[Selenium concentration in blood and Duchenne-type progressive muscular dystrophy]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Nutrition
• Human Physiology

Context:

• Investigating the role of selenium (Se) and its associated enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), in human health.
• Understanding age-related changes in Se and GSH-Px in healthy individuals.
• Examining potential alterations in Se and GSH-Px metabolism in Duchenne-type progressive muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Purpose:

• To quantify and compare Se concentrations and GSH-Px activity in plasma and erythrocytes of healthy men and DMD patients.
• To analyze the relationship between aging, Se levels, and GSH-Px activity in both groups.
• To investigate the in vitro kinetics of selenite uptake and release by erythrocytes, with a focus on DMD patients.

Summary:

• In healthy men, erythrocyte Se concentration and GSH-Px activity increase with age, showing a parallel but moderate correlation.
• DMD patients exhibit decreased Se concentrations in both plasma and erythrocytes with age, alongside lower GSH-Px activity (approximately 80% of healthy controls).
• In vitro studies reveal rapid erythrocyte uptake of selenite, followed by plasma release and slow reuptake, with notable differences observed in DMD patients.

Impact:

• Highlights significant differences in selenium metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activity between healthy aging and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
• Suggests potential implications for selenium supplementation or therapeutic strategies in managing DMD.
• Provides insights into the complex dynamics of selenite transport and utilization within erythrocytes, particularly in the context of muscular dystrophy.