Changes of serum selenium and serum cholesterol in children during sexual maturation

We investigated the relationship of the degree of sexual maturation to serum selenium and serum cholesterol fractions in a population of Italian children. The following measurements were taken in 109 immature and 108 mature children of both sexes (aged 12 and 13a): serum selenium, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, height, weight and degree of sexual maturation. Considerable differences were found in the two sexes at the end of maturation, with boys showing a significant decrease in serum selenium, HDL and non-HDL serum cholesterol levels. All variables, except height and weight, remained relatively constant in girls. These data indicate significant changes of serum selenium and serum cholesterol patterns during puberty, at least in boys, suggesting an involvement of sexual hormones in regulating serum selenium levels.