[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.

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.

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