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Biomarkers of selenium status
1Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2420 2nd Ave N Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA. gerald.combs@ars.usda.gov.
Nutrients
|April 4, 2015
Summary
Selenium (Se) is vital, with biological roles varying by intake level. New biomarkers are needed to assess Se status, especially in non-deficient individuals, for cancer and adverse effect risks.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with diverse biological activities influenced by intake levels.
- Low Se intake is crucial for selenoenzyme expression, while higher intakes may offer anti-tumorigenic effects, and very high intakes can be toxic.
- A range of Se biomarkers is necessary to reflect these varying biological activities across different exposure levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for improved selenium (Se) biomarkers.
- To identify current limitations in Se biomarker utility, particularly for non-deficient individuals.
- To explore the potential of novel analytical methods for detecting Se metabolites.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing Se biomarkers, including selenoproteins (GPX3, SEPP1) and indirect measures (food, tissue, urine, feces Se levels).
- Discussion of the utility and limitations of current biomarkers across different Se intake ranges.
- Exploration of recent analytical advances, such as tandem liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, for metabolite detection.
Main Results:
- Existing biomarkers like GPX3 and SEPP1 are valuable for assessing Se deficiency and response to treatment within specific intake ranges (<55 μg/day for humans).
- Indirect biomarkers provide information on Se status over a wider intake range but do not offer direct evidence of deficiency or toxicity.
- There is a clear need for biomarkers to assess Se status in non-deficient individuals, focusing on cancer risk reduction and adverse effect prevention.
Conclusions:
- Current Se biomarkers are insufficient for assessing status in non-deficient populations, where cancer and toxicity risks are primary concerns.
- Further research is needed to develop biomarkers that can evaluate the role of supranutritional Se intake in immune function.
- Advancements in analytical techniques show promise for detecting previously undetectable low molecular weight Se-metabolites, potentially improving Se status assessment.
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