Maternal selenium status is profoundly involved in metabolic fetal programming by modulating insulin resistance,...

High and low levels of selenium (Se) have been related to metabolic disorders in dams and in their offspring. Their relationship to oxidative balance and to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is some of the mechanisms proposed. The aim of this study is to acquire information about how Se is involved in metabolic programming.

Three experimental groups of dam rats were used: control (Se: 0.1 ppm), Se supplemented (Se: 0.5 ppm) and Se deficient (Se: 0.01 ppm). At the end of lactation, the pups' metabolic profile, oxidative balance, Se levels, selenoproteins and IRS-1 hepatic expression, as well as hepatic AMPK activation were measured.

The experimental groups present deep changes in Se homeostasis, selenoproteins and IRS-1 hepatic expression, oxidative balance, AMPK activation ratio and insulin levels. They do, however, have different metabolic profiles.

High- and low-Se diets are linked to insulin resistance, yet the mechanisms involved are completely opposite.