A Spatial Ecology Study of Keshan Disease and Hair Selenium

Abstract

Few spatial ecological studies on hair selenium (Se) and Keshan disease (KD) have been reported. To investigate the relationships of hair Se with KD and economic indicators and to visualize the evidence for KD precise prevention. An ecological study design was employed. The levels of hair Se of 636 adult men (≥ 18 years old) living in rural, general cities and developed cities in 15 KD endemic provinces and 11 KD non-endemic provinces in mainland China were measured using hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Spatial description and spatial analysis of hair Se were conducted. The subjects were adults aged. The hair Se level of the residents of KD endemic areas was 0.30 mg/kg, statistically significantly lower than that of non-endemic areas 0.34 mg/kg (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.007). The hair Se level of the 636 people was 0.33 mg/kg. The hair Se levels of the residents of the developed cities, general cities, and rural were 0.35 mg/kg, 0.33 mg/kg, and 0.32 mg/kg, respectively, with statistical significance (Kruskal-Wallis H test, P = 0.032). Spatial regression analysis showed that the spatial distribution of hair Se was positively correlated with per capita GDP. Selenium deficiency may still exist among residents living in the KD endemic areas. The results of spatial description and analysis of hair Se provided visualized evidence for targeting key provinces for precise prevention of Keshan disease, including assessment of KD elimination. The hair Se level of the mainland Chinese males was probably between 0.31 and 0.33 μg/g in 2015.

Levels, Spatial Distribution, and Impact Factors of Heavy Metals in the Hair of Metropolitan Residents in China and Human Health Implications

“…China is divided by the “Hu Line” into two parts with similar areas of land but a striking contrast in population: the ratio of the population in the northwest to that in the southeast is approximately 6/94 . In previous studies, Se deficiency was proven to be one of the essential factors for the etiology of the Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) and the Keshan disease (KD). , China has the highest incidences of KBD and KD, with cases occurring in more than 300 counties around the “Hu Line,” including counties in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan. , Interestingly, we found that the Se concentration was low around the “Hu Line” (Figure S5), that is, low along the NE–SW area and high on both sides away from the “Hu Line,” which was similar to the Se distribution found in soil in China . Furthermore, the Se contents in hair in SC and EC were significantly higher than those in NE and NC ( p < 0.05), probably because the per capita consumption of aquatic products by the population in SC and EC was higher than that of the population in NE and NC (Table S2), that is, the Se levels were significantly correlated with the per capita consumption of aquatic products (Figure S6).…”

Keshan Disease: A Potentially Fatal Endemic Cardiomyopathy in Remote Mountains of China

“…Characteristic features of Se toxicity include brittle hair, hair loss, and stratified nails, along with an odor of garlic on the breath and skin (19). More acute Se poisoning cases can include pulmonary challenges and vomiting (105). For the effective prevention of KD and Se poisoning, supplementary Se intake should be monitored appropriately.…”

A study of the differential expression profiles of Keshan disease lncRNA/mRNA genes based on RNA-seq

“…A study of the differential expression profiles of Keshan disease lncRNA/mRNA genes based on RNA-seq of studies have revealed that selenium deficiency is closely related to the occurrence and development of KSD. The selenium content of the environment of the KSD area, as found in the soil, local food, and hair and blood of the people, and the plasma selenoprotein P are lower than those in non-affected areas (4,5). A systematic review and metaanalysis of selenium deficiency and KSD revealed that the supplementation of selenium could significantly reduce the incidence of KSD (2).…”