Selenium concentrations in serum of individuals with liver diseases (cirrhosis or hepatitis): relationship with some nutritional and biochemical markers

Serum concentrations were measured in individuals (n=50) with liver diseases (cirrhosis and hepatitis) by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry in a cross-sectional study. Mean serum selenium levels determined in patients with cirrhosis (n=12) or with hepatitis (n=38) were significantly lower (P<0.01) than those measured in control groups mainly due to a decreased liver function. Mean serum selenium concentrations were significantly lower in cirrhotic individuals when compared with patients with hepatitis (P<0.05). Therefore, the severity of the live injury is a factor conditioning the impairment in the selenium body status observed in individuals with hepatopathies. In hepatic patients serum total cholesterol levels showed a significant correlation with serum selenium concentrations (r=0.912, P<0.05) demonstrating the important role of selenium as an antioxidant agent; similarly, γ-glutamic-transferase levels were significantly correlated with the serum selenium levels (r=−0.803, P<0.05) indicating that when the intensity of the hepatic injury increases (enhancement in serum GGT levels) concomitantly the serum selenium levels decrease significantly. No significant relationships between serum selenium levels and sex or age of patients were observed.