Levels of sP-selectin and hs-CRP Decrease with Dietary Intervention with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 Combined: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background/ObjectivesInflammation and oxidative stress are central in many disease states. The major anti-oxidative enzymes contain selenium. The selenium intake in Europe is low, and supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10, important anti-oxidants, was evaluated in a previous study. The aim of this study was to evaluate response on the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein, and sP-selectin, and their possible impact on cardiovascular mortality.Subjects/Methods437 elderly individuals were included in the study. Clinical examination, echocardiography, electrocardiography and blood samples were drawn. The intervention time was 48 months, and median follow-up was 5.2 years. The effects on inflammation/atherosclerosis were evaluated through analyses of CRP and sP-selectin. Evaluations of the effect of the intervention was performed using repeated measures of variance. All mortality was registered, and endpoints of mortality were assessed by Kaplan-Meier plots.ResultsThe placebo group showed a CRP level of 4.8 ng/mL at the start, and 5.1 ng/mL at the study end. The active supplementation group showed a CRP level of 4.1 ng/mL at the start, and 2.1 ng/mL at the study end. SP-selectin exhibited a level of 56.6 mg/mL at the start in the placebo group and 72.3 mg/mL at the study end, and in the active group the corresponding figures were 55.9 mg/mL and 58.0 mg/mL. A significantly smaller increase was demonstrated through repeated measurements of the two biomarkers in those on active supplementation. Active supplementation showed an effect on the CRP and sP-selectin levels, irrespective of the biomarker levels. Reduced cardiovascular mortality was demonstrated in both those with high and low levels of CRP and sP-selectin in the active supplementation group.ConclusionCRP and sP-selectin showed significant changes reflecting effects on inflammation and atherosclerosis in those given selenium and coenzyme Q10 combined. A reduced cardiovascular mortality could be demonstrated in the active group, irrespective of biomarker level. This result should be regarded as hypothesis-generating, and it is hoped it will stimulate more research in the area.

Reduced Cardiovascular Mortality 10 Years after Supplementation with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 for Four Years: Follow-Up Results of a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial in Elderly Citizens

“…This might indicate that the part most diseased died to a greater extent in the placebo group compared to the active treatment group also during the time after the termination of the intervention. An explanation might be a decrease of the progression of the cardiovascular disease during the intervention as could be seen from increased inflammatory activity that is reduced by the intervention [ 37 ] and where at the end result, if not given intervention, increased atherosclerosis and macroscopic cardiovascular injuries as a result could be registered up to 6 years after the termination of the intervention.…”

Selenium in Cardiac Surgery

“…A dysregulation of the expressed selenoproteins makes an active supplementation of Se an even more promising adjuvant intervention . In this context, a prospective randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the effects of combined chronic supplementation of Se (200 μg organic Se) and 200 mg coenzyme Q10 per day on the severity of chronic heart failure, all‐cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality . The intervention was performed for 4 years, and the authors observed that chronic treatment with Se and Q10 resulted in a reduced inflammatory status in these patients and significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality assessed after 10 years …”

“…The administration of low doses of Se at only a few time points will probably have no significant effects on the circulating Se blood levels, bioavailability, or the patient's clinical outcome . In contrast, a more frequent administration of Se might have more pronounced effects on reducing new infections in critically ill patients . Additionally, there is no consensus about whether Se should be administered as a bolus or as a continuous infusion.…”

Treatment strategies in Alzheimer’s disease: a review with focus on selenium supplementation

“…Results from a Swedish study published in 2015 indicated improved vitality and overall score of health related quality-of-life as a result of intervention with Se and coenzyme Q 10 to an elderly population with mean baseline plasma Se of 67 μg/L (Johansson et al 2015 ). The same intervention study also demonstrated a decreased inflammatory activity as registered by the biomarkers sP-selectin and hs-CRP (Alehagen et al 2015 ). The Se supplement dose in this latter study was 200 μg/day, given as selenized yeast.…”