Selenium, iodine, and the relation with Kashin-Beck disease

Area of Science:

• Environmental health
• Nutritional science
• Pathogen discovery

Background:

• Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) etiology and pathogenesis remain uncertain.
• Selenium and iodine deficiencies are common in KBD-affected regions.
• Previous supplementation efforts in China yielded mixed results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of selenium and/or iodine deficiency as an environmental factor in KBD.
• To explore potential multiple etiologies of KBD.
• To review the known roles of selenium and iodine in KBD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and animal/in vitro experiments.
• Analysis of the impact of selenium and iodine supplementation in affected areas.
• Exploration of the biochemical functions of selenium and iodine relevant to KBD.

Main Results:

• Selenium and iodine deficiencies are implicated as potential environmental causes of KBD.
• Supplementation with selenium and/or iodine has shown positive effects in most, but not all, affected areas.
• The known roles of selenium and iodine in KBD primarily involve antioxidation and thyroid function.

Conclusions:

• KBD may result from multiple etiologies, with selenium and iodine deficiencies as significant contributing factors.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complete role of selenium and iodine in KBD pathogenesis.
• Additional studies are required to identify other potential causes and understand the disease's complex etiology.