Selenium deficiency contributes to the chronic myocarditis in coxsackievirus-infected mice

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Virology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Keshan disease is linked to coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection and selenium (Se) deficiency.
• Se deficiency exacerbates CVB3-induced myocarditis in acute and subacute phases.
• The impact of Se deficiency on chronic CVB3 myocarditis remains unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of Se deficiency on chronic CVB3-induced myocarditis in a mouse model.
• To assess viral replication and cardiac pathology in Se-deficient and Se-replete mice over 90 days post-infection.

Main Methods:

• Mice were fed Se-replete or Se-deficient diets for 28 days before CVB3 intraperitoneal infection.
• Diets were maintained post-infection, and mice were monitored for 90 days.
• Parameters assessed included mortality, serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, histopathology, and cardiac viral RNA levels.

Main Results:

• Se-deficient mice exhibited significantly higher mortality rates compared to Se-replete mice.
• Lower serum GPx activity was observed in Se-deficient mice, indicating compromised antioxidant status.
• Histopathological examination revealed more severe myocarditis, and higher viral RNA levels were detected in the hearts of Se-deficient mice.

Conclusions:

• Se deficiency promotes chronic myocarditis by fostering active coxsackievirus B3 replication.
• Maintaining adequate selenium levels is crucial for mitigating the severity of CVB3-induced heart disease.
• These findings highlight the critical role of selenium in managing viral myocarditis and preventing chronic cardiac pathology.