Assessment of the Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Production of Selected Cytokines in Women with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Abstract

The impact of selenium on the course of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) was mainly assessed by monitoring the titer of antithyroid autoantibodies in most of the studies conducted hitherto. On the other hand, the imbalance in activity of T cells such as Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg may be relevant in the pathogenesis of this disease. Hence, the assessment of changes in the secretion of cytokines by these cells during selenium supplementation in patients with HT seems to be an important issue and was the main goal of this study. A further aim was to search for correlations among these cytokines, as well as markers of thyroid function, selenium/iodine status in the body, and other biochemical parameters. The group of 29 women with newly diagnosed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was supplemented with selenium in a dose of 100 µg/day for 6 months. Immunological parameters: interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, chemokine CXCL10, interleukin 4, interleukin 1β, interleukin 17, transforming growth factor β, and C-reactive protein, as well as selenium status parameters were determined in serum twice, i.e., before and after supplementation. Selenium supplementation was associated with a change in the production of two cytokines: interferon γ and interleukin 1β, for which a decrease and an increase in concentration were observed, respectively. The partial least squares (PLS) model revealed the presence of many relevant correlations among analyzed parameters. The stage of HT development, degree of thyroid dysfunction, and selenium supplementation of diet are interdependent factors which shape the profile of some cytokines secreted by cells participating in the autoimmunity process.

Selenium supplementation and placebo are equally effective in improving quality of life in patients with hypothyroidism

“…Thus, selenium supplementation seems to upregulate activated T cells ( 44 ) and to inhibit the release of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 2, interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor ( 2 , 45 ). A recent study found that 100 μg daily selenium supplementation in 29 women with AIT reduced IFNγ and increased interleukin 1β concentrations ( 46 ). Although the present trial found no positive effects on clinical outcomes, such as QoL and the LT4 dosage, further research is needed to explore whether the potential effects of selenium on the immune system, the oxidative stress burden, and low-grade inflammation are of clinical significance in patients with thyroid diseases.…”

Toenail and blood selenium mediated regulation of thyroid dysfunction through immune cells: a mediation Mendelian randomization analysis

“…Selenium deficiency may upregulate Th1/Th2 effector molecules and enhance immune responses. Daily supplementation of 100 μg of Selenium has been shown to improve thyroid function and quality of life in patients by reducing interferon-γ levels and increasing interleukin-1β levels ( 61 ).…”

Selenium and thyroid diseases

“…Se deficiency may upregulate Th1/Th2 effectors and enhances immune responses. The possible therapeutic effect of Se in HT to improve immune function was validated in a prospective study conducted in 2022, which showed that Se supplementation with 100ug per day improved thyroid function and the quality of life of patients by decreasing interferon gamma concentrations and increasing interleukin 1b concentrations (46).…”