. Thus, ZnO-Se composite with a novel architecture could be a promising material in the treatment of bacterial infections by a mutual antibacterial synergy from the incorporated elements. Interestingly, the ZnO-Se has the ability to scavenge the overproduction of hydroxyl radicals, thus protecting the healthy cells from oxidative damage.
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The effect of selenium and zinc on CD4(+) count and opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS patients: a randomized double blind trial.
Hadadi, A, Ostovar, A, Edalat Noor, B, Rasoolinejad, M, Haji Abdolbaghi, M, Yousefi, S, Khalili, H, Manshoori, G, Khashayar, P, Alipour, Z, et al
Acta clinica Belgica. 2020;(3):170-176
Abstract
Objectives: We assessed the effect of selenium and zinc supplementation on CD4 cell count and the risk of developing opportunistic infections.Methods: In a double blind clinical trial, 146 HIV(+) patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy with CD4(+) >200/cubic millimeter were screened for comorbidities and opportunistic infections, and randomized to receive daily selenium (200 µg), zinc (50 mg) or placebo for 6 months, before a 3-month follow-up period. CD4 cell counts were measured in the 3th, 6th and 9th months. The serum selenium and zinc were measured in the 6th month. The incidence of opportunistic infection was assessed monthly for 6 months and at the end of the 9th month.Results: The final incidence of supplement deficiency for placebo, zinc and selenium were 46.7%, 44.7% and 50.0%, respectively. Overall compliance with supplementation was 99.42%. Although the changes from baseline were not statistically significant, zinc supplementation was significantly associated with reduced risk of opportunistic infections.Conclusion: Development of the opportunistic infections after zinc supplementation significantly decreased; however, significant improvement in CD4 count was not observed in this group.
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Selenium and copper status - potential signposts for neurological remission after traumatic spinal cord injury.
Seelig, J, Heller, RA, Hackler, J, Haubruck, P, Moghaddam, A, Biglari, B, Schomburg, L
Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS). 2020;:126415
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI) is a severe incident resulting in loss of motor and sensory function caused by complex pathological mechanisms including massive oxidative stress and extensive inflammatory processes. The essential trace elements selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) play crucial roles as part of the antioxidant defense. HYPOTHESIS Remission after TSCI is associated with characteristic dynamics of early changes in serum Cu and Se status. STUDY DESIGN Single-center prospective observational study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum samples from TSCI patients were analyzed (n = 52); 21 recovered and showed a positive abbreviated injury score (AIS) conversion within 3 months (G1), whereas 21 had no remission (G0). Ten subjects with vertebral fractures without neurological impairment served as control (C). Different time points (at admission, and after 4, 9, 12, and 24 h) were analyzed for total serum Se and Cu concentrations by total reflection X-ray fluorescence, and for Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) and Ceruloplasmin (CP) by sandwich ELISA. RESULTS At admission, CP and SELENOP concentrations were higher in the remission group (G1) than in the non-remission group (G0). Within 24 h, there were marginal changes in Se, SELENOP, Cu and CP concentrations in the groups of controls (C) and G0. In contrast, these parameters decreased significantly in G1. Binary logistic regression analysis including Cu and Se levels at admission in combination with Se and CP levels after 24 h allowed a prediction for potential remission, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 87.7% (CI: 75.1%-100.0%). CONCLUSION These data indicate a strong association between temporal changes of the Se and Cu status and the clinical outcome after TSCI. The dynamics observed may reflect an ongoing redistribution of the trace elements in favor of a better anti-inflammatory response and a more successful neurological regeneration.
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10.
Selenium-silicon (Se-Si) induced modulations in physio-biochemical responses, grain yield, quality, aroma formation and lodging in fragrant rice.
Liu, X, Huang, Z, Li, Y, Xie, W, Li, W, Tang, X, Ashraf, U, Kong, L, Wu, L, Wang, S, et al
Ecotoxicology and environmental safety. 2020;:110525
Abstract
Fragrant rice is a high-valued quality rice type which is gaining much popularity over the globe due to its better cooking qualities and special aromatic characteristics. Selenium (Se) and silicon (Si) could improve the growth and yield of rice; however, the combine effects of Se and Si (Se-Si treatments) on rice grain quality, aroma and lodging in fragrant rice were rarely investigated. The pot and field experiments were conducted with two fragrant rice cultivars i.e., Xiangyaxiangzhan and Yuxiangyouzhan, grown under three Se levels i.e., 0, 120, and 240 mg kg-1 of soil (for pot experiment) and 0, 300, and 600 kg ha-1 (for field experiment) regarded as LSe, MSe and HSe, respectively and two Si levels i.e., 0 and 60 mg kg-1 of soil (for pot experiment) and 0 and 150 kg ha-1 (for field experiment) regarded as -Si and +Si, respectively. Results depicted that the Se-Si treatments regulated head rice yield, grain yield and yield related traits and the HSe+Si treatment sustainably improved the grain yield and head rice yield by regulating plant growth, antioxidant response and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in fragrant rice. The Se-Si treatments also improved the grain 2AP contents owing to regulation in the proline, pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) contents. Besides, Se-Si treatments also regulated the grain quality attributes and influenced the plant Se contents. Moreover, the Si mitigated Se-induced lodging resulted from changes in the lodging parameters i.e., lodging index, fresh weight per tiller, pushing resistance force, plant height and bending moment. Overall, the Se and Si application improved the grain yield and regulated the dry weight accumulation, antioxidant attributes and quality attributes. Meanwhile, the Si application mitigated the negative effect of Se-induced lodging in fragrant rice.