The Impact of Selenium Deficiency on Cardiovascular Function.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element vital for metabolic processes, including antioxidant defense and cardiovascular function.
• Se deficiency is historically linked to Keshan's Disease (cardiomyopathy) and increasingly associated with myocardial infarction, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.
• Selenoproteins, which incorporate Se, are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health through roles in redox regulation, thyroid hormone metabolism, and calcium flux.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical role of selenium in cardiovascular health.
• To update knowledge on specific selenoproteins vital for cardiovascular function and their interaction with microRNAs.
• To explore selenium's potential as a complementary therapy for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles and studies on selenium, selenoproteins, and cardiovascular health.
• Analysis of the mechanisms by which selenium and selenoproteins influence cardiovascular processes.
• Examination of existing research on selenium deficiency-related cardiovascular conditions.

Main Results:

• Selenium is indispensable for cardiovascular well-being, primarily through its role in selenoproteins.
• Specific selenoproteins are identified as key players in crucial cardiovascular functions.
• Inadequate selenium levels can disrupt these vital processes, contributing to cardiovascular disease development.

Conclusions:

• Selenium is essential for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health.
• Understanding selenoprotein function and their interaction with microRNAs offers insights into cardiovascular disease.
• Selenium holds potential as an adjunctive therapy for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.