Selenium Status and Cardiovascular Disease: Dutch Epidemiologic Data

Abstract

Several mechanisms have been suggested which link selenium to myocardial ischemia (Salonen 1987). The antioxidant hypothesis is most popular and quite well established by experimental studies. A decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity due to selenium deficiency may result in an accumulation of hydroperoxides. These peroxides may damage arterial endothelium and thus accelerate coronary atherosclerosis. On the other hand, platelet aggregation may be increased, resulting in an increased risk of coronary thrombosis. Other mechanisms probably not mediated by GSH-Px such as increased sensitivity to catecholamines, lower protection against heavy metals, and lower calcium transport, and their influence on blood pressure, thrombosis and atherosclerosis are more speculative.

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