Serum selenium, glutathione peroxidase activity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol--effect of selenium supplementation.

In a prospective study a low serum selenium level was associated with an increased risk of coronary death and myocardial infarction (1). This study examined the relationship of serum selenium concentration with serum glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) and lipids connected with coronary atherogenesis. Serum selenium levels in 26 healthy subjects were positively correlated with GSH-Px activities and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Selenium supplementation increased serum selenium level and the GSH-Px activity in a double-blind evaluation. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/cholesterol ratio increased during selenium supplementation in a group excluding subjects with a low cholesterol. The results suggest a link running from low serum selenium to reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and further to high coronary risk. Selenium supplementation may in subjects with low selenium reduce the the risk of coronary heart disease.