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Decreased selenium levels in acute myocardial infarction
F J Kok1, A Hofman, J C Witteman
1Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical School, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
JAMA
|February 24, 1989
Summary
Low selenium status, indicated by toenail levels, may increase myocardial infarction risk. Higher erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in patients suggests a defense against oxidative stress during heart attacks.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
- Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is a key antioxidant enzyme dependent on selenium.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction (MI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between selenium status and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI).
- To compare selenium levels and GPx activity in MI patients versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Compared plasma, erythrocyte, and toenail selenium concentrations.
- Measured erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity.
- Included 84 patients with acute MI and 84 population controls.
Main Results:
- Lower mean selenium concentrations (plasma, erythrocyte, toenail) in MI patients compared to controls (plasma difference not significant).
- Significant positive trend between lower toenail selenium and increased MI risk, even after adjusting for risk factors.
- Higher erythrocyte GPx activity observed in MI patients (31.3 U/g Hb) versus controls (28.0 U/g Hb).
Conclusions:
- Low selenium status, particularly reflected in toenail levels, may be an etiologic factor in MI.
- Elevated GPx activity in MI cases might indicate an adaptive response to oxidative stress.
- Findings suggest selenium's role in cardiovascular health and MI prevention.