Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
[Selenium compounds in redox regulation of inflammation and apoptosis]
N Y Rusetskaya1, I V Fedotov1, V A Koftina1
1Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Saratov, Russia.
Abstract:
Monocytes and macrophages play a key role in the development of inflammation: under the action of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), absorbed from the intestine, monocytes and macrophages form reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines, this leads to the development of oxidative stress, inflammation and/or apoptosis in all types of tissues. In the cells LPS induce an "internal" TLR4-mediated MAP-kinase inflammatory signaling pathway and cytokines through the superfamily of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) and the "death domain" (DD) initiate an "external" caspase apoptosis cascade or necrosis activation that causes necroptosis. Many of the proteins involved in intracellular signaling cascades (MYD88, ASK1, IKKa/b, NF-kB, AP-1) are redox-sensitive and their activity is regulated by antioxidants thioredoxin, glutaredoxin, nitroredoxin, and glutathione. Oxidation of these signaling proteins induced by ROS enhances the development of inflammation and apoptosis, and their reduction with antioxidants, on the contrary, stabilizes the signaling cascades speed, preventing the vicious circle of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis that follows it. Antioxidant (AO) enzymes thioredoxin reductase (TRXR), glutaredoxin reductase (GLRXR), glutathione reductase (GR) are required for reduction of non-enzymatic antioxidants (thioredoxin, glutaredoxin, nitroredoxin, glutathione), and AO enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPX) are required for ROS deactivation. The key AO enzymes (TRXR and GPX) are selenium-dependent; therefore selenium deficiency leads to a decrease in the body's antioxidant defense, the development of oxidative stress, inflammation, and/or apoptosis in various cell types. Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway activated by selenium deficiency and/or oxidative stress is necessary to restore redox homeostasis in the cell. In addition, expression of some genes is changed with selenium deficiency. Consequently, growth and proliferation of cells, their movement, development, death, and survival, as well as the interaction between cells, the redox regulation of intracellular signaling cascades of inflammation and apoptosis, depend on the selenium status of the body. Prophylactic administration of selenium-containing preparations (natural and synthetic (organic and inorganic)) is able to normalize the activity of AO enzymes and the general status of the body. Organic selenium compounds have a high bioavailability and, depending on their concentration, can act both as selenium donors to prevent selenium deficiency and as antitumor drugs due to their toxicity and participation in the regulation of signaling pathways of apoptosis. Known selenorganic compounds diphenyldiselenide and ethaselen share similarity with the Russian organo selenium compound, diacetophenonylselenide (DAPS-25), which serves as a source of bioavailable selenium, exhibits a wide range of biological activity, including antioxidant activity, that governs cell redox balance, inflammation and apoptosis regulation.
Insights
Selenium is crucial for antioxidant defense, regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Selenium deficiency impairs these functions, but selenium supplementation can restore balance and offer therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Monocytes and macrophages are central to inflammation, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure.
- LPS triggers intracellular signaling pathways (TLR4-mediated MAP-kinase) and external apoptosis cascades (caspase, necroptosis).
- Redox-sensitive proteins in these pathways are regulated by antioxidants, with oxidation exacerbating inflammation and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of selenium in redox homeostasis and its impact on inflammation and apoptosis.
- To investigate how selenium deficiency affects cellular signaling and gene expression.
- To evaluate the potential of selenium compounds in restoring antioxidant defense and regulating cell fate.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of redox-sensitive signaling pathways involving key antioxidant enzymes.
- Investigation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway activation in response to selenium deficiency and oxidative stress.
- Assessment of the effects of selenium deficiency on cellular processes like growth, proliferation, and apoptosis.
- Evaluation of selenium-containing compounds for their antioxidant and regulatory activities.
Main Results:
- Selenium deficiency significantly reduces antioxidant enzyme activity (e.g., TRXR, GPX), leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
- The Nrf2-Keap1 pathway is activated by selenium deficiency to restore redox balance.
- Selenium deficiency alters gene expression, impacting cell growth, survival, and intercellular communication.
- Selenium compounds, particularly organic forms, demonstrate high bioavailability and therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Cellular redox regulation, inflammation, and apoptosis are critically dependent on selenium status.
- Selenium deficiency disrupts antioxidant defenses and promotes inflammatory and apoptotic processes.
- Selenium supplementation, especially with bioavailable organic compounds, can normalize antioxidant enzyme activity and cellular redox balance, offering protective and therapeutic effects against oxidative stress and inflammation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Balancing Redox Equations
Redox Reactions
Redox Reactions
Inflammation
Apoptosis
Negative Regulator Molecules

