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Serum selenium deficiency in myocardial infarction and congestive cardiomyopathy
P Auzepy1, M Blondeau, C Richard
1Unit of Cardiology, Bicêtre Hospital, Paris.
Insights
Serum selenium levels are significantly lower in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction compared to healthy individuals. This study highlights potential links between selenium deficiency and heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
- Low selenium levels have been implicated in various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions.
- Understanding selenium's role in cardiac health is crucial for preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively measure and compare serum selenium concentrations in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction against a control group.
- To investigate the association between serum selenium levels and specific cardiac diseases.
Main Methods:
- Thermoelectric atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for serum selenium analysis.
- 129 participants were divided into three groups: control (n=48), congestive cardiomyopathy (n=48), and myocardial infarction (n=31).
- Serum selenium levels were recorded and statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Control group serum selenium: 84.73 ± 1.79 µg/L.
- Congestive cardiomyopathy group serum selenium: 68.53 ± 2.26 µg/L.
- Myocardial infarction group serum selenium: 73.55 ± 2.33 µg/L.
- A statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) was observed between patient groups and the control group.
- No significant difference in serum selenium levels was found between the congestive cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction groups.
Conclusions:
- Patients with congestive cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction exhibit significantly lower serum selenium concentrations than healthy individuals.
- These findings suggest a potential link between reduced selenium status and the development or progression of these cardiac conditions.
- Further research is warranted to explore selenium supplementation as a therapeutic approach for cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract:
Serum selenium concentration was prospectively measured using the method of thermoelectric atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 129 study participants distributed as follows in three groups: control group (n = 48) volunteers without known cardiac or lung disease; group I: patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (n = 48), group II: patients with myocardial infarction (n = 31). Serum selenium level was 84.73 +/- 1.79 micrograms.l-1 (m +/- sem) in the control group, 68.53 +/- 2.26 micrograms.l-1 in group I and 73.55 +/- 2.33 micrograms.l-1 in group II. The difference between group I and group II versus the control group was significant (p less than 0.01). There was no significant difference between group I and II.