Serum Selenium Levels in Glaucoma: a Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Trace elements are assumed to be involved in glaucoma pathogenesis via changes in oxidative stress. Especially serum selenium (Se) has been linked to this neurodegenerative disease. Serum Se levels differ between countries due to nutrition and ethnicity. It was the aim of the present study to investigate serum Se levels in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and controls in Germany and to consider potential age and gender effects. Material and Methods The Se concentration of 39 serum samples (22 patients with POAG, 17 controls) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-sf-MS) in high resolution mode. Covariance and percentile regression were analyzed. Age and gender were defined as confounding factors and their different trends were investigated. Moreover, age was examined across different quantiles of Se levels. Results Total serum least-squares means (LS-means) Se levels were 132.02 µg/L (controls) and 134.86 µg/L (POAG). Total serum Se levels did not differ between the study groups (p > 0.05). Significant age and gender effects of serum Se were observed. Quantile analysis showed that the 1st serum Se quantile decreased with increasing age in POAG patients in contrast to controls. The odds ratios of the 1st serum Se were 1.3 (with 2nd quantile) and 1.3 (with 3rd quantile), respectively. Conclusion The serum Se level of the German cohort was almost half of those of the published US cohort (glaucoma 209.11 ng/mL; control 194.45 ng/mL). Age and gender effects were observed; the serum Se level increased with age in women (controls and POAG), however, Se levels decreased with age in men (controls and POAG).

Dietary patterns; serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc; copper/zinc ratio; and total antioxidant status in patients with glaucoma

“…Several studies have established a relationship between Se levels and glaucoma development [ 17 , 18 ]. However, no universally accepted Se level serves as a diagnostic or predictive marker for glaucoma.…”

The Potential of Selenium-Based Therapies for Ocular Oxidative Stress

“…Furthermore, the authors reported a correlation between Se levels in the aqueous humour and glaucoma [108,109]. Other studies demonstrated that there is no significant difference in selenium levels in glaucoma patients compared to controls [60,110]. No significant differences were observed in aqueous humour levels of selenium between patients with and without AMD [104].…”

“…Selenium levels vary in human serum with age, sex, and geographical region [59]. This variation likely arises from differences in the amount of selenium (organic and inorganic) in food, water, and soil [60]. Seafood, muscle meats, cereals, grains, and dairy products are some of the foods that are high in total selenium [57].…”