Selenium deficiency exacerbates ROS/ER stress mediated pyroptosis and ferroptosis induced by bisphenol A in chickens thymus.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial pollutant that can cause immune impairment. Selenium acts as an antioxidant, as selenium deficiency often accompanies oxidative stress, resulting in organ damage. This study is the first to demonstrate that BPA and/or selenium deficiency induce pyroptosis and ferroptosis-mediated thymic injury in chicken and chicken lymphoma cell (MDCC-MSB-1) via oxidative stress-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We established a broiler chicken model of BPA and/or selenium deficiency exposure and collected thymus samples as research subjects after 42 days. The results demonstrated that BPA or selenium deficiency led to a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (T-AOC, CAT, and GSH-Px), accumulation of peroxides (H2O2 and MDA), significant upregulation of ER stress-related markers (GRP78, IER 1, PERK, EIF-2α, ATF4, and CHOP), a significant increase in iron ion levels, significant upregulation of pyroptosis-related gene (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1, GSDMD, IL-18 and IL-1ß), significantly increase ferroptosis-related genes (TFRC, COX2) and downregulate GPX4, HO-1, FTH, NADPH. In vitro experiments conducted in MDCC-MSB-1 cells confirmed the results, demonstrating that the addition of antioxidant (NAC), ER stress inhibitor (TUDCA) and pyroptosis inhibitor (Vx765) alleviated oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Overall, this study concludes that the combined effects of oxidative stress and ER stress mediate pyroptosis and ferroptosis in chicken thymus induced by BPA exposure and selenium deficiency.

Selenoprotein-p and insulin resistance in children and adolescents with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance and obesity present significant challenges in pediatric populations. Selenoprotein P1 (SEPP1) serves as a biomarker for assessing selenium levels in the body. While its association with metabolic syndrome is established in adults, its relevance in children remains underexplored. AIM: To ascertain SEPP1 blood levels in children and adolescents diagnosed with obesity and to assess its correlation with insulin resistance and adiposity indices. METHODS: 170 children participated in this study, including 85 diagnosed with obesity and an equal number of healthy counterparts matched for age and sex. Each participant underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation, encompassing a detailed medical history, clinical examination, and anthropometric measurements like waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Furthermore, routine blood tests were conducted, including serum SEPP1, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) level. RESULTS: Our findings revealed significantly lower serum SEPP1 levels in children with obesity compared to their healthy peers. Moreover, notable negative correlations were observed between serum SEPP1 levels and body mass index, VAI, and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that SEPP1 could serve as a valuable predictor for insulin resistance among children and adolescents diagnosed with obesity. This highlights the potential utility of SEPP1 in pediatric metabolic health assessment and warrants further investigation.

Zinc and selenium supplementation on treated HIV-infected individuals induces changes in body composition and on the expression of genes responsible of naïve CD8+ T cells function.

Background and aim: Deficiency of zinc and selenium is common in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV) and has been associated with the development of non-AIDS related comorbidities, impaired immune system function and mortality. Micronutrient supplementation on long-term-treated PLWHIV could bring potential clinical and immunological benefits improving their health status and quality of life. The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of zinc and selenium supplementation on body composition, bone mineral density, CD4+ T-cell counts, metabolic profile and immune system status on clinical stable PLWHIV on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: This is a randomized pilot clinical trial in which we recruited 60 PLWHIV on ART who were assigned to the intervention groups: zinc (30 mg of zinc gluconate), selenium (200 µg of selenium yeast), zinc + selenium (same doses and presentations) or to a control group (without nutritional supplementation) who received supplementation during 6 months. Primary outcome was defined as changes in body composition (weight, muscle and fat mass and bone mineral density) and secondary outcomes as changes in biochemical and immunological parameters (CD4+ T-cell count, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and seric zinc and selenium seric concentrations) before and after supplementation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of one individual of each intervention group were analyzed for single cell transcriptomics before and after supplementation. Results: BMI (p = 0.03), fat mass (p = 0.03), and trunk fat (p = 0.01) decreased after 6 months of selenium supplementation. No changes were observed for cholesterol, glucose or triglycerides after supplementation (p > 0.05 in all cases). CD4+ T cells percentage increased after 6 months of selenium supplementation (p = 0.03). On the transcriptome analysis, zinc and selenium supplementation induced changes on de expression of genes associated with the function of naive and memory CD8+ T-cells (p < 0.05 in all cases). Conclusion: Zinc and selenium supplementation could represent a complementary intervention that may improve the health status and immune response of treated PLWHIV.

Phenylseleno trifluoromethoxylation of alkenes.

Trifluoromethoxylated molecules and selenylated compounds find a wide range of interesting applications, but separately. In order to combine the potential of these two motifs and to propose a new class of compounds, we have developed an electrophilic phenylseleno trifluoromethoxylation of alkenes, which leads to ß-selenylated trifluoromethoxylated compounds or, upon subsequent reduction, to the trifluoromethoxylated ones.

Selenium absorption, translocation and biotransformation in pak choi (Brassica chinensis L.) after foliar application of selenium nanoparticles.

Diets consisting of selenium-deficient crops are associated with immune disorders and cardiomyopathy. Compared to the extensively used but highly toxic selenite (SeO32-), low-toxicity selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as a promising nanoplatform for Se biofortification in agriculture; however, the mechanisms underlying their transportation and biotransformation within crops remain elusive. In this study, SeNPs were successfully prepared using liquid-phase laser irradiation. We conducted a comparative study on the effects of foliar application of SeO32- and SeNPs on the growth of pak choi (Brassica chinensis L.), and investigated the absorption, translocation, and biotransformation mechanisms of Se in pak choi. The recommended dietary intake can be effectively achieved by applying SeNPs using leaf-spraying techniques. Our findings suggested that foliar application of SeNPs might be an efficient way to produce Se fortified crops, especially leafy vegetables, which are favorable for human health.

Selenium Improves Arsenic-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction by Regulating H3K14ac Level.

Arsenic exposure has been known to be associated with male reproduction injury. Exploring the antidote of arsenic and ascertaining proper dose of antidote are important for detoxifying the male reproductive toxicity of arsenic. Selenium, which is essential for the male reproduction and spermatogenesis, can alleviate the toxicity of many environmental toxins, such as metals, and fluoride (F). Selenium relieves arsenic-induced reductions in spermatogenesis index and testicular function marker enzymes via promoting the antioxidative ability of rats. Our previous study has found that arsenic can induce male reproductive toxicity by affecting the level of H3K14ac in the testis, so we further investigate whether selenium can antagonize arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity through the H3K14ac pathway and ascertain the appropriate dose of selenium. The results show that selenium intervention reduces the accumulation of arsenic in rat testis probably attributing to promote the excretion of arsenic from rat, then improves the testis injury induced by arsenic. Selenium intervention enhances sperm quality, testosterone level, and expression of steroidogenic genes by regulating H3K14ac level and expression of its associated enzymes (KAT2A, BAZ2A, and HDAC6), and thus alleviates the male reproductive toxicity of arsenic, and the proper dose of Se for mitigating arsenic male reproductive toxicity is 1 mg/kg.

Exploring the potential of selenium nanoparticles and fabricated selenium nanoparticles @vitamin C nanocomposite in mitigating nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Background: The tobacco epidemic signifies a major public health threat. Nicotine (NIC), a major active constituent in tobacco, impedes male fertility and semen quality. This work is implemented to explore the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and the newly fabricated SeNPs @vitamin C (SeNPs@VITC) nanocomposite in mitigating testicular toxicity induced by NIC. Materials and methods: The six groups of 48 adult Wistar rats were designed as follows: the control group injected intraperitoneally with normal saline, the SeNPs group treated orally with 2 mg/kg of SeNPs, the SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite group treated orally with 2 mg/kg of SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite, the NIC group injected intraperitoneally with 1.25 mL/kg of NIC, the NIC+ SeNPs group received SeNPs plus NIC, and the NIC+ SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite group received SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite plus NIC. Treatments were administered over a 28-day period. Results: NIC treatment significantly caused poor sperm quality, decreased serum testosterone, increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations, reduced hemoglobin levels, leukocytosis, disrupted testicular oxidant/antioxidant balance, and disorganized testicular structure. The construction of the novel SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite, compared to NIC plus SeNPs alone, demonstrated a more potent ameliorative effect on NIC-induced reproductive toxicity in adult rats. The SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite significantly increased sperm count, reduced the percentage of sperm head abnormalities, lowered both serum FSH and LH concentrations, and improved the hemoglobin response. Conclusions: Both SeNPs and SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite alleviated the testicular toxicity induced by NIC, but the SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite exhibited superior efficacy. The SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite could be employed to advance enhanced therapeutic strategies for addressing male infertility.

Effect of degree of substitution of octenyl succinate on starch micelles for synthesis and stability of selenium nanoparticles: Towards selenium supplements.

To develop a promising selenium supplement that overcomes the instability and poor water dispersibility of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), we synthesized a series of amphiphilic octenyl succinic anhydride starch (OSAS) through esterification. As the degree of substitution (DS) increased, the particle size of OSAS micelles and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) decreased. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the successful introduction of octenyl succinic anhydride groups onto starch. Subsequently, OSAS micelles were used as carriers to synthesize SeNPs via in situ chemical reduction, forming SeNPs-loaded self-assembled starch nano-micelles (OSAS-SeNPs). The OSAS-SeNPs exhibited spherical dispersion in water with an average diameter of 116.1 ± 2.3 nm, contributed to enhanced hydrophobic interactions. TEM images showed a core-shell structure with SeNPs as the core and OSAS as the shell. FTIR results indicated hydrogen bonding interactions between OSAS and SeNPs. Due to the negatively charged OSAS shell and hydrogen bonding (OH⋯Se), OSAS-SeNPs remained non-aggregated for one month at room temperature, demonstrating remarkable stability. This study suggests that using OSAS can address the synthesis and stability issues of SeNPs, making it a potential selenium supplement candidate for further evaluation as an anticancer agent.

Folic acid-conjugated bovine serum albumin-coated selenium-ZIF-8 core/shell nanoparticles for dual target-specific drug delivery in breast cancer.

Methotrexate (MTX), a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent, has limited water solubility, leading to rapid clearance even in local injections. In the present study, we developed folic acid-conjugated BSA-stabilized selenium-ZIF-8 core/shell nanoparticles for targeted delivery of MTX to combat breast cancer. FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and elemental mapping analysis confirmed the successful formation of FA-BSA@MTX@Se@ZIF-8. The developed nano-DDS had a mean diameter, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of 254.8 nm, 0.17, and - 16.5 mV, respectively. The release behavior of MTX from the nanocarriers was pH-dependent, where the cumulative release percentage at pH 5.4 was higher than at pH 7.4. BSA significantly improved the blood compatibility of nanoparticles so that after modifying their surface with BSA, the percentage of hemolysis decreased from 12.67 to 5.12%. The loading of methotrexate in BSA@Se@ZIF-8 nanoparticles reduced its IC50 on 4T1 cells from 40.29 µg/mL to 16.54 µg/mL, and by conjugating folic acid on the surface, this value even decreased to 12.27 µg/mL. In vivo evaluation of the inhibitory effect in tumor-bearing mice showed that FA-BSA@MTX@Se@ZIF-8 caused a 2.8-fold reduction in tumor volume compared to the free MTX, which is due to the anticancer effect of selenium nanoparticles, the pH sensitivity of ZIF-8, and the presence of folic acid on the surface as a targeting agent. More importantly, histological studies and animal body weight monitoring confirmed that developed nano-DDS does not have significant organ toxicity. Taking together, the incorporation of chemotherapeutics in folic acid-conjugated BSA-stabilized selenium-ZIF-8 nanoparticles may hold a significant impact in the field of future tumor management.

Selenium supplementation in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis: a systematic review of the effects on plasma selenium, antioxidant and inflammatory markers, immunological parameters and thyroid hormones.

Selenium (Se) is a mineral with several biological functions, and studies have shown that its deficiency can be linked to many complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to systematically review the effects of Se supplementation in patients with CKD undergoing haemodialysis (HD). This systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement. Clinical trials were searched in PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases from inception to July 2021 and updated in July 2024. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021231444). Two independent reviewers performed the study screening and data extraction, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Thirteen studies were included in this review. Only nine studies showed results on Se levels; in all, reduced Se levels were observed before supplementation. A positive effect of supplementation on plasma Se level was demonstrated. Of the ten studies analysed, six demonstrated positive effects on antioxidant and inflammatory markers. Only one study analysed immunological parameters, showing a positive impact. From two studies that analysed thyroid hormones, only one showed positive results. All studies were classified as high risk of bias. The findings suggest that Se supplementation significantly increases plasma Se levels in these patients; however, there are still not enough studies to clarify the effects of Se supplementation on the antioxidant and inflammatory markers, immune system and thyroid hormones. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of Se supplementation and to provide a recommendation for patients with CKD undergoing HD.

Liquid-liquid extraction of selenium (IV) ions from hydrochloric acid solution using Aliquat 336 dissolved in kerosene.

Solvent extraction of selenium(IV) ions from highly concentrated hydrochloric acid using 0.4 mol/L Aliquat 336 dissolved in kerosene was investigated. As a modifying agent, 1-octanol (10% v/v) was added to the organic phase to avoid the third phase formation. The effect of different parameters affecting the liquid-liquid extraction of selenium(IV) such as the acid concentration, shaking time, metal ion concentration in the aqueous phase, loading capacity, diluents, and temperature, was studied. The results indicate that selenium(IV) is extracted efficiently by 0.4 mol/L Aliquat 336 dissolved in kerosene. It was noticed that the extraction increased with the increase in the acid and Aliquat 336 concentrations, reaching an extraction percentage of about 92% at 8 mol/L HCl and 97.1% at 1 mol/L extractant. The extracted organic species is postulated to be [H2SeO2Cl2.2R4NCl]org by using the slope analysis method, and the value of Kex for selenium(IV) extraction was found to be 26.17 ± 2 M- 2. The structure of the extracted organic species was confirmed by FT-IR. The effect of diluents using various aliphatic and aromatic diluents indicated that kerosene is the most preferred diluent. This is owing to safety ground purpose, economic consideration, the lower cost, availability, and lower toxicity. Thermodynamic parameters indicate the endothermic nature for the solvent extraction of selenium(IV) for the investigated system according to the positive value obtained of the enthalpy change (ΔH). Depending on the obtained results, the method was used to recover selenium(IV) from a simulated solution synthesized in hydrochloric acid medium, which is expected in anode slime leach liquor solution.

Application of biochar and selenium together at low dose efficiently reduces mercury and methylmercury accumulation in rice grains.

Irrespective of cost and ecological risk, literatures have reported that both biochar and selenium (Se) alone at high application rate exhibited positive effects on decreasing rice mercury (Hg) uptake in high Hg contaminated paddy soil. In this study, we investigated whether biochar and Se together at low dose could efficiently reduce the rice grain Hg and MeHg accumulation in the slight Hg-contaminated soil. Compared with control (CK), the Hg concentration of grains in the BC3, Se0.5, and BC3 + Se0.5 treatments decreased by 5.4 %, 38.3 %, and 48.5 %, respectively. Co-application of biochar and Se also decreased the methylmercury (MeHg) concentration in rice grains by 29.1-91.6 %. The decrease of Hg and MeHg level in rice grains for biochar and Se treatments could be attributed to the following mechanisms: (1) high Hg (primarily inorganic Hg) adsorption on biochar through its high hydroxyl groups and large specific surface area; (2) Increased dissolved organic carbon and cysteine contents in pore water after biochar application, which reduced the availability of soil Hg through complexation; (3) Decreased bioavailability of Hg in soil due to the formation of HgSe precipitation which inhibited Hg uptake and translation by rice plant; (4) Both biochar and Se facilitated the reduction of MeHg in soil. Our results indicate that co-application of biochar and Se at low dose is a promising method to effectively mitigate Hg accumulation in rice grains from the slight Hg-contaminated soil.

Unveiling the vital role of soil microorganisms in selenium cycling: a review.

Selenium (Se) is a vital trace element integral to numerous biological processes in both plants and animals, with significant impacts on soil health and ecosystem stability. This review explores how soil microorganisms facilitate Se transformations through reduction, oxidation, methylation, and demethylation processes, thereby influencing the bioavailability and ecological functions of Se. The microbial reduction of Se compounds, particularly the conversion of selenate and selenite to elemental Se nanoparticles (SeNPs), enhances Se assimilation by plants and impacts soil productivity. Key microbial taxa, including bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus, exhibit diverse mechanisms for Se reduction and play a substantial role in the global Se cycle. Understanding these microbial processes is essential for advancing soil management practices and improving ecosystem health. This review underscores the intricate interactions between Se and soil microorganisms, emphasizing their significance in maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Pro/antioxidant status and selenium, zinc and arsenic concentration in patients with bipolar disorder treated with lithium and valproic acid.

Disturbances in pro/antioxidant balance emerge as a crucial element in bipolar disorder (BD). Some studies suggest that treatment effects on trace element concentration in BD. This study aimed to identify (a) the changes related to oxidative stress in BD and their relationship with trace elements engaged in pro/antioxidant homeostasis; (b) BD biomarkers using machine learning algorithm classification and regression tree (C&RT) analysis. 62 individuals with BD and 40 healthy individuals (HC) were included in the study. The concentration of pro/antioxidant state and concentration of selenium, zinc, arsenic in blood were assessed. We found a higher concentration of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, advanced oxidation protein products and a lower concentration of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in BD compared to HC. All examined trace elements were lower in the BD group compared to HC. A combination of two variables, 4-HNE (cut-off: ≤ 0.004 uM/mg protein) and GPx (cut-off: ≤ 0.485 U/mg protein), was the most promising markers for separating the BD from the HC. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for C&RT was 90.5%. Disturbances in the pro/antioxidant state and concentration of trace elements of patients with BD may be a target for new therapeutic or diagnostic opportunity of BD biomarkers.

Unraveling mechanisms of selenium recovery by facultative anaerobic bacterium Azospira sp. A9D-23B in distinct reactor configurations.

Microbial processes are crucial in the redox transformations of toxic selenium oxyanions. This study focused on isolating an efficient selenate-reducing strain, Azospira sp. A9D-23B, and evaluating its capability to recover extracellular selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from selenium-laden wastewater in different reactor setups. Analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed significantly higher extracellular SeNPs production (99%) on the biocathode of the bioelectrochemical (BEC) reactor compared to the conventional bioreactor (65%). Further investigations into the selenate reductase activity of strain A9D-23B revealed distinct mechanisms of selenate reduction in BEC and conventional bioreactor settings. Notably, selenate reductases associated with the outer membrane and periplasm displayed higher activity (18.31 ± 3.8 µmol/mg-min) on the BEC reactor's biocathode compared to the upflow anaerobic conventional bioreactor (3.24 ± 2.9 µmol/mg-min). Conversely, the selenate reductases associated with the inner membrane and cytoplasm exhibited lower activity (5.82 ± 2.2 µmol/mg-min) on the BEC reactor's biocathode compared to the conventional bioreactor (9.18 ± 1.6 µmol/mg-min). However, the comparable kinetic parameter ( K m ) across cellular fractions in both reactors suggest that SeNP localization was influenced by enzyme activity rather than selenate affinity. Overall, the mechanism involved in selenate reduction to SeNPs and the strain's efficiency in detoxifying selenate below levels regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has broad implications for sustainable environmental remediation strategies.

Selenium inhibits ferroptosis in ulcerative colitis through the induction of Nrf2/Gpx4.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Selenium, an essential micronutrient for human and has been reported to have a protective effect in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the role of selenium in UC is unclear. Our aim was to investigate the mechanism of action of selenium in UC. METHODS: Serum selenium levels were measured in UC patients and healthy controls. In addition, the effect of sodium selenite supplementation on experimental colitis in mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was investigated. The effect of sodium selenite on IECs ferroptosis was evaluated by observing the cell mortality, intracellular ferrous content, lipid reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane damage in DSS-treated Caco2 cells. In addition, glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) were detected in Caco2 cells and mouse intestines to explore their mechanisms. RESULTS: The serum selenium content of UC patients was lower than that of healthy subjects. In addition, serum selenium levels were negatively correlated with disease activity. The in vivo results showed that selenium treatment could improve colitis induced by DSS and inhibit IECs ferroptosis. The in vitro results further showed that selenium inhibited the ferroptosis of Caco-2 cells induced by DSS. Nrf2/Gpx4 was up-regulated after selenium supplementation in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Serum selenium level is associated with IECs ferroptosis in UC patients. Selenium can relieve DSS-induced colitis and inhibit IECs ferroptosis by up-regulating the expression of Nrf2/Gpx4.

Speciation of selenium-containing small molecules in urine and cell lysate by CE-ICPMS with in-capillary enrichment.

The quantitative speciation of selenium in biological systems is highly important for evaluating health status and elucidating transformations of Se species in physiological and pathological processes. Hyphenation of capillary electrophoresis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-ICPMS) is promising for this purpose. However, the unfavorable or insufficient sensitivity for selenium analysis with CE-ICPMS seriously limits its practical applications in biological analysis, e.g., cell analysis. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the detection sensitivity for Se species. In this study, CE-ICPMS sensitivities for five selenium species (selenocystamine (SeA), methyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1-seleno-ß-d-galactopyranoside (SeSug 1), selenomethionine (SeMet), Se-Methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys) and selenocystine (SeCys)) were improved by in-capillary stacking via pH gradient between the zones of sample-leading buffer and the incorporation of isopropanol. The improvement on sensitivity of up to 9.9 folds was achieved in different biological samples, with LODs of 0.29-0.52 µg L-1. This approach was further applied for Se speciation in cell lysate, urine and culture medium. It showed that SeMet was more readily reduced in the medium and favorably accumulated by HepG2, HuH-7 and HCCLM3 cells with respect to SeSug 1 and MeSeCys. In cells, all the three Se species were largely transformed into other Se species. Furthermore, more than 70 % of SeMet reduced in medium was transformed into unknown Se species after 48-h interaction with cells.

High levels of the health-relevant antioxidant selenoneine identified in the edible mushroom Boletus edulis.

BACKGROUND: Selenoneine, the selenium analogue of the sulfur antioxidant ergothioneine, has been ascribed a multitude of beneficial health effects. Natural nutritional sources for this selenium species are, hence, of high interest. So far marine fish is the only significant selenoneine source consumed by larger parts of the population worldwide. METHODS: As selenoneine and ergothioneine share their biosynthetic pathways and transport mechanisms and the popular edible porcini mushroom Boletus edulis is rich in ergothioneine and selenium, we conducted a preliminary study investigating a composite sample of two specimens of B. edulis for their selenoneine content by HPLC coupled to elemental and molecular mass spectrometry after aqueous extraction. RESULTS: Selenium speciation analysis by HPLC-ICPMS revealed that ca. 860 µg Se kg-1 wet mass (81 % of the total Se) co-eluted with a selenoneine standard and a minor selenium species with Se-methylselenoneine. The presence of selenoneine was rigorously proven by HPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS. The selenoneine content of the investigated specimens of B. edulis was higher than that of commonly consumed muscle of marine fish species, like tuna or mackerel. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a terrestrial food source containing significant selenoneine levels. Our results suggest that B. edulis might represent a complementary natural supply with this health-relevant selenium species for humans.

Selenium Attenuates Radiation Colitis by Regulating cGAS-STING Signaling.

Radiation colitis is one of the most common complications in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy and there is no effective treatment in the clinic. Therefore, searching for effective agents for the treatment of radiation colitis is urgently needed. Herein, it is found that the essential element selenium (Se) is protective against radiation colitis through inhibiting X-ray-induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inflammation with the involvement of balancing the generation of reactive oxygen species after the irradiation. Mechanistically, Se, especially for selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), induced selenoprotein expression and then functioned to effectively restrain DNA damage response, which reduced X-ray-induced intestinal injury. Additionally, SeNPs treatment also restrained the cyclic GMP-AMP synthas (cGAS)- stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-TBK1-IRF3 signaling pathway cascade, thereby blocking the transcription of inflammatory cytokine gene, IL-6 and TNF-α, and thus alleviating inflammation. Moreover, inducing selenoprotein expression, such as GPX4, with SeNPs in vivo can regulate intestinal microenvironment immunity and gut microbiota to attenuate radiation-induced colitis by inhibiting oxidative stress and maintaining microenvironment immunity homeostasis. Together, these results unravel a previously unidentified modulation role that SeNPs restrained radiation colitis with the involvement of inducing selenoprotein expression but suppressing cGAS-STING-TBK1-IRF3 cascade.

The Dynamics of Methylation Concentrations in Glutathione Peroxidase 3 Promoter from Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Their Association with Key Clinical Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated changes in methylation concentrations within the glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) promoter region among patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure (CHF). Peripheral blood samples were collected from 20 CHF patients and 20 healthy individuals for analysis. METHODS: Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, methylation concentrations of 11 CpG sites within the GPX3 promoter region were quantified. RESULTS: Results showed a significant increase in methylation at the GPX3_FA10_CpG_24 site in patients with CHF compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed between methylation concentrations at this site and key clinical parameters including serum apolipoprotein A-1, D-dimer, chlorine, potassium, and sodium (Na) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that aberrant methylation of the GPX3 promoter may impact disease progression by influencing physiological functions such as blood lipids, coagulation, and electrolytes. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the role of GPX3 promoter methylation in CHF pathogenesis, potentially contributing valuable insights for its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.