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The two faces of selenium.

J E Oldfield1

  • 1Nutrition Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331.

The Journal of Nutrition
|December 1, 1987
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Selenium exhibits dual biological activity, acting as an essential nutrient at low levels and a toxin at higher concentrations. Research explores its role in preventing deficiency diseases and its potential as an anticarcinogen.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nutritional Science
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Nutritionally vital trace elements possess high biological activity, influencing enzymes, hormones, and vitamins.
  • This biological activity can lead to metabolic disturbances at elevated intake levels, even if still relatively low.
  • Selenium exemplifies this duality, with concerns arising from both deficiency and excess.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the dichotomous effects of selenium, encompassing its essential nutrient functions and toxicological impacts.
  • To investigate selenium's role in preventing deficiency diseases and its potential anticarcinogenic properties.
  • To understand the biochemical mechanisms underlying selenium's bioactivity, toxicity, and interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and contemporary research on selenium's effects in biological systems.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of studies investigating selenium deficiency symptoms and essentiality.
  • Examination of research on selenium's teratogenic effects and its potential in cancer prevention.

    • Main Results:

    • Selenium is an essential nutrient, with deficiency (below 0.02 ppm) causing muscle, liver, and pancreas issues.
    • Glutathione peroxidase identified as a key active form mediating selenium's protective functions.
    • Excess selenium demonstrates toxicity, including teratogenic effects in avian fetuses, and shows anticarcinogenic potential in specific contexts.

    Conclusions:

    • Selenium's biological activity presents a spectrum of effects, from essential nutrient to toxicant.
    • Understanding selenium's biochemical roles is crucial for managing both deficiency and toxicity.
    • Further research is warranted to identify other active selenium compounds, understand bioactivity interference, and elucidate toxicity mechanisms.