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New experimental observation on the relationship of selenium and diabetes mellitus

Xi-Qun Sheng1, Kai-Xun Huang, Hui-Bi Xu

  • 1Institute of Materia Medica, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.

Biological Trace Element Research
|July 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

High-dose selenite did not lower blood sugar in diabetic mice but did offer antioxidant benefits. This study explores selenium

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Selenium (Se) exhibits insulin-mimic properties in laboratory settings.
  • Alloxan-induced diabetes in mice serves as a model for studying diabetes.
  • Oxidative stress is a significant factor in diabetes complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of high-dose selenite on hyperglycemia in diabetic mice.
  • To determine selenium levels in plasma and tissues of diabetic mice after selenite administration.
  • To evaluate the impact of selenite on oxidative stress markers like TBARS and GSH-Px.

Main Methods:

  • Oral administration of 4 mg/kg/d selenite to alloxan-induced diabetic Kun-Ming mice for 4 weeks.
  • Measurement of selenium content in plasma and tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, brain).
  • Quantification of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in red blood cells (RBCs).

Main Results:

  • High-dose selenite failed to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic mice.
  • Selenite treatment significantly increased selenium levels in plasma, liver, and brain.
  • Selenite reduced TBARS and improved GSH-Px levels in RBCs of diabetic mice.

Conclusions:

  • High-dose oral selenite does not exert a hypoglycemic effect in this diabetic mouse model.
  • Selenite treatment demonstrates antioxidant benefits by reducing oxidative stress markers.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the complex relationship between selenium and diabetes.

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