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Association between plasma selenium level and NRF2 target genes expression in humans
Edyta Reszka1, Edyta Wieczorek1, Ewa Jablonska1
1Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy Street, 91-348 Lodz, Poland.
Summary
This study explored the link between selenium levels and gene expression in healthy men. Lower selenium was associated with altered expression of key antioxidant genes, suggesting a role in cellular protection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like (Nrf2) and its regulated enzymes play a compensatory role in selenium deficiency.
- Understanding the relationship between plasma selenium levels and Nrf2-regulated gene expression is crucial for human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma selenium levels and the expression of NRF2-regulated cytoprotective genes in healthy men.
- To explore the influence of NRF2 gene variants on this association.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 96 healthy non-smoking men with relatively low plasma selenium levels.
- Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine transcript levels of NRF2 and various antioxidant/phase II enzymes in peripheral blood leukocytes.
- Genomic DNA was analyzed for NRF2 gene polymorphism (rs6721961).
Main Results:
- Plasma selenium levels were positively correlated with NRF2 mRNA levels.
- Lower plasma selenium was significantly inversely associated with the expression of GSTP1, PRDXR1, and showed a trend with SOD2.
- No significant effect of NRF2 gene variants was observed on the studied associations.
- NRF2 expression was inversely associated with age and body mass index.
Conclusions:
- Plasma selenium levels may be linked to the expression of specific cytoprotective genes in humans.
- These findings suggest a potential role for selenium in modulating cellular defense mechanisms at the gene expression level.
