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Anatomical regional differences in selenium levels in the human brain.

Patrícia Ramos1, Agostinho Santos, Nair Rosas Pinto

  • 1REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Porto University, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.

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This study establishes normal selenium levels in the human brain, revealing regional differences but no changes with aging. Elevated selenium was noted in neurodegenerative disease patients.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Trace Element Research
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • The precise role of selenium in human brain function, aging, and neurodegeneration is not fully understood.
  • Establishing baseline selenium levels is crucial for interpreting its involvement in neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine reference selenium concentrations in various human brain regions.
  • To investigate anatomical distribution and age-related variations of selenium.
  • To provide a basis for comparing selenium levels in healthy versus diseased brains.

Main Methods:

  • Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed for selenium quantification.
  • Microwave-assisted acid digestion was used for sample preparation.
  • Selenium levels were analyzed in 14 distinct brain areas from 42 adult individuals (50–101 years old).

Main Results:

  • Selenium levels in the brain ranged from 552 to 1435 ng/g (mean ± SD: 959 ± 178 ng/g dry weight).
  • Selenium distribution was heterogeneous, with highest concentrations in the putamen, inferior parietal lobule, and occipital cortex, and lowest in the medulla and cerebellum.
  • No significant correlation was found between selenium levels and aging.
  • Increased selenium levels were observed in specific regions (globus pallidus, superior temporal gyrus, frontal cortex) of patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

Conclusions:

  • This research provides essential reference data for selenium distribution across human brain regions.
  • The findings highlight regional variations in brain selenium and suggest altered levels in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • These data will assist in the future interpretation of selenium's role in brain health and disease.