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Selenium and Selenoproteins in Immune Mediated Thyroid Disorders
Liliana R Santos1,2,3, Celestino Neves4,5, Miguel Melo6,7,8,9
1Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal. santos.lilianaribeiro@gmail.com.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 6, 2018
Summary
Selenium supplementation may benefit thyroid health by reducing antibodies and improving ultrasound features, particularly in Graves' orbitopathy. Further research is needed to clarify optimal use and patient selection for thyroid disorder management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Nutritional Science
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Selenium is a vital micronutrient for selenoprotein synthesis, impacting numerous physiological processes.
- The thyroid gland has a high selenium concentration, and maintaining selenostasis is crucial for preventing immune-mediated thyroid disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on selenium supplementation's efficacy in managing thyroid disorders.
- To analyze methodological variations and result variability in studies evaluating selenium's role in thyroid health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of prospective, observational, and randomized controlled studies.
- Analysis of review articles available in Medline and PubMed databases.
- Examination of selenium supplementation's impact on antibody levels, ultrasound features, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests selenium (primarily selenomethionine) supplementation may reduce antithyroperoxidase antibody levels and improve thyroid ultrasound characteristics.
- In mild Graves' orbitopathy, selenium supplementation is linked to reduced disease activity and enhanced quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Selenium supplementation shows potential benefits for certain thyroid conditions, including immune-mediated disorders.
- Further research is essential to elucidate the biological mechanisms, optimal dosages, and patient-specific factors influencing selenium's therapeutic effects in thyroid disease.
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