ABSTRACT
Disturbance in the antioxidant system could play a role in pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. The most important defence mechanisms are associated with the activity of antioxidative enzymes, among which glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], belonging to so-called free radical scavengers, should be mentioned. Selenium, regarded as a bioelement, is present in GSH-Px. Involved in numerous redox reactions, it belongs to the factors protecting the organism from oxidative shock. To detect selenium concentrations in the serum of chronic liver disease patients whether compensated, decompensated or with hepatocellular carcinoma, and to correlate these levels with the progression of liver disease. This study was conducted on 20 patients with compensated liver disease [Group I], 20 patients with decompensated liver disease [Group II], and 10 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [Group III], all compared with 20 healthy subjects serving as a control group. Participants were subjected to complete clinical and laboratory assessment, and abdominal ultrasonography. Estimation of serum selenium by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometers was conducted on all samples. There was significant decrease in serum selenium level in hepatocellular carcinoma group compared to both decompensated and compensated groups [26.40 +/- 6.52ug/l, 42.35 +/- 6.12 ug/1 and 59.90 +/- 8.20 ug/1, respectively], when compared to control group [79.85 +/- 10.06 ug/1] [P < 0.01]. There was a significant positive correlation between serum selenium and albumin levels in the studied groups [P < 0.01]. A significant inverse correlation was found between serum selenium level and AST, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase in patients groups [P < 0.05]. No significant relationship was found between serum selenium level and age of patients. Serum selenium levels significantly decrease in relation to the progression of chronic liver disease. There is a potential need of selenium supplementation in these patients