The relationship between serum selenium concentration and neutrophil function in peripheral blood

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
• Neutrophils play a critical role in the innate immune system and oxidative stress response.
• Understanding the interplay between selenium status and neutrophil function is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum selenium concentration and neutrophil functions.
• To assess the impact of selenium on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phagocytic activity, and serum opsonic activity (SOA).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 800 subjects from the Iwaki Health Promotion Project (2005).
• Measurement of serum selenium concentration.
• Evaluation of neutrophil-related functions including ROS production (lucigenin- and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence) and phagocytic activity.
• Assessment of serum opsonic activity (SOA).

Main Results:

• A negative correlation was found between serum selenium concentration and ROS production in nonstimulated neutrophils.
• Significant negative correlations were observed between serum selenium and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence in both sexes.
• A significant negative correlation between serum selenium and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence was noted specifically in women.

Conclusions:

• Lower serum selenium concentrations are associated with increased neutrophil ROS production, indicating heightened chronic oxidative stress.
• Women may derive greater benefits from selenium supplementation in mitigating oxidative stress compared to men.