Studies on vitamin E and selenium deficiency in young pigs. IV. Effect on coagulation system

Area of Science:

• Nutritional biochemistry
• Hematology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Vitamin E and selenium are crucial antioxidants.
• Deficiencies can impact various physiological systems, including coagulation.
• Swine models are used to study human nutritional diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of vitamin E and/or selenium deficiency on the coagulation system in swine.
• To investigate potential platelet and fibrinogen kinetic alterations.

Main Methods:

• Coagulation parameters (PTT, PT, fibrinogen, FDPs) were measured.
• Platelet count, turnover, and survival were assessed using 75Se-selenomethionine labeling.
• Fibrinogen survival and turnover were studied using 75Se-selenomethionine labeling.

Main Results:

• Vitamin E deficiency significantly decreased platelet count, turnover, and survival.
• Selenium deficiency shortened prothrombin time and decreased platelet count.
• Selenium deficiency reduced fibrinogen survival and increased its turnover, suggesting possible disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin E deficiency causes platelet production and function defects in swine.
• Selenium deficiency may lead to chronic low-grade disseminated intravascular coagulation in swine, potentially linked to hepatosis dietetica or microvascular damage.
• Further research is needed to rule out increased fibrinogenolysis or intrinsic fibrinogen defects due to selenium deficiency.