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J W Finley

Publications and source records attributed to J W Finley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effect of the chemical form of supranutritional selenium on selenium load and selenoprotein activities in virgin, pregnant, and lactating rats.

Virgin, pregnant, and lactating rats were used to assess the influence of selenomethionine and selenocystine, fed at four to seven times the daily Se requirement (supranutritional), on Se load and selenoprotein activities. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 48; age = 13 wk), reared on a low-Se torula yeast diet, were assigned to one of three reproductive states (n = 16 per reproductive state) to occur simultaneously: virgin, pregnant, and lactating. Once reproductive state was achieved, rats were fed (ad libitum) either l-selenomethionine (n = 24) or L-selenocystine (n = 24) diets providing 2.0 microg Se/g of diet (as-fed basis) for 18 d, and then killed. Lactating rats consuming selenomethionine had the greatest Se concentration in the brain, with pregnant rats being intermediate, and virgin rats having the least (P < 0.02). When selenocystine was fed, the concentration of Se in the brain was greater (P = 0.008) in lactating rats, but not different (P = 0.34) between pregnant and virgin rats. Selenium concentrations in the heart, liver, lung, muscle, spleen, plasma, placenta, uterus, and fetus were greatest (P < 0.001) in rats consuming selenomethionine. Brain, kidney, and liver thioredoxin reductase, and brain, erythrocyte, kidney, and liver glutathione peroxidase activities did not differ (P = 0.13 to P = 0.85) between Se treatments. Lactating rats exhibited the greatest (P < 0.006) Se concentration in the heart, lung, muscle, plasma, and spleen compared with pregnant and virgin rats. Thioredoxin reductase was greatest (P < 0.004) in the brain of pregnant rats, greatest (P < 0.004) in the liver of lactating rats, and greater (P < 0.03) in the kidney of lactating and pregnant vs. virgin rats. Regardless of reproductive state, supranutritional Se (2.0 microg/g of diet) fed as selenocystine resulted in less Se load, and when fed as selenomethionine, was equally available for thioredoxin reductase synthesis as the Se in selenocystine. Independent of dietary Se chemical form, thioredoxin reductase activity was responsive to reproductive state.

Animals↗

Effect of supranutritional and organically bound selenium on performance, carcass characteristics, and selenium distribution in finishing beef steers.

Dietary selenium influences the Se content in edible muscle of beef cattle. Limited data are available to describe the effects that feeds naturally high in Se have on production, carcass characteristics, and Se distribution in terminal tissues. Therefore, 43 crossbred steers (BW = 351 +/- 24 kg) were stratified by BW and assigned to one of four dietary treatments: Se adequate (CON; n = 12), Se provided as high-Se wheat (WHT; n = 9), high-Se hay (HAY; n = 11), or sodium selenate (SEO; n = 11). Daily selenium intake for WHT, HAY, and SEO diets was 65 microg/kg BW, whereas it was 9.5 microg/kg BW for CON. Diets were similar in ingredient composition (25% wheat, 39% corn, 25% grass hay, 5% desugared molasses, and 6% wheat middling-based supplement; DM basis), isonitrogenous and isocaloric (14.0% CP, 2.12 Mcal NEm/kg DM and 1.26 Mcal NEg/ kg DM), and offered once daily (1500) individually to steers in a Calan gate system for 126 d. At the end of the trial, steers were slaughtered; carcass data were recorded; and samples of the liver, kidney, spleen, semitendinosus, and hair were collected for Se analysis. Intake of DM, G:F, and ADG did not differ (P > 0.13). No differences (P > 0.12) were noted for hot carcass weight, organ weights, longissimus muscle area, back-fat thickness, marbling scores, or quality and yield grade. Kidney, pelvic, and heart fat tended to be higher (P = 0.06) in CON and WHT compared with SEO and HAY steers (2.9, 2.4, 2.5, 2.9 +/- 0.2% for CON, SEO, HAY, and WHT, respectively). Selenium concentrations in all tissues collected differed (P < 0.003) due to treatment. Distribution of Se to the kidney, spleen, and hair were similar with CON < SEO < HAY < WHT (8.40, 10.05, 10.86, 12.89 +/- 0.26 ppm for kidney; 2.00, 2.60, 3.82, 5.16 +/- 0.09 ppm for spleen; 1.80, 4.00, 5.93, 10.54 +/- 0.56 ppm for hair; P < 0.01). The distribution of Se in liver and muscle (DM basis) differed from that in other tissues, with CON < HAY < SEO = WHT (2.33, 6.56, 9.91, 10.79 +/- 0.80 ppm; P < 0.01) and CON = SEO < HAY < WHT (1.33, 1.55, 3.32, 4.41 +/- 0.18 ppm; P < 0.01), respectively. When providing dietary Se at supranutritional levels, source of Se did not affect production or carcass characteristics, but it altered the distribution and concentration of Se throughout the tissues of finishing beef steers.

Animal Feed↗

Effect of high-selenium wheat on visceral organ mass, and intestinal cellularity and vascularity in finishing beef steers.

Twelve crossbred steers (351 +/- 24 kg initial BW) were used to determine effects of high-Se wheat on visceral tissue mass, intestinal cell growth, and intestinal cellularity and vascularity. Steers were allotted randomly by BW to one of two treatments consisting of 75% concentrate diets that supplied 1) adequate Se concentration (7 to 12 microg x kg x BW(-1) x d(-1)) or 2) high-Se concentration (60 to 70 microg x kg x BW(-1) x d(-1)). Diets were similar in composition, including 25% grass hay, 25% wheat, 39% corn, 5% desugared molasses, and 6% wheat middlings supplement on a DM basis. In the Se treatment, high-Se wheat (10 ppm Se, DM basis) was replaced with low-Se wheat (0.35 ppm Se, DM basis). Diets were formulated to be similar in CP and energy (14.0% CP, 2.12 Mcal of NEm/kg, and 1.26 Mcal NEg/kg of DM) and were offered daily (1500) to individual steers in an electronic feeding system. Diets were fed at 2.38% BW. After 126 d, steers were slaughtered, and individual visceral tissue weights determined. Concentrations of DNA, RNA, and protein of duodenum, ileum, and total small intestine were not affected (P > or = 0.33) by treatment. Similarly, RNA:DNA and protein:DNA ratios in duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and whole small intestine were not (P > or = 0.33) affected by feeding high-Se wheat. Conversely, jejunal weight was greater (P < 0.002) in steers fed high-Se wheat than in controls (916 vs. 1,427 +/- 84 g). Jejunal DNA was increased (P < 0.04) in steers fed high-Se wheat (2.95 vs. 3.56 +/- 0.19 mg/g), suggesting increased cell number. Concentrations of jejunal RNA and protein were not altered by treatment; however, because the jejunal weight increased in high-Se steers, DNA, RNA, and protein contents (grams) were greater than in control steers (P < 0.05). Vascularity of jejunal tissue decreased (P < 0.10) with high-Se wheat; however, because jejunal mass was greater for the high-Se wheat treatment, total microvascular volume was not affected by treatment. Percentage of jejunal crypt cell proliferation was not affected (P = 0.48) by treatment; however, total number of cells proliferating within the jejunum was increased in steers fed high-Se wheat. Data indicate that the lower jejunal vascularity in the diet high in Se (provided from wheat) may have resulted in increased jejunal mass to meet physiological nutrient demand. Therefore, negative effects of Se level used in this study on productive performance of feedlot steers are not expected.

Animals↗

Selenium (Se) from high-selenium broccoli is utilized differently than selenite, selenate and selenomethionine, but is more effective in inhibiting colon carcinogenesis.

The reduction in incidence of chemically-induced colon cancer by foods high in selenium (Se) was investigated in Fisher-344 rats. The foods used were high-Se broccoli (produced in a greenhouse by addition of selenate to the media surrounding the plant roots) and a processed high-Se wheat product (made by milling high-Se wheat purchased from a seleniferous area). Weanling rats were fed diets containing different amounts of Se from these foods or from selenium salts (selenite and selenate). Early in the experiment the animals were injected with a chemical carcinogen. After 11 weeks on diets animals were killed and the colons examined for preneoplastic lesions (aberrant crypts foci, ACF). ACF were significantly reduced in animals fed supra-nutritional amounts of Se from broccoli, despite the finding that Se from broccoli was poorly bioavailable. Supra-nutritional amounts of Se from high-Se processed wheat also significantly reduced aberrant crypts (AC), although pure selenomethionine, (the predominant chemical form of Se in wheat), did not significantly reduce AC. These results emphasize the need to study Se in food forms, and not extrapolate from previous studies using pure chemical forms in cancer inhibition studies. They also demonstrate that foods with high Se bioavailability are not necessarily the most efficacious for cancer incidence reduction.

Animals↗

Clear cell sarcoma: the Roswell Park experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Clear cell sarcoma of the tendons and aponeuroses (CCSTA) is an aggressive, rare soft-tissue tumor with approximately 300 reported cases. Although it appears to be histogenetically related to melanoma, its clinical behavior resembles soft tissue sarcoma with a propensity for lymph node metastases. We report our experience at a tertiary cancer center. METHODS: Eight cases of CCSTA evaluated at Roswell Park Cancer Institute between 1970 and 1998 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient data analyzed included patient age, gender, anatomic location, size of tumor, development of local, regional and distant recurrence, and patient status at last follow up. RESULTS: Six of eight patients were alive at 2 years, while three of seven patients were alive at 5 years. Of the patients alive with no evidence of recurrence, two had tumors of less than 2 cm, and the remaining patient had incomplete information regarding tumor size. Five patients recurred within 2 years of definitive surgical management. Four had tumors > 5 cm. All five patients progressed to metastatic disease at a median follow up of 20 months (range 1-108 months) following definitive surgical management and all eventually died of their disease at a median of 3 months (range 0-24 months) from presentation with metastatic disease. Four of five patients with lesions > 5 cm received adjuvant chemotherapy with intent to cure, but all eventually died of disease at 4, 22, 34, and 41 months from initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS: CCSTA is an aggressive tumor of the soft tissues. Early recognition and management are associated with an excellent long-term prognosis. Tumors greater than 5 cm warrant aggressive surgical management and treatment, and are at high risk of the development of distant disease. Aggressive multiagent chemotherapy appeared to have no impact on outcome. Other adjuvant therapeutic options including immunotherapy should be investigated.

Adolescent↗

Areas with high concentrations of selenium in the soil and forage produce beef with enhanced concentrations of selenium.

Beef provides a significant portion of human dietary selenium (Se), and it is possible that modest portions of beef produced in areas with high-Se soil and forage could provide the entire Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Se. The present study has addressed the environmental conditions that resulted in the production of high-Se beef. One hundred and thirty-eight cull cows were obtained from 21 ranches in five distinct geographic regions that, on the basis of soil parent material, reports of Se deficiency, and previous soil and forage Se surveys, were likely to have high or low Se concentrations in the soil. Grass and soil samples were taken from ranch sites, and hair, whole blood, skeletal muscle, diaphragm muscle, and liver samples were obtained from the animals. Hair and whole blood samples were taken 1 day prior to shipping. Selenium concentrations of all samples were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. Geographic origin affected Se content of all samples (p < 0.05). Selenium concentrations in soil (r = 0.53; p < 0.01) and grass (r = 0.63; p < 0.01) were correlated to Se content of skeletal muscle. Selenium concentrations in whole blood, diaphragm, hair, and liver also were significantly correlated to Se content of skeletal muscle (p < 0.01). Cows that received Se in mineral supplements did not have significantly higher concentrations of Se in sampled tissues (p > 0.05). Results of this study suggest that the greatest source of variation in Se content of bovine skeletal muscle was the geographic region from which the beef originated and not production or management practices. Results also demonstrated that a 100 g serving of high-Se beef could provide 100% of the RDA for Se.

Animal Feed↗

Cancer-protective properties of high-selenium broccoli.

Selenium (Se) from high-Se garlic reduces the incidence of chemically induced mammary tumors, and Se from high-Se broccoli reduces colon cancer. However, the ability of Se from high-Se broccoli to protect against mammary cancer has not been tested. Also, the sprout form of broccoli contains many secondary plant compounds that are known to reduce cancer risk, but the anticarcinogenic activity of broccoli sprouts has not been investigated. The present studies examined the ability of high-Se broccoli or high-Se broccoli sprouts to protect against chemically induced mammary or colon cancer. In one experiment, Sprague--Dawley rats that consumed diets containing 3.0 microg of Se/g supplied as high-Se broccoli had significantly fewer mammary tumors than rats fed 0.1 microg of Se as selenite with or without the addition of regular broccoli. In the second experiment, Fisher F-344 rats fed 2.0 microg of Se/g of diet supplied as either high-Se broccoli florets or high-Se broccoli sprouts had significantly fewer aberrant colon crypts than rats fed 0.1 or 2 microg of Se/g of diet supplied as selenite with or without the addition of low-Se broccoli. These data demonstrate that the cancer-protective effect of Se in high-Se broccoli extends to mammary cancer and the protective forms of broccoli against colon cancer include high-Se broccoli sprouts.

Animals↗

Mucosal uptake and whole-body retention of dietary manganese are not altered in beta2-microglobulin knockout mice.

To further examine the interrelationships between manganese and iron absorption, the mucosal uptake, initial rate of loss, whole-body retention, and tissue distribution of an orally administered 54Mn radiotracer were compared between normal and beta2-microglobulin knockout [beta2m(-/-)] mice. These mutant mice are commonly used as a model for the study of human hemochromatosis, a hereditary iron-overload disease. Initial uptake of 54Mn by the intestinal mucosa, the liver, and the brain was not different between the two strains. The mutant mice had much higher concentrations of nonheme and total iron in the liver, but hepatic manganese, copper, magnesium, and zinc concentrations were similar between the two strains. In summary, the mucosal uptake and whole-body retention of manganese and tissue manganese concentrations were not altered in beta2m(-/-) mice; this suggests that normal homeostasis of manganese is not affected by the altered HFE protein-beta2m complex in these mice.

Animals↗

Manganese absorption and retention in rats is affected by the type of dietary fat.

There is evidence that manganese (Mn) metabolism may be altered by the form and amount of dietary fat. Also, iron (Fe) absorption is greater with saturated fats, as compared to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The absorption of Fe and Mn are interrelated in many aspects; therefore, the form of dietary fat may indirectly alter Mn absorption. The reported studies were conducted to determine whether saturated fat, as compared to unsaturated fat, affected Mn absorption, retention, and metabolism. In experiment I, adult rats were fed diets containing either 0.7 or 100.4 microg/g Mn with the fat source as high-linoleic safflower oil or stearic acid. After 2 wk of equilibration, the animals were fed a test meal of 54Mn followed by whole-body counting for 10 d. Manganese absorption was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the stearic acid group (0.9-4.8%) than in the safflower oil group (20-33.8%); however, the biological half-life was shorter in the safflower oil group. Retention of 54Mn and total Mn was always significantly (p < 0.05) greater in the safflower oil group when dietary Mn was low, but it was the same when dietary Mn was high. In experiment II, weanling rats were fed 1.3, 39.3, or 174.6 microg Mn/g and either stearate, high-oleic safflower oil or high-linoleic safflower oil for 8 wk. Long-term feeding of the stearate and low Mn-containing diet resulted in a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in heart superoxide dismutase activity and kidney and liver Mn concentrations compared to the other diets. These data show that stearic acid inhibitits Mn absorption, but it may not inhibit Mn retention when dietary Mn is high.

Animals↗

Preoperative dobutamine stress echocardiography versus cardiac arteriography for risk assessment prior to renal transplantation.

Because coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease, we prospectively studied the prognostic value of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) compared to coronary angiography (CA) as an evaluative tool. Thirty-three patients at high risk for coronary artery disease were selected from a cohort of 133 renal transplant candidates and underwent both DSE and CA. In this study, the value of DSE was found to exist in its strong negative predictive value (92%). A negative DSE coupled with a negative clinical cardiac evaluation was found to practicably exclude the necessity for CA. DSE can thus serve as a non-invasive, low cost screening test.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Dietary selenium and arsenic affect DNA methylation in vitro in Caco-2 cells and in vivo in rat liver and colon.

Selenium is an essential trace element for human health, and it has received considerable attention for its possible role as an anticarcinogenic agent. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether changes in the amount and the chemical form of selenium would affect DNA methylation and whether this effect would be modified by arsenic. Caco-2 cells, a human colon cancer cell line, were exposed to 0, 1 or 2 micromol supplemental selenite/L and 0, 1 or 2 micromol supplemental arsenite/L for 7 d. DNA isolated from Caco-2 cells not treated with selenite was significantly (P: < 0. 0001) hypomethylated compared with that from cells treated with 1 or 2 micromol selenite/L. DNA isolated from Caco-2 cells not treated with arsenite was significantly (P: < 0.0001) hypomethylated compared with DNA isolated from cells treated with 1 or 2 micromol arsenite/L. In addition, methylation of the p53 promoter region of Caco-2 cells decreased when cells were cultured in the absence of selenite and in the absence of arsenite. Sixty weanling male Fischer 344 rats were fed a torula yeast-based diet supplemented with 0, 0.1 or 2 mg selenium/kg diet as either selenite or selenomethionine in the presence or absence of 5 mg arsenic/kg diet as arsenite for 6 wk. Similar to the results with Caco-2 cells, rats fed selenium-deficient diets had significantly (P: < 0.0001) hypomethylated liver and colon DNA compared with rats fed 0.1 or 2.0 microg selenium/g diets as either selenite or selenomethionine. Thus, alterations in DNA methylation may be a potential mechanism, whereby deficient dietary selenium increases liver and colon tumorigenesis.

Animals↗

High dietary manganese lowers heart magnesium in pigs fed a low-magnesium diet.

Young pigs were fed a diet moderately high or low in manganese (Mn) (0.95 +/- 0.10 mmol Mn/kg, n = 8 or 0.040 +/- 0.003 mmol Mn/kg, n = 6) and deficient in magnesium (Mg) (4.1 mmol Mg/kg) for 5 wk. All eight pigs consuming the high Mn diet died following convulsive seizures, whereas only two of six died in the group fed low Mn. In an attempt to determine the cause of death, a subsequent study examined the interactive effect of deficient dietary Mg and Mn on the tissue distribution of Mg and Mn. Pigs were individually fed, for 5 wk, diets that contained: 4.1 mmol Mg/kg and 36.0 micromol Mn/kg, 4.1 mmol Mg/kg and 0.91 mmol Mn/kg, 4.1 mmol Mg/kg and 0.91 mmol Mn/kg with added ultratrace minerals, or 41.1 mmol Mg/kg and 0. 91 mmol Mn/kg, and ultratrace minerals. Liver and skeletal muscle Mn concentrations were significantly elevated by increased dietary Mn. Increased dietary Mn did not affect heart Mn, but heart Mg concentrations were significantly depressed by high, as compared to low, dietary Mn (38.7 +/- 3.3 vs. 32.7 +/- 2.6 mmol Mg/kg). These data suggest high dietary Mn may exacerbate Mg deficiency in heart muscle and thus may be a complicating factor in the deaths observed in Mg-deficient pigs.

Animals↗

Selenium from high selenium broccoli protects rats from colon cancer.

Colon cancer is the third most common newly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Previous supplementation studies have demonstrated the efficacy of selenium (Se) for prevention of colon cancer in humans. The metabolism of Se depends on its chemical form, and studies have shown that the chemical form of Se in broccoli does not accumulate in the body as fast as other forms of Se and may be especially beneficial for prevention of cancer. In the first experiment of the present study, Fisher F-344 rats (n = 45) were allotted randomly to torula yeast-based diets supplemented with the following: 1) no Se; 2) 0.1 microg Se/g diet as selenate; 3) 1.0 microg Se/g diet as selenate; 4) 0.1 microg Se/g diet as selenized broccoli (Se concentration of approximately 500 microg/g); or 5) 1.0 microg Se/g diet as selenized broccoli. In Experiment 2, rats (n = 80) were allotted randomly to the same basal diet supplemented with the following: 1) no added Se; 2) 2.0 microg Se/g diet as selenite; 3) 2. 0 microg Se/g diet as selenite + low Se broccoli; and 4) 2.0 microg Se/g diet as selenized broccoli. Rats were fed the diets for 2 wk and injected with a chemical carcinogen (3,2 dimethyl 4-amino biphenyl or dimethyl-hydrazine in Experiment 1 or dimethyl hydrazine in Experiment 2; 2 rats/treatment were used as vehicle controls). Supranutritional amounts of Se supplied as high Se broccoli significantly decreased (P: < 0.05) the incidence of aberrant crypts (AC) and aberrant crypt foci (ACF; preneoplastic lesions indicative of colon cancer) compared with other dietary treatments. Diets were controlled for the presence or absence of broccoli and for the total amount of Se. The reduction in AC and ACF was a function of Se in high Se broccoli and not a result of broccoli alone or Se alone. Adequate dietary Se supplied as high Se broccoli did not accumulate in tissues or increase glutathione peroxidase activity as well as other forms and amounts of Se. Thus, Se from high Se broccoli may be metabolized in a manner that diverts much of the Se into a pool that provides protection against colon cancer.

Analysis of Variance↗

Pathologic and clinical features influencing outcome of thin cutaneous melanoma: correlation with newly proposed staging system.

The incidence of malignant melanoma is increasing. Because of increased awareness, early recognition of malignant melanoma has become more common. In 1997, a new staging system for cutaneous melanoma was proposed, with reclassification of thin melanoma < 1 mm, with and without ulceration. This report evaluates the pathologic and clinical features of thin melanomas influencing recurrence and survival from a tertiary cancer center in an attempt to correlate findings with the proposed staging system. A review of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute tumor registry identified 352 patients with thin cutaneous melanomas (< 1.0 mm) seen during an 18-year period ending August 30, 1998. Overall survival was 93 and 87 per cent at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Disease-free survival was 94 and 93 per cent at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Local recurrence occurred in 3 per cent of patients, regional recurrence in 3 per cent, and metastatic disease in 3 per cent, for an overall recurrence of 7 per cent, with a median follow-up of 118 months. Only the presence of ulceration was a significant prognostic factor for recurrence by both univariate and multivariate analysis. Failure rates (any recurrence) by Clark levels I, II, and III/IV were 3, 5, and 10 per cent, respectively (P = 0.14). Failure rates by tumor thickness (mm), for 0.0-0.24, 0.25-0.49, 0.50-0.74, and 0.75-0.99 were 3, 4, 7, and 10 per cent, respectively (P = 0.49). Ten-year disease-free survival for ulceration versus no ulceration was 40 and 94 per cent, respectively (P < 0.0001). We conclude that thin cutaneous melanoma carries an excellent prognosis with appropriate treatment. Our findings support inclusion of ulceration in a new staging system. Lesions 0.76 to 0.99 mm and Clark level III and IV may warrant close observation as a separate subgroup.

Adult↗

Dietary selenium reduces the formation of aberrant crypts in rats administered 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl.

Human epidemiologic studies suggest that low selenium status is associated with increased cancer risk and that selenium supplementation is associated with reduction in the incidence of several cancers, including colorectal cancer. Aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens are thought to be important in the etiology of human colorectal cancer, but no information is available on the effects of selenium on aromatic amine-induced colon cancer. In order to investigate this effect, aberrant crypt foci (ACF), the putative preneoplastic lesions of colon cancer in humans and rodents, were used as a biomarker to test the hypothesis that selenium supplementation can reduce aromatic amine-induced colon carcinogenesis. Male weanling F344 inbred rats were fed a basal torula yeast selenium-deficient diet supplemented with 0, 0.1, or 2. 0 mg selenium/kg diet as selenite, selenate, or selenomethionine (SeMet). Animals were fed the diets for 4 weeks and then administered 1 sc injection/week for 2 weeks of 3, 2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMABP; 100 mg/kg) or vehicle (peanut oil). At 12 weeks, the rats were euthanized and the colon and rectum were removed, opened longitudinally, and fixed in 70% ethanol. Glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes and liver cytosol and selenium concentrations in the colon/rectum and kidney increased significantly (p < 0.05) and in a dose-dependent manner with each of the three selenium diets. No ACF were identified in vehicle-treated rats. In DMABP-treated rats, ACF frequencies decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in groups supplemented with 0.1 or 2.0 mg selenium/kg diet as selenite and selenate but not SeMet. There were no significant differences in ACF and aberrant crypts between rats fed 0.1 vs 2.0 mg selenium/kg diet. These results suggest that dietary selenium, depending on chemical form, can reduce aromatic amine-induced colon carcinogenesis.

Aminobiphenyl Compounds↗

Manganese deficiency and toxicity: are high or low dietary amounts of manganese cause for concern?

Manganese is an essential trace element that is required for the activity of several enzymes. Manganese is also quite toxic when ingested in large amounts, such as the inhalation of Mn-laden dust by miners. This review examines Mn intake by way of the food supply and poses the question: Is there reason to be concerned with Mn toxicity or deficiency in free-living populations in North America? Although much remains to be learned of the functions of Mn, at present there are only a few vaguely described cases of Mn deficiency in the medical literature. Given the heterogeneity of the North American food supply, it is difficult to see the possibility of more than greatly isolated and unique instances of Mn deficiency. However, low Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase activity may be associated with cancer susceptibility, and deserves further study. There may be reasons, however, to be concerned about Mn toxicity under some very specialized conditions. Increasing numbers of young people are adopting a vegetarian lifestyle which may greatly increase Mn intake. Iron deficiency may increase Mn absorption and further increase the body-burden of Mn, especially in vegetarians. Mn is eliminated primarily through the bile, and hepatic dysfunction could depress Mn excretion and further contribute to the body burden. Would such a combination of events predispose substantial numbers of people to chronic Mn toxicity? At present, there is no definite proof of this occurring, but given the state of knowledge at the present time, more studies with longer time-frames and more sensitive methods of analysis are needed.

Animals↗

Selenium supplementation affects the retention of stable isotopes of selenium in human subjects consuming diets low in selenium.

Twenty-nine women and fifteen men from an area of low Se intake (South Island of New Zealand) consumed 100 micrograms stable 74Se, as selenate given in water after an overnight fast, and blood was collected for 3 weeks. They were then divided into five groups and supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 micrograms Se/d (as selenomethionine) for 5 months. After 5 months, they received a second dose of 74Se identical to the first. Supplementation significantly altered retention of 74Se in the plasma, but not in the erythrocytes or platelets. Subjects receiving the placebo retained the greatest amount, and subjects receiving 30 micrograms supplemental Se/d retained the least 74Se. Supplementation resulted in relatively more isotope being retained in a medium molecular mass protein considered to be albumin, and relatively less in another fraction considered to be selenoprotein P. The lack of many observed changes in retention of stable Se, and the shift in retention among the plasma proteins, suggests that supplemental Se was not being used to replete critical pools of Se, probably because of adaptation to low Se intake.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Manganese absorption and retention by young women is associated with serum ferritin concentration.

BACKGROUND: The interaction between iron and manganese in the gut is well characterized but iron status has not been shown to affect manganese absorption. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether iron status as determined by serum ferritin concentrations affects manganese absorption, retention, balance, and status. DESIGN: The subjects were healthy young women; 11 had serum ferritin concentrations >50 microg/L and 15 had serum ferritin concentrations <15 microg/L. In a crossover design, subjects consumed diets that supplied either 0.7 or 9.5 mg Mn/d for 60 d. Manganese absorption and retention were assessed during the last 30 d of each dietary period by using an oral dose of 54Mn; balance was assessed simultaneously. RESULTS: Dietary manganese did not affect manganese status, but high serum ferritin depressed arginase activity. The interaction of ferritin status and dietary manganese affected 54Mn absorption and biological half-life. Absorption was greatest in subjects with low ferritin concentrations when they were consuming the low-manganese diet, and was least in subjects with high ferritin concentrations. Biological half-life was longest when subjects with high ferritin concentrations consumed the low-manganese diet, and was shortest in all subjects consuming the high-manganese diet. Manganese balance was only affected by the amount of manganese in the diet. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that iron status, as measured by serum ferritin concentration, is strongly associated with the amount of manganese absorbed from a meal by young women. When greater amounts of manganese are absorbed, the body may compensate by excreting manganese more quickly.

Absorption↗