Critical Analysis of Selenium Deficiency Diseases: An Overview

Introduction

Selenium is a crucial trace element required for the optimal functioning of several physiological functions. Selenium is an es­sential element in selenoproteins, which are involved in antioxi­dant defense, immunological response, and thyroid hormone me­tabolism. A selenium deficiency may result in serious health issues, such as Keshan disease, Kashin-Beck illness, cardiovascular disea­ses, and heightened susceptibility to viral infections. This review provides an update on selenium deficiency-related diseases, focu­sing on their etiology, clinical manifestations, and potential strate­gies for prevention and management.

Objective

This article intends to encapsulate new discoveries on disor­ders resulting from selenium deficiency and examine their etiology, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we evaluate the broader public health implications of selenium defi­ciency and highlight potential interventions.

Methods

This review compiles data from many research about selenium deficient illnesses. Data was obtained from contemporary scientific publications. The emphasis was on ailments mostly linked to se­lenium insufficiency, such as Keshan disease, Kashin-Beck illness, and cardiovascular disorders, along with selenium’s function in im­munity and viral infections.

Results

Keshan Disease

Keshan disease, often known as KD, is a kind of endemic car­diomyopathy that is largely detected in certain locations of China that have a low selenium level in the soil material. It presents with heart failure and myocardial necrosis, often leading to fatal out­comes if untreated. Selenium deficiency, in combination with viral infections, particularly Coxsackievirus, is thought to increase oxi­dative stress, contributing to the progression of KD. Patients often experience cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, and dilated cardiomy­opathy. Selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce the severity of KD symptoms and improve cardiac function [1].

Kashin-Beck Disease

The Kashin-Beck illness, often known as KBD, is another con­dition that is strongly associated with a lack of selenium. This os­teoarthropathy primarily affects children and adolescents living in selenium-deficient areas, particularly in parts of China and Tibet. KBD leads to cartilage degeneration, resulting in joint deformities and stunted growth. Because of the deficiency of selenium, oxidati­ve stress plays a specific role in the pathophysiology, leading to cel­lular damage in cartilage tissues. When started early in childhood, selenium supplementation has been shown to inhibit the develop­ment and progression of KBD [2].

Cardiovascular Diseases

Numerous heart conditions are also linked to deficiencies in selenium. Heart failure, myocardial infarction, and coronary heart disease have all been linked to low selenium levels. By being incor­porated into antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, selenium helps shield cardiac tissues from oxidative damage. Rese­arch has shown that the use of selenium supplements enhances mi­tochondrial activity and reduces oxidative stress, hence improving outcomes for individuals suffering from heart disease. Low seleni­um levels are associated with worse outcomes for heart failure pa­ tients, whereas supplementation improves exercise tolerance and cardiac function in general [3].

Neurodegenerative Disorders

It is well known that selenium shields the neurological system from oxidative damage. A deficit in selenium may raise the risk of neurodegenerative illnesses including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Selenium is highly concentrated in the brain, especially in areas re­lated to motor and cognitive function. Glutathione peroxidase and other selenium proteins provide vital defense against oxidative stress, a role in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Seleni­um supplementation has shown promise in mitigating symptoms of these conditions, especially in the early stages of disease progres­sion [4].

Viral Infections and Immune Function

A lack in selenium increases vulnerability to viral infections, such as hepatitis B, HIV, and more recently, COVID-19. Selenium is essential for immunological function. Selenium’s antioxidant qua­lities lessen viral proliferation and mutation while also regulating immunological responses. According to a comprehensive analysis, individuals with COVID-19 who had lower serum selenium levels had poorer outcomes, such as increased death rates [1].

COVID-19 and Selenium

Selenium insufficiency in relation to COVID-19 has been well researched. Individuals with reduced serum selenium levels often have worsening illness outcomes, including increased death rates. Because selenium helps to reduce inflammation and improve im­munological function, it has been suggested as a potential therapy adjunct. According to studies, selenium levels rise in COVID-19 pa­tients who are recuperating, indicating that having enough seleni­um may speed up and enhance healing [5].

Cancer and Selenium Deficiency

Selenium has also been linked to cancer prevention. Selenium’s role in DNA repair and the regulation of apoptosis positions it as a key factor in reducing cancer risk, particularly in selenium-defi­cient individuals. Prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer rates have been shown to be greater in populations with lower intakes of se­lenium. In those who are deficient in selenium, taking supplements has been linked to a lower risk of cancer [1].

Discussion

A serious public health concern is selenium deficiency, parti­cularly in areas where the soil contains little selenium. Conditions such as Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck illness emphasise how important selenium is for skeletal and cardiovascular health main­tenance. When started on time, selenium supplements have been shown to be a successful intervention in the prevention of certain illnesses. Additionally, selenium’s role in immune function has be­come increasingly relevant in the context of viral infections, inclu­ding COVID-19. Maintaining adequate selenium levels may not only improve individual health outcomes but also play a role in public health strategies aimed at mitigating viral pandemics [1-3]. Seleni­um’s ability to prevent neurodegenerative disorders is further sup­ported by its neuroprotective qualities. The small range between therapeutic and hazardous amounts of selenium makes careful mo­nitoring and dosage of selenium supplements essential. To inves­tigate the wider implications of selenium supplementation in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, longer-term clinical studies are required [1,4,5].

Conclusion

A deficit in selenium may cause a variety of health problems, including viral and neurological illnesses, osteoarthropathies, and cardiomyopathies. Preventing these illnesses requires maintaining an appropriate selenium intake, especially in areas where selenium deficiency exists. Supplementing with selenium is a viable answer, but since greater amounts of the mineral may be harmful, it must be used carefully. To improve selenium dosage practices and deepen our knowledge of its function in disease prevention and health maintenance, further study is required.

Acknowledgements

None.

Conflicts of Interests

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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