Selenoprotein - Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Selenium is a vital nutrient in animals, including humans. About 25 different selenocysteine-containing selenoproteins have so far been observed in human cells and tissues. Since lack of selenium deprives the cell of its ability to synthesize selenoproteins, many health effects of low selenium intake are believed to be caused by the lack of one or more specific selenoproteins. In fact, three selenoproteins, TR1, TR3 and GPx4, have been shown to be essential in mice knockout experiments. On the other hand, too much selenium in the diet causes toxic effects and leads to selenium poisoning. The threshold between essential and toxic concentrations of this element is rather narrow - the factor is in the range of 10-100.