The Relevance of Selenium Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that can cause joint damage. Among the environmental risk factors, diet plays an important role because it can aggravate or attenuate inflammation. Selenium (Se) is considered an essential trace element since it is a structural component of antioxidant enzymes; however, its concentration can be affected by diet, drugs and genetic polymorphisms. Studies have reported that RA patients have a deficient diet in some food groups that is associated with parameters of disease activity. Furthermore, it has been shown that there is an alteration in serum Se levels in this population. Although some clinical trials have been conducted in the past to analyze the effect of Se supplementation in RA, no significant results were obtained. Contrastingly, experimental studies that have evaluated the effect of novel Se nanoparticles in RA-induced models have shown promising results on the restoration of antioxidant enzyme levels. In particular, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an important selenoprotein that could have a modulating effect on inflammation in RA. Considering that RA patients present an inflammatory and oxidative state, the aim of this review is to give an overview of the current knowledge about the relevance of Se status in RA.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles: Potential Solution to Oxidative Stress Mediated Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Complications

“…Given that, it has been reported since long that observed serum Se amount is less in RA patients than in controls [ 38 ]. Francisco et al also discussed the relevance of Se status in detail in context to RA [ 39 ]. Nonetheless, though it is not clear if Se deficiency is a cause or outcome of the incident of the disorder, the decreased levels can result in the progression of the disease since they have been linked to the creation of ROS and related inflammatory states [ 40 ].…”

Sparstolonin B Exerts Therapeutic Effects on Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Inhibiting the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Reducing the Activity of α1,3-Fucosyltransferase

“…T-helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) play essential roles in mediating inflammation in RA and are known to cause erosion and destruction of the articular cartilage and bone [28][29][30]. And RA is characterized by the production of excessive inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17), chemokines, and autoantibodies, which cause excessive activation of immune cells [31].…”

Supranutritional selenium suppresses ROS‐induced generation of RANKL‐expressing osteoclastogenic CD4+ T cells and ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis

“…Given its regulation of bone metabolism and antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effect, Se supplementation might benefit RA. However, the results are inconsistent, presumably because of the variation of baseline Se levels and the lack of rigorousness of clinical trial designs 16 . The effect of Se supplementation in RA could be affected by the baseline and dose of Se.…”

“…However, the results are inconsistent, presumably because of the variation of baseline Se levels and the lack of rigorousness of clinical trial designs. 16 The effect of Se supplementation in RA could be affected by the baseline and dose of Se. In this study, we took a novel approach to investigate the potential benefit of supranutritional Se supplementation in RA by examining RA patients living in the area with the supranutritional Se intake.…”