A recent study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry shed light on the role of selenium (Se) and its associated proteins, Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3), in various rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. While selenium is vital for antioxidant defense and inflammation control, its deficiency has been linked to poorer health outcomes. This investigation provided a detailed analysis of selenium biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and osteoarthritis (OA), compared to healthy individuals.
The study, involving 272 patients, revealed that serum selenium and SELENOP concentrations were consistently lower across all disease groups than in healthy controls. Notably, GPx3 activity, a critical antioxidant enzyme, was significantly reduced in patients with JIA and PsA, suggesting a more pronounced oxidative stress burden in these conditions. Seropositive RA patients exhibited a disrupted relationship between selenium, SELENOP, and GPx3, underscoring the complex interactions of selenoproteins in autoimmune processes. SELENOP levels correlated positively with functional status in OA, as measured by the Functional Ability Questionnaire (FfbH), highlighting its potential role in preserving joint function.
Recent research has highlighted the critical role of nutrition in the proper development of the immune system, spurring interest in the relationship between diet and immunity. This has led to the emergence of immunonutrition, a concept focused on modulating immune system activity through the intake of specific nutrients in amounts exceeding those typically found in a standard diet. Key immunonutrients include amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), vitamins, and trace elements. Notably, adequate intake of trace elements such as selenium (Se), zinc, copper, and iron is essential due to their role in activating the immune system to protect against infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Furthermore, these nutrients serve as cofactors and structural components of vital antioxidant enzymes, which help regulate inflammatory activity.
The essential trace element selenium (Se), incorporated as the amino acid selenocysteine, plays vital roles in human physiology. Of the 25 genes encoding selenoproteins, two are actively secreted into circulation: the liver-derived selenium transporter selenoprotein P (SELENOP) and the kidney-derived extracellular antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3). Both SELENOP and GPx3 serve as reliable biomarkers of Se status, as their biosynthesis increases with higher dietary or supplemental Se intake until saturation is achieved.
These findings emphasized a widespread deficiency of selenium and selenoproteins in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, with potential implications for disease progression and quality of life. Given that increased selenium intake can enhance selenoprotein biosynthesis, personalized supplementation may offer a promising avenue to address deficiencies, improve selenium transport, and reduce disease burden. This research highlights the importance of selenium biomarkers in understanding and managing inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases, opening new possibilities for targeted nutritional interventions in rheumatology.
References
- Wahl L, Samson Chillon T, Seemann P, Ohrndorf S, Ochwadt R, Becker W, Schomburg L, Hoff P. Serum selenium, selenoprotein P and glutathione peroxidase 3 in rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. J Nutr Biochem. 2025 Jan;135:109776.
- Turrubiates-Hernández FJ, Márquez-Sandoval YF, González-Estevez G, Reyes-Castillo Z, Muñoz-Valle JF. The Relevance of Selenium Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients. 2020 Sep 30;12(10):3007.