Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Selenium Compounds”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

The genotoxicity of selenium.

Selenium at nutritional levels has been shown to have numerous anticarcinogenic or preventative effects against carcinogen-induced breast, colon, liver and skin cancer in animals. Many of these anticarcinogenic effects have been summarized. In addition, numerous mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of selenium compounds have been reported. Some of the selenium compounds frequently tested for mutagenicity are listed in Table 1. Because of the numerous reported anticarcinogenic and preventative effects of selenium, many individuals are supplementing their diets with amounts of selenium that are greater than the recommended daily requirement. Selenium is also used widely in industrial products such as selenium rectifiers, photoelectric batteries, alloys and paints. Because selenium at higher levels is known to be toxic, there should be a greater understanding about its genotoxic as well as its beneficial effect. The object of this review is to summarize experimental evidence both for the antimutagenic and the mutagenic effect of selenium.

Alkylation↗

Selenium.

The 4 natural oxidation states of selenium are elemental selenium (0), selenide (-2), selenite (+4), and selenate (+6). Inorganic selenate and selenite predominate in water whereas organic selenium compounds (selenomethionine, selenocysteine) are the major selenium species in cereal and in vegetables. The principal applications of selenium include the manufacture of ceramics, glass, photoelectric cells, pigments, rectifiers, semiconductors, and steel as well as use in photography, pharmaceutical production, and rubber vulcanizing. High concentrations of selenium in surface and in ground water usually occur in farm areas where irrigation water drains from soils with high selenium content (Kesterson Reservoir, California) or in lakes receiving condenser cooling water from coal-fired electric power plants (Belews Lake, North Carolina). For the general population, the primary pathway of exposure to selenium is food, followed by water and air. Both selenite and selenate possess substantial bioavailability. However, plants preferentially absorb selenates and convert them to organic compounds. Aquatic organisms (e.g., bivalves) can accumulate and magnify selenium in the food chain. Selenium is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase, which is an important enzyme for processes that protect lipids in polyunsaturated membranes from oxidative degradation. Inadequate concentrations of selenium in the Chinese diet account, at least in part, for the illness called Keshan disease. Selenium deficiency occurs in the geographic areas where Balkan nephropathy appears, but there is no direct evidence that selenium deficiency contributes to the development of this chronic, progressive kidney disease. Several lines of scientific inquiry suggest that an increased risk of cancer occurs as a result of low concentrations of selenium in the diet; however, insufficient evidence exists at the present time to recommend the use of selenium supplements for the prevention of cancer. The toxicity of most forms of selenium is low and the toxicity depends on the chemical form of selenium. The acute ingestion of selenious acid is almost invariably fatal, preceded by stupor, hypotension, and respiratory depression. Chronic selenium poisoning has been reported in China where changes in the hair and nails resulted from excessive environmental exposures to selenium. Garlic odor on the breath is an indication of excessive selenium exposure as a result of the expiration of dimethyl selenide. The US National Toxicology Program lists selenium sulfide as an animal carcinogen, but there is no evidence that other selenium compounds are carcinogens.

Animals↗

[Convulsive properties of various organoselenium compounds].

Three organo-selenium compounds have been synthetized : methyl seleno-2 benzoic acid, acetylseleno-2 benzoic acid and diselenosalicylic acid. These compounds induce convulsive seizures in the rat, the most active of them being methyl seleno 2 benzoic acid. Convulsions are stopped after anaesthesia with pentobarbitone.

Animals↗

Further investigation on the radiation induced inactivation of ribonuclease and the radioprotective effect of some selenium-containing compounds.

Steady state inactivation data on dilute aqueous solutions of RNase show that all water radicals, e-aq, OH, and H are responsible for the inactivation, but the most efficient radical is H atom, only about 4 of them being required for one inactivating event. The data are, therefore, more in agreement with the conclusions of Mee et al. (1972). In the transient absorption spectra of pulse irradiated ribonuclease different components derived by the individual radicals are observed. Organic and inorganic selenium-containing compounds offer a great protection of the enzyme activity, in agreement with the data obtained in other chemical and biological systems. In particular the effects of two new secondary radicals (CNSe)-2 and SeO-3 are in good accord with the known structure of ribonuclease.

Kinetics↗

Inhibition of the effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate on mouse epidermal glutathione peroxidase and ornithine decarboxylase activities by glutathione level-raising agents and selenium-containing compounds.

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a potent tumor promoter known to inhibit superoxide dismutase (SOD) (superoxide: superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (CAT) (H2O2: H2O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.6) activities, on mouse epidermal glutathione (GSH) peroxidase (glutathione: H2O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.9) activity in vivo and in vitro. TPA led to a rapid and transient increase in GSH peroxidase specific activity within 30 min followed by a decrease from 1 to 12 h. Incubation of isolated epidermal cells with GSH level-raising agents and/or selenium-containing compounds increased remarkably basal GSH peroxidase activity, and thus, abolished totally the prolonged inhibitory effects of TPA on this enzyme. The inhibitory effects of 0.2 mM cysteine (Cys) or 0.5 mM GSH and 2.5 microM Na2 SeO3 or 50 microM selenocystamine on TPA-decreased GSH peroxidase activity were additive, in relation with their additive inhibitory effects on TPA-induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) (L-ornithine carboxylase, EC 4.1.1.17) activity. These data support the hypothesis that the stimulators of the GSH-dependent antioxidant protective system of the epidermal cells may inhibit the oxidative challenge linked to skin tumor promotion by TPA.

Animals↗

Synthesis, Characterization, and Crystal Structures of New Dications Bearing the -Se-Se- Bridge.

Starting from 1,3-dimethyl-4-imidazoline-2-selone (1), 1,2-bis(2-selenoxo-3-methyl-4-imidazolinyl-2-)ethane (3) and 1,3-dimethylimidazolidine-2-selone (4), the following six compounds, [(C(5)H(8)N(2)Se-)(2)](2+).2Br(-) (I), [(C(5)H(8)N(2)Se-)(2)](2+).2I(-) (II), [(C(5)H(8)N(2)Se-)(2)](2+).Cl(-).I(3)(-) (III) [(C(5)H(10)N(2)Se-)(2)](2+).Br(-).IBr(2)(-) (IV), [(C(5)H(7)N(2)Se-)(2)](2+).I(3)(-).(1)/(2)I(4)(-) (V) and [(C(5)H(7)N(2)Se-)(2)](2+).2I(-).CH(3)CN (VI), in which the selenium compounds are oxidized to dications bearing the uncommon -Se-Se- bridge, have been prepared, and I-V crystallographically characterized. I and III were obtained by reacting 1 with IBr and ICl respectively, while II was obtained by reduction of previously described hypervalent selenium compound of 1 (5) bearing the I-Se-I group with elemental tellurium. These three compounds contain the same [(C(5)H(8)N(2)Se-)(2)](2+) dication balanced by two bromides in I, two iodides in II, and Cl(-) and I(3)(-) in III. However, on the basis of the Se-Cl bond length of 2.778(5) Å, III can also be considered as formed by the [(C(5)H(8)N(2)Se-)(2)Cl](+) cation, with I(3)(-) as counterion. Similarly to III, compound IV, which was obtained by reacting 4 with IBr, can be considered as formed by [(C(5)H(10)N(2)Se-)(2)Br](+) cations and IBr(2)(-) anions. As in II, compound V has been prepared by reduction of the hypervalent selenium compound of 3 (6) bearing two I-Se-I groups with elemental tellurium. In V, the [(C(5)H(7)N(2)Se-)(2)](2+) cation is balanced by I(3)(-) and half I(4)(2-) anions. The structural data show that all the cations are very similar, with Se-Se bond lengths ranging from 2.409(2) to 2.440(2) Å. FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of I-VI allow one to identify two bands around 230 +/- 10 and 193 +/- 5 cm(-1) that are common to all compounds. These bands are generally strong in the FT-Raman and weak in the FT-IR spectra and should contain a contribution of the nu(Se-Se) stretching vibration. The spectra are also in good agreement with the structural features of the polyhalide anions present in the crystals. Crystallographic data are as follows: I is monoclinic, space group P2(1), with a = 9.849(6) Å, b = 11.298(5) Å, c = 7.862(6) Å, beta = 106.44(2) degrees, Z = 2, and R = 0.0362; II is monoclinic, space group P2(1), with a = 8.063(6) Å, b = 11.535(5) Å, c = 10.280(5) Å, beta = 107.13(2) degrees, Z = 2, and R = 0.0429, III is monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.431(7) Å, b = 18.073(5) Å, c = 11.223(6) Å, beta = 100.76(2) degrees, Z = 4, and R = 0.0490; IV is monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.298(5) Å, b = 18.428(7) Å, c = 11.475(6) Å, beta = 104.10(4) degrees, Z = 4, and R = 0.0300; V is triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, with a = 7.456(6) Å, b = 11.988(5) Å, c = 12.508(5) Å, alpha = 79.32(2) degrees, beta = 85.49(2) degrees, gamma = 80.62(2) degrees, Z = 2, and R = 0.0340.

Journal Article↗

Comparison of selenite and selenate apparent absorption and retention in infants using stable isotope methodology.

The inorganic selenium compounds selenite and selenate are used for selenium fortification of infant formulas. However, information on absorption and retention of selenium from these compounds is lacking. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine apparent absorption and retention of selenium from selenate and selenite added to a milk-based infant formula in healthy infants. Labeled test meals were prepared by addition of 10 microg Se as (76)Se-selenate or (74)Se-selenite to 500 mL formula. The two batches of labeled formulas were fed as alternate feeds during the first day of the balance period, followed by unlabeled formula. Selenium isotopes were determined in feces collected for 72h after intake and in 3 consecutive 24h collections of urine. Mean apparent absorption was 97.1% for (76)Se-selenate and 73.4% for (74)Se-selenite; mean difference 23.7% (range: 13.8%-35.7%; SD 6.8%, p < 0.001). Mean urinary excretion (% of ingested dose) was 36.4% ((76)Se-selenate) and 9.7% ((74)Se-selenite); mean difference 26.7% (range: 13.9%-36.5%; SD 5.9%, p < 0.001). Mean apparent retention of selenium from (76)Se-selenate and (74)Se-selenite was not significantly different, 60.7% ((76)Se-selenate) versus 63.7% (for (74)Se-selenite). The average difference was -3.01% (range: -14.0%-12.0%; SD 9.4%, p = 0.36). Although apparent selenium absorption and urinary excretion differed for selenite and selenate, selenium was equally well retained by infants from both selenium compounds. We therefore concluded that Se fortification of infant formulas with selenate or selenite can be expected to have similar impact on the selenium nutritional status of term infants.

Female↗

Dissociation of the genotoxic and growth inhibitory effects of selenium.

The effects of forms of selenium compounds that enter the cellular selenium metabolic pathway at different points were investigated in a mouse mammary carcinoma cell line. The goal of these experiments was to determine if the genotoxicity of selenium, defined as its ability to induce DNA single-strand breaks, could be dissociated from activities proposed to account for its cancer inhibitory activity. The results demonstrated that growth inhibition, measured as inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cell death, was induced by all the forms of selenium evaluated. However, sodium selenite and sodium selenide, which are metabolized predominantly to hydrogen selenide, caused the rapid induction of DNA single-strand breaks as an early event that preceded growth inhibition. Interestingly methylselenocyanate and Se-methylselenocysteine, which are initially metabolized predominantly to methylselenol, induced growth inhibition in the absence of DNA single-strand breakage. Differences in the time course of selenium retention, in the occurrence of membrane damage, and in the induction of morphological changes by selenite versus methylselenocyanate were noted. Collectively, these data indicate that different pathways affecting cell proliferation and cell death are induced depending on whether selenium undergoes metabolism predominantly to hydrogen selenide or to methylselenol.

Animals↗

Active oxygen species generation and cellular damage by additives of parenteral preparations: selenium and sulfhydryl compounds.

We investigated the relationship between active oxygen species (AOS) generation and cultured vascular endothelial cellular damage caused by simultaneous exposure to selenium compounds and sulfhydryl compounds such as cysteine (Cys) or reduced glutathione (GSH). Selenium compounds, selenite, selenate or selenomethionine (SeMet), are added to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and intravenously administered. We confirmed by luminol dependent chemiluminescence, an indicator of AOS generation, that selenite generates AOS in the presence of clinical concentrations of sulfhydryl compounds, 0.5 mM Cys or 0.5 mM GSH, and that the amount of AOS generated reaches the maximum when their mole ratio is 1:50. However, AOS generation was not observed after simultaneous administration of various concentrations of selenate or SeMet with sulfhydryl compounds. Moreover, simultaneous exposure to 10 microM selenite and sulfhydryl compounds was found to result in significant increases in the [3H]-adenine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release rates from cells, a significant decrease in the amount of cellular protein, and enhancement of cellular damage as compared with after exposure to selenite alone. However, simultaneous exposure to 10 microM selenate or 10 microM SeMet together with sulfhydryl compounds did not induce cellular damage. These findings revealed that selenite generates AOS and causes cellular damage in the presence of sulfhydryl compounds. Accordingly, it seems better to choose selenate or SeMet instead of selenite when a selenium compound is to be added to TPN.

Adenine↗

Action of 1-(11-selenadodecyl)-glycerol and 1-(11-selenadodecyl)-3-trolox-glycerol against lipid peroxidation.

The antioxidant action on lipid peroxidation of the synthesized selenium compounds 1-(11-selenadodecyl)-glycerol (SeG) and 1-(11-selenadodecyl)-3-Trolox-glycerol (SeTrG, where Trolox = 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) was investigated. We compared the reactivity of the selenium compounds toward peroxyl radicals and their inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation, induced by several kinds of initiating species such as azo compounds, metal ions, and superoxide/nitric oxide in solution, micelles, membranes, and rat plasma. SeTrG, but not SeG, scavenged peroxyl radicals. SeG reduced methyl linoleate hydroperoxides in organic solution and in methyl linoleate micelles oxidized by ferrous ion (Fe2+)/ascorbic acid. In rat plasma SeG and SeTrG decreased the formation of lipid hydroperoxides generated by hydrophilic azo compounds. SeG and SeTrG spared alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH) consumption in multilamellar vesicle membranes oxidized by hydrophilic or lipophilic initiators, and only SeTrG spared alpha-TOH in superoxide/nitric oxide oxidized membranes. In rat plasma oxidized by radical initiators (either hydrophilic or lipophilic) or superoxide/nitric oxide, SeTrG suppressed alpha-TOH consumption, but SeG had no effect. The two selenium-containing compounds showed inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation that depended on their structure, the medium where they acted, and the oxidant used.

Animals↗

A biomechanical and spectroscopic study of bone from rats with selenium deficiency and toxicity.

Selenium, being an essential mineral in the mammalian diet, is important in providing protection against oxidative damage. Numerous in vitro studies of selenium compounds reveal a very high correlation between catalytic activity of selenium compounds and toxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary selenium on the biomechanical properties of bone. New born rats of both sexes were fed with either a control, or a selenium- and vitamin E-deficient, or a selenium-excess and vitamin E-adequate diet. We obtained the stiffness (modulus of elasticity) of bones (femur and tibia) by tensile test for all groups considered. Both the deficient and the excess groups have decreased biomechanical strength with respect to the control group. To support our biomechanical results for both experimental groups, X-ray diffraction analysis and FTIR spectroscopic study were performed on the femurs and tibiae. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the intensities of the peak observed at around 2theta degrees = 31.820, in the control femur and tibia are stronger than the intensities of the corresponding peak of two experimental groups. In FTIR spectroscopy, the disappearance and/or reduction of the intensities of some carbonate bands in the two experimental groups indicate that there is a decrease in crystallinity and mineral contents which, together with X-ray diffraction analysis, correlate very well with the biomechanical data.

Animals↗

[Antagonistic action of organic selenium on lead poisoning].

Ninety white rats were treated with liquid lead acetate. When the concentration of lead in urine was more than (0.81 +/- 0.26) mg/L and blood lead was more than (4.8 +/- 0.33) mg/L, the rats were divided into three groups randomly. The oxygenic damage indicators in serum showed SOD activity decreased and MDA content increased. In one group of lead rats fed with an organic selenium compound (code FCQY) the SOD activities were high and the lipid peroxidation was inhibited compared with controls without selenium supplementation. The lead contents of bone, kidney and liver were measured. The results suggested that the organic selenium compound could interfere with the absorption and accumulation of lead.

Animals↗

Subcellular distribution of selenium in the liver from rats fed selenium from fish: selenocystine and inorganic selenite.

Four groups of rats of a normal selenium status were given different selenium compounds during a long-term feeding experiment (28 days). The selenium supplementations (per kg diet) were sodium selenite (1 mg), selenocystine (2 mg), and two different concentration levels of selenium from fish (0.1 and 1 mg). Differential pelleting of liver homogenates demonstrated that selenium was present in all the subcellular fractions, with a recovery of 55-60% in the cytosols. Gel permeation high-performance liquid chromatography of the cytosol fractions demonstrated the presence of protein-bound selenium at a molecular weight of 70,000 daltons. The subcellular distributions as well as the protein binding of selenium in the cytosols were identical in all dietary groups. This indicates a similar long-term liver metabolism of the four selenium compounds tested in the rat.

Animals↗

Selenium in human lactation.

The primary factor determining selenium concentration in human milk is the maternal selenium intake. A significant correlation between selenium in human milk and maternal selenium intake has been reviewed in papers from different regions of the world. Infants fed human milk have higher selenium intake than those fed commercially available formula milk or baby foods. Selenium compounds found in breast milk seem to be more biologically available for infant nutrition than those in formulas. Increased requirements of selenium have been observed in pregnant and lactating women. Supplementation of lactating and pregnant women with different selenium compounds has been assayed, and selenium supplementation of soil and cows has been used to increase the selenium status of children fed infant formula made from cow's milk.

Biological Availability↗

Bioavailability of enteral yeast-selenium in preterm infants.

There is no data or literature on the effects of supplementing infants with yeast selenium, although its intestinal absorption and bioavailability are higher in adults compared with other selenium compounds. The aim of the present investigation was to study the impact of selenium enriched yeast on the serum selenium concentration of preterm infants living in a low selenium area (Hungary). Twenty-eight preterm infants with mean+/-SD birth weight of 962+/-129 g and gestational age 27+/-1 wk were randomized into two groups at birth with respect to selenium supplementation. In the supplemented group (n=14) infants received 4.8 mg yeast selenium containing 5 microg selenium daily via nasogastric drip during the first 14 postnatal days. The nonsupplemented infants were used as a reference group. In the supplemented group, the serum selenium concentration increased from 32.1+/-8.5 microg/L to 41.5+/-6.5 microg/L and in the nonsupplemented group it decreased from 25.9+/-6.8 microg/L to 18.2+/-6.4 microg/L from birth in two weeks time. Compared with previous studies, our results suggest that the bioavailability of selenium in the form of yeast selenium is higher than that of other selenium compounds used for preterm infants. We did not observe any complications or side-effects owing to enteral yeast selenium supplementation. We conclude that selenium enriched yeast is a safe and an effective form of short-term enteral selenium supplementation for infants.

Biological Availability↗

Adverse health effects of selenium in humans.

Epidemiologic studies and case reports have shown that chronic exposure to selenium compounds is associated with several adverse health effects in humans. An early toxic effect of selenium is on endocrine function, particularly on the synthesis of thyroid hormones following dietary exposure of around 300 micrograms Se/d, and on the metabolism of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1. Other adverse effects of selenium exposure can be the impairment of natural killer cells activity and at higher levels, hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal disturbances. Dermatologic effects, such as nail and hair loss and dermatitis, occur after exposure to high levels of environmental selenium. Assessing the toxicity and morbidity after long-term exposure to environmental selenium is difficult: neurotoxicity, particularly the degeneration of motor neurons leading to increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, might occur after chronic exposure to both organic and inorganic selenium compounds. The results of laboratory investigations and cohort studies suggest that selenium species exhibit a bivalent effect in cancer, either increasing or decreasing risk. Current environmental selenium exposure limits appear to be inadequate for averting adverse health effects.

Biomarkers↗

Is the selenium drinking water standard justified?

Four cases are presented which suggest that the present U.S.E.P.A. drinking water standard for selenium of 10 micrograms/L in inappropriate. The rationale upon which this standard is based is that selenium is carcinogenic, induces dental caries formation, and is highly toxic to animals. However, a critical assessment of this literature can not support these claims. Case no. 1 demonstrates that there is insufficient evidence to classify selenium as a carcinogen. Data derived from the three respective groups of researchers claiming a carcinogenic effect induced by selenium are obscure due to 1) the inability to accurately identify malignancies, 2) the apparent opposite effects of different selenium compounds, and 3) the lack of proper controls. Case no. 2 reviews recent evidence that selenium reduces the incidence of cancer in laboratory animals and in man, an effect which can probably be attributed to the antioxidant properties of selenium compounds. Case no. 3 provides evidence which does not permit the classification of selenium as a cariogenic element. Epidemiological studies supporting such a claim are inadequate since they lack properly matched control groups. Animal data do not support this link as well. Case no. 4 is a review of studies which clearly demonstrate the essentiality of selenium, an aspect of selenium metabolism that was not considered when the 10 micrograms/L standard was promulgated. In light of the four cases presented and an assessment of selenium toxicity in man, it is concluded that the 10 micrograms/L standard can not be justified. Instead, it is suggested that 50 micrograms/L selenium should provide sufficient protection from the toxic effects of this element. This is consistent with the current state of knowledge with respect to the potential adverse health effects associated with selenium.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

Evaluation of organoselenium compounds for potential chemopreventive properties in colon carcinogenesis.

As a part of a program aimed to develop less toxic and more effective chemopreventive organoselenium compounds than inorganic selenium, we have evaluated benzyl selenocyanate (BSC) and its o-, m-, p-nitro and -methoxy isomers, o-, m-, and p-isomers of phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (XSC), dibenzyl diselenide (DDS), and 2,2'-diselenobis[((N,N-dimethylamino)methyl)- benzene]bis(hydrochloride salt) (DSBDB) for their potential colon tumor inhibitory properties using azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF), a preneoplastic lesion, in male F344 rats prior to preclinical efficacy study. In the first experiment, the effect of these agents administered during initiation and postinitiation periods of carcinogenesis was investigated. Male F344 rats were fed diets containing 8 ppm Na2SeO3 or 10 ppm of each BSC and its analogues, DDS and DSBDB or 20 ppm of each XSC analogue, two weeks prior to AOM (15 mg/kg body wt., once weekly for two weeks, s.c.) administration and during and until 8 weeks after AOM treatment. Formalin-fixed and methylene blue stained colons were scored for AOM-induced ACF using the light microscope. Taking body weight gains and multiplicity of 4 or more AC/focus, the inhibitory effects of Na2SeO3, o-, m- and p-methoxy-BSC, p-XSC and DDS were much greater than those of the other selenium compounds. In the second study, the effects of these agents when administered during the initiation or postinitiation periods were investigated. The results indicated that o-, m-, and p-methoxy-BSC, DDS and p-XSC significantly inhibited crypt multiplicity during the initiation period whereas o-, and p-methoxy-BSC, p-XSC and DDS suppressed crypt multiplicity during the postinitiation period. It is concluded that o-, and p-methoxy-BSC, p-XSC and DDS possess potential chemopreventive properties in colon cancer. Further studies are warranted to evaluated these agents for chemopreventive properties in preclinical efficacy studies.

Animals↗