Selenium – a fascinating antioxidant of protective properties

Abstract

Selenium is a trace element which fulfils important functions in the organism. Its deficit may cause acute disorders, but an overdose can also lead to severe consequences. The functions of selenium in the organism are mainly connected with its antioxidant properties, as it is an essential part of important antioxidant enzymes. Disturbances of oxidant balance have been found to be involved in the activity of numerous harmful factors as well as in the pathogenesis of diverse illnesses. Selenium administration has proved to be effective against the toxicity of many agents and the side effects of drugs. However, the narrow range between therapeutic and toxic doses of selenium, as well as the dependence of its effect on the applied form, dose and method of treatment, makes the choice of the most effective supplement a very complex issue. Divergent forms of selenium are still being studied, including both inorganic and organic compounds as well as Se-enriched natural products. The newest research has also involved selenium nanoparticles. The aim of this review is to present the great potential of selenium for protecting the organism against a wide variety of environmental pollutants, drugs and physical factors.

Effects of oral selenium and magnesium co-supplementation on lipid metabolism, antioxidative status, histopathological lesions, and related gene expression in rats fed a high-fat diet

“…In this study, the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px and SOD was significantly increased in both doses of selenium & magnesium supplementation groups compared to HF group. The main functions of selenium in the organism are connected with its antioxidant properties, as it is an essential cofactor of important antioxidant enzymes [ 24 ]. Magnesium is an important component of the antioxidant system and may be used as potential therapeutic agent to reduce the clinical diseases associated with increased oxidative stress.…”

The Main Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Methamphetamine- Induced Neurotoxicity and Implications for Pharmacological Treatment

“…This effects is attributed to the incorporation of selenium into the amino acid selenocysteine by GPx1 and GPx4, which have antioxidant functions ( Barayuga et al, 2013 ). However, in view of the narrow range between the therapeutic and toxic doses of selenium, as well as the dependence of the effect on the applied formulation, dose, and method of treatment, supplementation should be undertaken with appropriate precautions and avoidance of the side-effects of selenium ( Ungvari et al, 2014 ; Ghosh et al, 2015 ; Kielczykowska et al, 2018 ).…”

Uma revisão sobre a deficiência de selênio e a suscetibilidade às infecções virais com ênfase particular no novo coronavírus / A review of selenium deficiency and susceptibility to viral infections with particular emphasis on the new coronavirus

“…Sendo assim, o limite entre deficiência e toxicidade é uma linha muito tênue que merece atenção, portanto, o acompanhamento por um profissional de saúde habilitado é essencial para a manutenção do estado nutricional (KIETCZYKOWSKA et al, 2018).…”