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The Association Between Serum Selenium Levels with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Na Yu1, Fang Han1, Xiaojun Lin1
1Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, People's Republic of China.
Biological Trace Element Research
|November 20, 2015
Summary
This meta-analysis found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have lower serum selenium (Se) levels compared to healthy individuals. These findings suggest a significant association between low Se concentration and RA.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Conflicting reports exist regarding the association between serum selenium (Se) levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for potential therapeutic or preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the relationship between serum Se levels and RA through a comprehensive meta-analysis.
- To consolidate existing evidence and provide a clearer picture of Se's role in RA.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and OVID up to September 2015.
- Meta-analysis of 14 case-control studies involving 716 subjects was performed.
- Subgroup analyses were conducted based on geographical region and measurement methodology.
Main Results:
- Pooled analysis revealed significantly lower serum Se levels in RA patients compared to healthy controls (SMD = -1.347, p < 0.001).
- Lower Se levels were observed in RA patients from Europe and Asia, but not significantly in the USA.
- Significant associations were found across various measurement techniques, including GFAAS, EAS, FAAS, and ICP-MS.
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis supports a significant association between low serum Se concentration and RA.
- Further trans-regional, multicenter studies are recommended to confirm these findings and explore causal relationships across diverse populations.
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