Search Results (185)

Sanghuangporus sanghuang (S. sanghuang) is an important medicinal mushroom rich in bioactive compounds. Selenium (Se) biofortification may further enhance its functional value and industrial profitability; however, evidence-based guidance on Se source selection and dosage for production remains insufficient. Using the strain “Sanghuang Hu2”, we compared sodium selenite, nano-selenium (nano-Se), and selenium-enriched yeast (Se-yeast) at different supplementation levels and comprehensively evaluated their effects on mycelial growth and fruiting body development, Se accumulation and speciation, and nutritional quality. The responses of S. sanghuang were strongly Se-source-specific and concentration-dependent. Se-yeast caused the least inhibition of mycelial growth while achieving the highest Se uptake and biotransformation efficiency. During bag cultivation, supplementation with 15 mg/kg Se-yeast significantly increased single-bag yield and biological efficiency without prolonging full colonization time and exhibited superior input cost performance. This treatment enabled an extremely high proportion of organic Se accumulation (>99.5%), dominated by selenomethionine. Moreover, Se-yeast markedly improved crude protein, crude polysaccharides, and total amino acids in fruiting bodies, with lysine showing the largest increase. Overall, considering growth and yield, Se accumulation/speciation, nutritional enhancement, and economic feasibility, Se-yeast is the optimal Se source for Se-enriched Sanghuang, with a recommended dosage of 15 mg/kg. Full article

Oxidative stress appears to be implicated in both the initiation and progression of autoimmune thyroiditis. Selenomethionine, which exhibits antioxidant properties, has been shown to reduce thyroid antibody titers in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, may protect against the development of autoimmune thyroiditis, and that its supplementation has been associated with improvements in female sexual function. The objective of the present pilot study was to determine whether vitamin E intake modulates the effects of selenomethionine on female sexual function and depressive symptoms in individuals with thyroid autoimmunity. The study enrolled three groups of reproductive-age women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, with 26 participants in each group. The groups were matched for age, thyroid peroxidase antibody titers, and TSH levels and differed according to vitamin E intake: adequate intake (group A), low intake (group B), and high intake (group C). All participants received selenomethionine supplementation (200 µg/day) for six months. Antibody titers and hormone levels were measured, and participants completed questionnaires assessing female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). At baseline, no differences in biochemical outcomes were observed between the groups, except for testosterone levels. The study groups differed in sexual desire and arousal domain scores, which were higher in group A than in the other two groups. Total FSFI scores, the remaining FSFI domain scores, and BDI-II scores did not differ between groups at baseline. Across all groups, selenomethionine reduced thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody titers and increased SPINA-GD and the ratio of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine; however, the effects on antibody titers were most pronounced in group A. An increase in SPINA-GT and testosterone levels following selenomethionine supplementation was observed only in group A. In this group, selenomethionine also led to significant improvements in total FSFI scores and all individual domain scores. In contrast, in the remaining groups, the effects of supplementation were limited to increases in domain scores for lubrication, sexual satisfaction, and pain. A treatment-related reduction in total BDI-II scores was observed exclusively in women with adequate vitamin E intake. These findings suggest, for the first time, that dietary intake of a natural antioxidant may influence the effects of exogenous selenomethionine on sexual function and depressive symptoms in reproductive-age women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis. Full article

Accurate profiling of amino acids and selenoamino acids is crucial for evaluating the nutritional quality of selenium-enriched crops. To provide a reliable and accessible tool for routine food monitoring, this study employed pre-column derivatization high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous determination and compositional analysis of 17 standard amino acids, selenocystine (SeCys₂), and selenomethionine (SeMet) in various organs of selenium-enriched radish. Chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column and a mobile phase of sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.25) and acetonitrile under gradient elution, with diode array detection (DAD) at 360 nm. Method validation demonstrated excellent linearity (R²) ≥ 0.995 for all 19 amino acids within their tested ranges. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 0.06 to 0.21 mg/L and 0.19 to 0.68 mg/L, respectively. The spike recoveries ranged from 88.2% to 101.7%, while the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were ≤3.09% and ≤4.25%, respectively. The levels of total, essential, selenoamino and taste-active amino acids in the leaves exceeded those in the taproot, with the highest total content of 2398.41 mg/kg found in leaves at the primary growth stage of the taproot. The total content of selenoamino acids ranged from 2.65 to 6.78 mg/kg. This method enables the simultaneous quantification of various amino acids, including selenoamino acids, in different organs of selenium-enriched radish throughout its entire growth period, providing a theoretical basis for the development of selenium-fortified products. Full article

In selenium-rich foods, selenium speciation significantly impacts food quality. This study cultivated selenium-enriched bean sprouts using various selenium sources and systematically examined the dynamic changes in major selenium-containing compounds during thermal processing and storage. The results showed that selenomethionine (SeMet) is the predominant species in selenium-rich bean sprouts, and its stability is closely related to the redox enzymes in the bean sprout system. During processing or storage, SeMet is readily oxidized by reactive oxygen species into selenomethionine selenium oxides (SeMetO). However, SeMetO can be thermally reduced back to SeMet upon heating, revealing the reason for the stability of SeMet after processing. Additionally, the study elucidated the reduction kinetic equation of SeMetO, calculated its activation energy as 120.73 kJ·mol⁻¹, and clarified the impact of coexisting proteins, cellulose, and other components on the reduction process. This research provides an important theoretical basis for the processing of SeMet in selenium-rich foods. Full article

Oxidative stress contributes to reproductive disorders, immune dysfunction, and reduced productivity in livestock during periods of high metabolic demand and environmental challenge. Selenium supports antioxidant defense systems because it is incorporated as selenocysteine into selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases that detoxify peroxides and sustain redox balance. The review summarizes selenium occurrence and chemical forms in feeds, as well as its absorption, transportation, and storage. The review also outlines the major features of selenoprotein biosynthesis and its prioritized allocation, with an emphasis on cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Evidence from multiple sources indicates that selenium status and supplementation interacts with antioxidant capacity, immune competence, thyroid hormone metabolism, reproductive performance, and the transfer of selenium to milk and offspring. In ruminants, rumen microbial transformations can reduce the bioavailability of inorganic selenium salts, and organic sources, such as selenium-enriched yeast, hydroxy-selenomethionine, and selenitetriglycerides, often increase blood and milk selenium more effectively. In pigs, organic selenium is commonly associated with enhanced antioxidant and immune indices in sows and piglets during late gestation, lactation, and weaning, whereas effects on growth performance are inconsistent. The review emphasizes the narrow margin between adequacy and excess and outlines practical considerations for supplementation and monitoring, alongside research needs for emerging selenium forms and functional biomarkers. Full article

Background: Cryopreservation induces oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and mitochondrial injury in spermatozoa, leading to impaired motility and fertility. Selenium, as an essential trace element, protects cells from oxidative damage through selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a critical enzyme that detoxifies lipid hydroperoxides and inhibits ferroptosis. This study investigated whether supplementation with L-selenomethionine (L-SeMet), an organic selenium source with superior bioavailability and lower toxicity than inorganic forms, could alleviate cryo-induced sperm injury by suppressing ferroptosis. Methods & Results: Dairy goat sperm were cryopreserved with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 μM L-SeMet. Supplementation with 6 μM L-SeMet significantly improved motility, membrane and acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Biochemical assays showed reduced iron, ROS, and MDA levels, alongside increased ATP, SOD, and GSH contents. Proteomic analysis identified 148 differentially expressed proteins, including up-regulation of GPX4, FTH1, VDAC2, and VDAC3—core ferroptosis regulators. Metabolomic profiling further revealed enrichment in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and the TCA cycle, pathways closely linked to ferroptosis regulation. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that L-SeMet preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure. Mechanistically, L-SeMet mirrored the ferroptosis inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine and reversed RSL3-induced oxidative damage. Western blotting verified activation of the NRF2–SLC7A11–GPX4 antioxidant axis and inhibition of KEAP1 expression. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings demonstrate that L-SeMet protects spermatozoa from cryo-induced injury by stabilizing redox homeostasis, maintaining mitochondrial function, and inhibiting ferroptosis. The results highlight ferroptosis as a critical mechanism of sperm cryodamage and identify L-SeMet as a promising metabolic intervention to enhance post-thaw sperm quality and fertility. Full article

Selenium (Se) enrichment in yeast represents a promising strategy for producing organic Se with high bioavailability. However, a systematic understanding of how Se incorporation alters intact protein structure and function across diverse strains remains lacking. This study investigated four yeast species (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kluyveromyces lactis, and Torulaspora delbrueckii) using multi-spectroscopic and radical scavenging assays. Despite moderate growth inhibition (10.4–27.7%), all strains accumulated substantial Se (1164–2858 µg/g). Structural analysis revealed that Se induced strain-dependent protein conformational perturbations. Specifically, in selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where Se was predominantly incorporated as selenomethionine (SeMet, 85.80%), a significant structural relaxation occurred. This was characterized by decreased rigid β-sheet content, increased flexible random coils, and a substantial enhancement in surface hydrophobicity. Crucially, Pearson correlation analysis revealed that functional enhancements were synergistically governed by specific Se speciation and secondary structural remodeling. Enhanced DPPH^• scavenging activity was positively correlated with changes in β-sheet and random coil structures. Selenomethionine content was also significantly correlated with increased scavenging of ^•OH and ABTS^•+. Consequently, Saccharomyces cerevisiae uniquely achieved highly significant (p < 0.001) antioxidant improvements, whereas other strains showed moderate or non-significant responses despite high Se yields. Our findings demonstrate that the antioxidant efficacy of selenoproteins is not solely determined by total Se content but is fundamentally driven by the targeted bioconversion of SeMet and its associated structural relaxation. Full article

Zinc-L-selenomethionine (Zn-L-SeMet), a novel organic selenium (Se) source, shows great potential in alleviating oxidative stress. This study first evaluated the potential of Zn-L-SeMet to improve the health of weaned piglets and investigated underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo, 240 weaned piglets were assigned to five dietary groups, namely, a control group (basal diet without Se) and four groups supplemented with Zn-L-SeMet (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 mg Se/kg in basal diet) for 42 days. In vitro, an oxidative stress model was established using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) to investigate the mechanisms of Zn-L-SeMet against oxidative damage. The results showed that Zn-L-SeMet improved growth performance, enhanced antioxidant and immune function, stimulated thyroid hormone secretion, and upregulated expression of selenoprotein genes. In vitro, Zn-L-SeMet reduced H₂O₂-induced apoptosis, promoted IPEC-J2 viability, and enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes, while reducing lactate dehydrogenase release, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels. Furthermore, Zn-L-SeMet significantly increased the expression levels of Keap1, NQO1, HO-1, ARE, p-Nrf2, p-PI3K, and p-AKT, and protein ratio of p-Nrf2/Nrf2, PI3K/PI3K, and p-AKT/AKT compared to the H₂O₂ group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Zn-L-SeMet improves health status with antioxidant potential in weaned piglets, and the mechanism is associated with activation of PI3K/AKT and Nrf2/Keap1 pathways. Full article

Selenium (Se) biofortification of vegetables can improve dietary Se intake; however, the dose-dependent balance between inorganic Se retention and organic Se assimilation following foliar selenate application remains insufficiently resolved across species. Five leafy vegetable species (garden rocket, wild rocket, dandelion, and two chicory cultivars) were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions and treated twice with foliar sodium selenate at increasing application rates (1 + 1, 2 + 2, 5 + 5, 10 + 0, 10 + 10, and 10 + 50 mg Se L⁻¹) across two experiments. Total Se and Se species were determined by HPLC-UV-HG-AFS following enzymatic extraction and cross-checked on selected extracts by HPLC-ICP-MS. Foliar selenate induced substantial Se accumulation in all species, reaching up to 102 µg g⁻¹ DW in garden rocket. At moderate application rates (notably 2 + 2 and 5 + 5 mg Se L⁻¹), a considerable proportion of extracted Se was converted into organic forms, with selenomethionine (SeMet) accounting for up to ~40% of total extracted Se. In contrast, at the highest application rate (10 + 50 mg Se L⁻¹), inorganic Se(VI) became predominant (often >40%), while SeMet proportion declined sharply to ~2–4%, indicating a saturation of metabolic assimilation capacity under high Se exposure. Leaf biomass was promoted at intermediate treatments (e.g., 5 + 5 and 10 + 0/10 + 10 mg Se L⁻¹), whereas the highest rate reduced growth. Overall, foliar selenate effectively biofortifies chicory, rocket, and dandelion leaves, but excessive application rates shift Se speciation toward inorganic storage and markedly suppress SeMet formation. These findings highlight the importance of dose optimization to maximize nutritional quality while avoiding metabolic overload. Full article

Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) is a potent environmental toxicant known to accumulate in the liver; however, the molecular underpinnings of its hepatotoxicity remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the biochemical mechanisms of Cr⁶⁺-induced liver injury and the protective efficacy of selenomethionine (Se-Met) using a transgenic zebrafish model. We demonstrate that exposure precipitates severe hepatic steatosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by the dysregulation of lipid metabolism genes and the activation of ferroptosis pathways. Specifically, Cr⁶⁺ toxicity was driven by the depletion of glutathione (GSH) and the suppression of the anti-ferroptotic protein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Notably, these pathological alterations were significantly attenuated by both the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and low-dose Se-Met. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling revealed that Se-Met exerts its protective effects primarily by modulating glycerolipid metabolism, thereby mitigating lipid accumulation. Collectively, our findings establish ferroptosis as a critical driver of Cr⁶⁺-induced hepatotoxicity and highlight Se-Met as a promising biochemical intervention to mitigate chromium-associated hepatic damage in aquaculture systems. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a common estrogenic mycotoxin in rabbit breeding that causes various toxic effects. Selenomethionine (SeMet) is a feed additive with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To evaluate the protective role and action mechanism of SeMet against ZEA-induced liver injury, 90-day-old rabbits were randomized into five groups: control, ZEA-alone, and SeMet pretreatment at 0.2, 0.35, and 0.5 mg/kg. SeMet was administered for 21 days, followed by continuous intragastric ZEA (1.2 mg/kg B.W.) for 7 days starting on day 15. As a result, ZEA exposure significantly elevated liver function parameters, disrupted lobular architecture, and impaired glycogen synthesis. It also induced liver oxidative stress, thus upregulating expressions of Bax, Cyt C, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9, triggering hepatocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, and mitophagy. SeMet pretreatment activated SIRT1, reduced the acetylated FOXO1/P53 levels, and enhanced CAT and SOD2 expression, mitigating ZEA-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitophagy. Based on the above findings, SeMet’s alleviating effect might be mediated via the SIRT1-FOXO1/P53 pathway, with 0.35 mg/kg of SeMet exerting the optimal efficacy, highlighting its therapeutic potential for mitigating ZEA-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits. Full article

This study examined the effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure and graded dietary selenium (Se) supplementation on fatty acid (FA) composition and oxidative stress markers in the liver of broiler chickens. OTA is known to generate oxidative stress, promote lipid peroxidation, and affect the antioxidant system. Se, an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, may help counteract OTA-induced toxicity. In this short-term (5-day) in vivo feeding experiment, 21-day-old broiler chickens were divided into six groups, each with six birds: Control (diet free from Se), 0.3 mg/kg Se, 0.5 mg/kg Se, 2 mg/kg OTA, 2 mg/kg OTA + 0.3 mg/kg Se, 2 mg/kg OTA + 0.5 mg/kg Se. Our findings show that supplementing 0.3 mg/kg (p < 0.01) or 0.5 mg/kg Se (p < 0.001) in OTA-exposed birds significantly reduced the early oxidative stress markers (conjugated dienes and trienes) and significantly increased (0.3 mg/kg p < 0.01; 0.5 mg/kg p < 0.001) glutathione levels, indicating enhanced glutathione-dependent antioxidant protection. The treatments also significantly altered the ratio of monounsaturated and n6/n3 polyunsaturated FAs. OTA with 0.3 mg/kg Se supplementation significantly (p ˂ 0.05) reduced total unsaturation and FA average chain length. At a dose of 0.3 mg/kg, the interaction of Se and OTA altered the PUFA composition, while 0.5 mg/kg Se supplementation enhanced antioxidant defense and reduced lipid peroxidation. These results highlight the dual but separate role of Se, where inadequate doses may enhance OTA toxicity, while optimal supplementation may have a protective effect on hepatic lipid homeostasis. These findings can be used in the future progress of the mitigation strategy against OTA exposure in poultry nutrition. Full article

Atypical antipsychotics (AAP), including clozapine (Clo), aripiprazole (Ari), and risperidone (Ris), are widely used in psychiatry but can lead to kidney damage due to oxidative stress. This study investigated whether dietary supplementation with selected antioxidants—ellagic acid, vitamin C, zinc, and seleno-methionine (SeMet) in fish oil, formulated as the composite product “ProCloSupp” (PCS)—can mitigate the oxidative damage induced by subchronic administration of AAP. Rats were treated with each antipsychotic for 28 days, with PCS added in the last 14 days. The kidney tissue was examined histologically and by determining the activities of antioxidant enzymes (copper, zinc and manganese superoxide dismutase—CuZn SOD and Mn SOD, catalase—CAT, glutathione peroxidase—GPx, glutathione reductase—GR, glutathione S-transferase—GST). All AAPs caused discrete to moderate renal damage and significant changes in enzyme profiles, which were most pronounced with Ari. Clo and Ari significantly decreased CuZn SOD and Mn SOD activity, while Ris only affected Mn SOD. Clo additionally increased CAT activity, while Ari increased GPx activity. Antioxidant-related protein levels increased only in the Ris group. PCS supplementation increased CuZn SOD and GPx activities and was associated with less pronounced histopathological changes than antipsychotic treatment alone. In conclusion, subchronic Clo, Ari, and Ris exposure induces oxidative renal damage in rats, while PCS supplementation enhances antioxidant defences and attenuates tissue damage. These results support PCS as a potential nephroprotective strategy in antipsychotic therapy. Full article

Selenium, a crucial trace element for human health, plays a vital role in maintaining well-being. Its insufficiency can cause various diseases, highlighting the need for adequate selenium intake in daily diets. Honey, containing diverse selenium compounds, serves as a beneficial selenium supplement. By leveraging the distinctive physicochemical properties of honey, we employed reactive extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS) to rapidly analyze the presence of both organic selenium (selenomethionine) and inorganic selenium (sodium selenite) in diluted honey samples. We successfully identified selenomethionine (SeMet) and sodium selenite. Calibration curves constructed for SeMet and sodium selenite demonstrated excellent linear relationships within the concentration range of 0.5 to 50 µg/L. The limits of detection (LOD) for SeMet and sodium selenite were determined to be 2.94 µg/kg and 5.18 µg/kg, respectively, while the limits of quantification (LOQ) were 9.52 µg/kg and 17.4 µg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, spiked recoveries ranged from 90.6% to 105%. The average analysis time is 2 min. This study presents a precise, rapid, and convenient method for selenium determination in diluted honey. Given the limited sample size in this preliminary study, future research with larger cohorts is required to validate our findings. Full article