Biological Activity of Selenium and Its Impact on Human Health

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Human Health
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with a narrow therapeutic window, crucial for human and animal health.
• It is incorporated into selenoproteins, vital for antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism, reproductive functions, and neuroprotection.
• Both selenium deficiency and excess pose significant health risks, impacting mortality, immune function, cognition, and increasing the risk of type-2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of selenium's role in human health.
• To highlight the effects of selenium deficiency and excess on the body.
• To discuss the biological activity of selenium through selenoproteins and its epigenetic effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of selenium's biochemical pathways and health implications.
• Analysis of selenium's role in selenoproteins and epigenetic modifications.
• Brief overview of selenium phytoremediation and rhizofiltration.

Main Results:

• Selenium is essential for antioxidant defense, thyroid function, reproduction, and neuroprotection.
• Low selenium status is linked to increased mortality, impaired immunity, cognitive decline, and thyroid issues.
• Excess selenium can negatively affect neurological functions and increase type-2 diabetes risk.

Conclusions:

• Understanding selenium's biochemical pathways is critical for elucidating its impact on human diseases.
• Optimizing population selenium intake is a key public health challenge.
• Selenium's biological activity, mediated by selenoproteins and epigenetic effects, underscores its complex role in health and disease.