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Neonatal Selenium Deficiency Decreases Selenoproteins in the Lung and Impairs Pulmonary Alveolar Development

Laura G Sherlock1, William C McCarthy1, Maya R Grayck1

  • 1Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.

Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Maternal selenium deficiency during pregnancy and lactation impairs neonatal lung growth and development. This study identifies key selenoproteins affected, impacting antioxidant defenses and cell signaling in offspring.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Developmental Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Low selenium levels in children are linked to poor respiratory health.
  • Selenium is crucial for antioxidant enzymes and proteins.
  • The impact of maternal selenium deficiency on neonatal lung development is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how maternal selenium deficiency during pregnancy and lactation affects neonatal pulmonary selenoproteins, growth, and lung development.
  • To identify specific selenoproteins in the neonatal lung that are reduced by selenium deficiency.

Main Methods:

  • A neonatal selenium deficiency model was used, limiting selenium intake in dams during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Neonatal pulmonary selenoprotein levels and lung development were assessed at postnatal days 0 and 7.
  • Activity and protein content of key enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (Txnrd) were measured.

Main Results:

  • Selenium-deficient pups showed reduced weight and impaired alveolar development compared to controls.
  • Activity of GPx and Txnrd, and protein levels of GPx1, GPx3, and Txnrd1 were decreased in selenium-deficient lungs.
  • Selenoprotein N, important for alveolar development, was reduced in selenium-deficient neonatal lungs.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal selenium deficiency during gestation and lactation negatively impacts offspring weight gain and lung growth.
  • Several neonatal lung selenoproteins are sensitive to reduced selenium intake, potentially affecting oxidative stress and signaling pathways.

Keywords:
antenatal nutritionbronchopulmonary dysplasiaglutathione peroxidaselungpulmonary developmentseleniumselenoprotein Nthioredoxin reductase

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