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Selenium, TGF-Beta and Infectious Endemic Cardiopathy: Lessons from Benchwork to Clinical Application in Chagas
Tania C Araujo-Jorge1, Maria Teresa Rivera2, Jean Vanderpas2
1Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Pavilhão Cardoso Fontes, Sala 64, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil.
Biomolecules
|March 25, 2022
Summary
Selenium (Se) may help prevent heart failure in chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC). Studies suggest Se deficiency is linked to heart inflammation and that Se could be a complementary therapy for CCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Parasitology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC) is a significant global health issue, particularly in Latin America.
- Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient known for its role in cardiovascular homeostasis.
- The link between Se deficiency and CCC's cardiac inflammation and arrhythmogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on selenium's role in chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC).
- To explore whether selenium deficiency contributes to heart inflammation and arrhythmias in CCC.
- To assess the potential of selenium as a complementary therapeutic strategy for CCC.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and clinical studies from the past 20 years on CCC and selenium.
- Analysis of the interplay between CCC pathophysiology, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and immune response.
- Evaluation of selenoproteins' antioxidant functions in inflammatory environments.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a relationship between Se deficiency and heart inflammation/arrhythmogenesis in CCC.
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathways are implicated in CCC fibrosis.
- Selenoproteins may act as antioxidants, mitigating oxidative stress in CCC.
Conclusions:
- Selenium may serve as a complementary therapy to prevent heart failure in CCC patients.
- Modulating TGF-β pathways and utilizing selenoproteins are potential strategies for managing CCC.
- Further research is warranted to confirm selenium's beneficial effects in CCC management.
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