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ARS Home » Plains Area » Grand Forks, North Dakota » Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center » Dietary Prevention of Obesity-related Disease Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #288824
Title: Selenium in bone health: roles in antioxidant protection and cell proliferation

Author
item Zeng, Huawei
item Cao, Jay
item Combs, Gerald

Submitted to: Nutrients
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/3/2013
Publication Date: 1/10/2013
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/56738
Citation: Zeng, H., Cao, J.J., Combs, G.F. 2013. Selenium in bone health: roles in antioxidant protection and cell proliferation. Nutrients. 5:97-110.

Interpretive Summary: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals, and several lines of evidence suggest that certain forms of Se act as chemopreventive compounds. In addition, adequate dietary Se intake is also essential to maintain the bone health. Mechanisms for Se-anticancer action and its role in bone health are not fully understood; however, antioxidant protection, enhanced immune surveillance and modulation of cell proliferation have been proposed to be the major pathways. Therefore, elucidation of these pathways by which Se exerts anticancer effect and maintains bone health can lead to a better understanding of its role in disease prevention. This article reviews the current knowledge concerning the molecular basis of Se’s role in cancer prevention and bone health. The information will be useful information for scientists and health-care professionals who are interested in nutrition and chronic-disease prevention.

Technical Abstract: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals, and several findings suggest that dietary Se intake may be necessary for bone health. Such findings may relate to roles of Se in antioxidant protection, enhanced immune surveillance and modulation of cell proliferation. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which Se supports these cellular processes can lead to a better understanding of the role of this nutrient in normal bone metabolism. This article reviews the current knowledge concerning the molecular functions of Se relevant to bone health.