Selenium in liver

Nielsen, C.O. and R. Dietz. 1990. Distributional pattern of zinc, cadmium, mercury, and selenium in livers of hooded seal (Cystophora cristata). Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 24 61-71. 

Selenomethionine group had altered immune function, altered serum enzyme activities, and elevated concentrations of selenium in liver (4 times control values) and breast muscle (14 times). Sodium selenite-treated birds had normal immune function and selenium tissue burdens however, serum enzyme activity was disrupted in the 3.5 mg/L group Adults normal. Impaired reproduction (reduced survival of ducklings, increased developmental abnormalities) for selenomethionine occurs between 4 and 8 mg/kg ration selenocysteine did not impair reproduction at 16 mg Se/kg ration... 

Under laboratory conditions, gray seals Halichoerus grypus) dosed with methylmercury showed a time-related increase of both mercury and selenium in liver and kidney however, in other tissues examined (brain, th5Toid, blood), only the concentrations of... 

Aaseth, J., Alexander, J., Thomassen, Y., Blomhoff, J.P. and Skrede, S. (1983). Serum selenium levels in liver diseases. Clin. Biochem. 15, 281-283. 

Korpela, H., Kumpulainen, J., Luoma, P.V., Arranto, A.J. and Sotaniemi, E.A. (1985). Decreased serum selenium in alcoholics as related to liver structure and function. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 42, 147-151. 

Valimaki, M.J., Harju, K.J. and Ylikahri, R.H. (1983). Decreased serum selenium in alcoholics - a consequence of liver dysfunction. Clin. Chim. Acta 130, 291-296. 

Elevated selenium concentrations were measured in tissues and diet of two captive California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) that died shortly after performing at a show in 1988. Selenium concentrations, in mg/kg FW, were 49 and 88 in liver, 42 and 47 in kidney, and 5.1 and 5.2 in blood. Selenium concentrations in their fish diet was 2.5 mg/kg FW, and in thawed fish fluids 45 mg/kg FW (Alexander et al. 1990). 

Arsenic or selenium at dose levels and forms given adversely affect mallard reproduction and duckling growth and survival. In mixtures, arsenic reduced selenium accumulation in liver and eggs and alleviated adverse affects of selenium on hatching success and embryo deformities... 

Selenium-induced reduction in growth and survival, and increase in liver histopathology. Effects exacerbated at 7% and 44% protein. Effects alleviated by addition of 200 mg As/kg ration as sodium arsenate, and partially alleviated by methionine dietary supplement... 

Seleninm in this form is present in three enzymes glutathione peroxidase, iodothyronine deiodinase and thio-redoxin rednctase. Deficiency of selenium therefore decreases the activity of these three enzymes and resnlts, at least in experimental animals, in liver necrosis and mns-cnlar dystrophy. In hnmans, it is known to be a canse of a particnlar form of cardiomyopathy known as Keshan disease which affects children and women. This cardiomyopathy was first described in China in 1979. It is also considered that a deficiency of selenium is a risk factor for cancer. 

Excess selenium intake can occur in both animals and humans living in areas with elevated selenium in the soil. Most grass and grains do not accumulate selenium, but when an animal consumes plants that do accumulate selenium (some up to 10,000 mg/kg) they can develop a condition called the blind staggers . Symptoms include depressed appetite, impaired vision, and staggering in circles and can ultimately lead to paralysis and death. Humans are susceptible to similar effects as well as additional neurological effects. Selenium deficiency results in heart disorders, skeletal muscle effects, and liver damage. 

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