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Trends in selenium biochemistry.

Marc Birringer¹, Sandra Pilawa, Leopold Flohé

¹Dept. of Vitamins and Atherosclerosis, German Institute of Human Nutrition, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, D-14558 Bergholz-Rehbrücke, Germany.

Natural Product Reports

|January 11, 2003

Summary

This review covers selenium biochemistry, focusing on how organisms use selenium for selenoprotein synthesis and its enzyme functions. It also discusses health impacts from too little or too much selenium.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Nutritional Science
Enzymology

Background:

Selenium is an essential trace element crucial for life.
Selenium-containing natural products, particularly selenoproteins, play vital roles in biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the biochemistry of selenium-containing natural products up to May 2002.
To emphasize selenium assimilation, its catalytic roles in enzymes, and medical implications of selenium imbalance.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scientific publications up to May 2002.
Synthesis of information on selenium assimilation, selenoprotein synthesis, enzyme catalysis, and health effects.

Main Results:

Detailed overview of selenium assimilation pathways from various sources.
Explanation of the catalytic mechanisms of selenium-dependent enzymes.
Discussion of the consequences of selenium deficiency and toxicity.

Conclusions:

Selenium's critical role in biological processes is highlighted.
Understanding selenium biochemistry is essential for human health and disease prevention.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate selenium's complex biological functions.

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