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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-08-2014 | Original Article

Features of selenium metabolism in humans living under the conditions of North European Russia

Authors: Olga Parshukova, Natalya Potolitsyna, Vera Shadrina, Aleksei Chernykh, Evgeny Bojko

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Selenium supplementation and its effects on Northerners have been little studied. The aim of our study was to assess the selenium levels of the inhabitants of North European Russia, the seasonal aspects of selenium supplementation, and the interrelationships between selenium levels and the levels of thyroid gland hormones.

Methods

To study the particular features of selenium metabolism in Northerners over the course of 1 year, 19 healthy male Caucasian volunteers (18–21 years old) were recruited for the present study. The subjects were military guards in a Northern European region of Russia (Syktyvkar, Russia, 62°N latitude) who spent 6–10-h outdoors daily. The study was conducted over a 12-month period. Selenium levels, glutathione peroxidase (GP) activity, as well as total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxin (T4), free thyroxin, free triiodothyronine, and thyrotropin (TSH) levels, were determined in the blood serum.

Results

The study subjects showed low levels of plasma selenium throughout the year. We observed a noticeable decrease in plasma selenium levels during the period from May to August, with the lowest levels in July. Selenium levels in the military guards correlated with the levels of selenium-dependent GP enzyme activity throughout the year. Additionally, we demonstrated a significant correlation between selenium and pituitary-thyroid axis hormones (total T3, free T4, and TSH) in periods in which plasma selenium levels were lower than the established normal ranges.

Conclusion

Over the course of 1 year, low levels of plasma selenium affect GP activity and thyroid hormone levels in humans living in North European Russia.

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Title: Features of selenium metabolism in humans living under the conditions of North European Russia
Authors: Olga Parshukova
Natalya Potolitsyna
Vera Shadrina
Aleksei Chernykh
Evgeny Bojko
Publication date: 01-08-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-013-0895-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Features of selenium metabolism in humans living under the conditions of North European Russia

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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