Emerging roles of selenium on metabolism and type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Selenium is recognized as an essential element for human health and enters human body mainly via diet. Selenium is a key constituent in selenoproteins, which exert essential biological functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Several selenoproteins including glutathione peroxidases, selenoprotein P and selenoprotein S are known to play roles in the regulation of type 2 diabetes. Although there is a close association between certain selenoproteins with glucose metabolism or insulin resistance, the relationship between selenium and type 2 diabetes is complex and remains uncertain. Here we review recent advances in the field with an emphasis on roles of selenium on metabolism and type 2 diabetes. Understanding the association between selenium and type 2 diabetes is important for developing clinical practice guidelines, establishing and implementing effective public health policies, and ultimately combating relative health issues.

Selenoprotein P concentrations and risk of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia

“…As largely expected for a nutrient such as selenium and its selenoproteins, such deleterious effects favoring conversion of MCI to dementia would occur only at high concentrations of this selenoprotein, mirroring the more general U-shaped effect of this essential element on human health 7 , 10 . In addition, the growing evidence suggesting an etiologic role of insulin resistance and glucose metabolism abnormalities in the etiology of dementia and specifically of Alzheimer’s disease 38 – 41 provides biological plausibility for involvement of selenoprotein P in dementia etiology, given the adverse effects on insulin sensitivity and more generally glucose metabolism induced by this selenoprotein 13 , 15 , 37 , 42 .…”

The Influence of Diet and Its Components on the Development and Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

“…Selenium is part of numerous enzymes, including being a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidative enzyme. Its concentration is considered a factor influencing the frequency of HCC recurrences [ 67 , 68 ]. Metabolically, selenium deficiency results in increased fat accumulation in the liver and intensified insulin resistance [ 69 ].…”

The Role of Organokines in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and Their Functions as Molecular Transducers of Nutrition and Exercise

“…Selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health [ 223 ] and is a crucial constituent in selenoproteins, which have diverse biological functions, including anti-inflammation and antioxidation [ 223 ]. Selenoproteins P plays an important role in regulating T2D.…”

“…A study utilizing selenoprotein P-neutralizing antibodies demonstrated that glucose metabolism is significantly improved in high-energy diet-induced mice [ 224 ]. However, low or high selenium supplementation increases insulin resistance by up- or down-regulating selenoproteins in our body, suggesting that moderate intake of selenium is crucial [ 223 , 225 ]. Furthermore, selenium supplementation dramatically improved plasma levels of IGF-1, FGF-21, adiponectin, and leptin levels, protecting against diet-induced obesity in mice [ 226 ].…”