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Selenium in cardiology and angiology.
H Koehler1, H J Peters, H Pankau
1Clinic for Internal Medicine, Karl-Marx-University, Leipzig, German Democratic Republic.
Biological Trace Element Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Sodium selenite improved survival and cardiac function in infarcted pig hearts by enhancing coronary blood flow and reducing electrical instability. Selenium deficiency is linked to heart disease in humans, suggesting a protective role for selenium in cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) and arteriosclerotic heart disease are significant health concerns.
- Selenium's role in cardiovascular health is under investigation.
- Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation contribute to heart disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sodium selenite on central hemodynamics and coronary artery flow in infarcted pig hearts.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of selenium in mitigating cardiac damage and electrical instability.
- To examine the relationship between serum selenium levels and cardiovascular diseases in human subjects.
Main Methods:
- Induction of myocardial infarction in pig hearts using anterior interventricularis ramus ligature.
- Administration of sodium selenite solutions (1-3 mg/kg body weight) to infarcted pigs.
- Measurement of central hemodynamic parameters, coronary artery flow, and electrical vulnerability.
- Analysis of serum selenium levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction, arteriosclerosis, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Sodium selenite administration improved survival rates in infarcted pigs.
- Selenite demonstrated both short-term and long-term protective effects, reducing ventricular late potentials.
- Coronary blood circulation improved, indicated by increased heart rate, coronary artery dilation, and peripheral vasodilation.
- Lower serum selenium levels were observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction and arteriosclerosis compared to healthy controls.
- Serum selenium levels in healthy individuals showed age- and sex-dependent variations.
Conclusions:
- Sodium selenite exhibits cardioprotective effects in infarcted hearts by improving hemodynamics, coronary flow, and myocardial electrical stability.
- Selenium deficiency may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of ischemic and arteriosclerotic heart disease.
- Selenium's antioxidant properties, particularly in preventing lipid peroxidation, are crucial for maintaining heart cell membrane integrity.