Selenoproteins are a unique group of proteins that contain selenium in the form of selenocysteine (Sec) co-translationally inserted in response to a UGA codon with the help of cis- and trans-acting factors. Mammalian selenoproteins contain single Sec residues, with the exception of selenoprotein P (SelP) that has 7-15 Sec residues depending on species. Assessing an individual's selenium status ...

In this study, selenium was recovered from an industrial dust. After the purification process, the researchers were able to prepare selenium micro powder. The objective of this study was to prepare selenium nano particles by water solution phase method from the micro powders. The results showed that selenium micronized powder and nano particles had high purity. The obtained nanoparticles were t...

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient for many organisms but also toxic at higher concentrations. Both selenium deficiency and toxicity are serious problems worldwide. Owing to the similarity of selenium to sulfur, plants readily take up and assimilate selenate via sulfur transporters and enzymes and can even volatilize selenium. Selenium accumulating or volatilizing plants may be used for phytoreme...

The article reviews the progress in basic research of selenium and cancer prevention during the past decade. Special emphasis is placed on the following four major areas of discussion: 1) chemical forms of selenium and anticarcinogenic activity; 2) selenium-enriched food; 3) in vitro effects of selenite vs. monomethylated selenium; and 4) aromatic selenium compounds. It is clear that basic rese...

The chemical form and bioavailability of dietary selenium may influence its protectiveness against colorectal cancer. Selenium is readily incorporated into milk proteins by feeding cows with selenized-yeast. This study examined whether a dairy source of organic selenium (as milk proteins) is more effective than a yeast source at inhibiting oncogenesis in carcinogen-treated mice and whether it r...

We evaluated plasma selenium concentrations in patients with euthyroid sick syndrome express by low serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations. Selenium status in these patients was compared with that found in patients with both untreated and treated hypothyroidism. Selenium concentrations in plasma were significantly lower in hospitalized patients with either euthyroid sick syndrome (0.99 +/- ...

Selenium is an essential trace element of importance to human biology and health. Increasing evidence suggests that this mineral plays an important role in normal growth and reproduction in animals and humans, and selenium supplementation is now recommended as part of public health policy in geographical areas with severe selenium deficiency in soil. This review addresses the biological functio...

Selenium status was determined in an endemic-goiter area and in a control area of Zaire. Compared with the reference values of a noniodine-deficient area, serum selenium in subjects living in the core of the northern Zaire endemic-goiter belt (Karawa villages) was seven times lower in 52 school-children and similarly low in 23 cretins; erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (RBC-GPX) was five times...

The objective of the study was to determine selenium status and its distribution in the organs of free living foxes from selenium deficient areas of north-western Poland. Samples of organs harvested from 40 foxes shot during the 2008-2009 hunting seasons served as experimental material. Selenium concentration in the organs was determined spectrofluorometrically. Selenium distribution in tissues...

Selenium is a micronutrient mineral found mainly in soils. Studies on selenium have increased rapidly worldwide especially after it has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer in humans and animals. The exact mechanism of action on how selenium inhibits diseases, in particular cancer, is still unknown. To date, the use of selenium in preventing or treating diseases is limited. ...