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Serum selenium levels in alcoholic liver disease
Irena Jabłońska-Kaszewska1, Renata Swiatkowska-Stodulska, Jerzy Łukasiak
1Department of Internal Diseases, Endocrinology and Hemostatic Disorders, Institute of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.
Summary
Chronic alcohol abusers with liver damage show lower serum selenium levels, particularly men, compared to healthy individuals. Lower selenium correlates with poorer liver function, indicating its role in oxidative stress defense.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hepatology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Chronic alcoholic liver disease pathogenesis involves oxidative stress and free radical damage.
- Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), an antioxidant enzyme, utilizes selenium.
- Selenium is a crucial bioelement protecting against oxidative shock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify blood serum selenium levels in chronic alcohol abusers with liver disease.
- To investigate correlations between selenium levels and indicators of liver damage.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy with hydride generation was used to determine selenium levels.
- Study included 25 patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease and a control group.
Main Results:
- Male subjects had higher serum selenium levels than females in the control group.
- Patients exhibited elevated aminotransferase and GGTP levels, with low albumin.
- Male patients displayed significantly lower serum selenium levels compared to controls.
- Serum selenium positively correlated with albumin and inversely with ALAT activity.
Conclusions:
- Serum selenium levels are sexually dimorphic, higher in healthy males.
- Men with chronic alcoholic liver disease have reduced serum selenium levels, indicating lower antioxidant capacity.
- Further research is needed to explore the potential of hair selenium as an indicator of antioxidative reserve.