Journal of Clinical and Basic Research (JCBR)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Selenium (Se) is a rare element with well-demonstrated anti-oxidative effects that acts as an enzyme co-factor in physiological interactions. Low plasma Se level and malnutrition in hemodialysis (HD) patients could increase the risk of morbidity and mortality among these patients. Moreover, Se deficiency leads to oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association of plasma Se levels with malnutrition and inflammatory markers in HD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 88 patients undergoing routine HD at dialysis unit of 5^th Azar Hospital in Gorgan, northeastern Iran. In addition, 88 healthy individuals were selected from the patients’ families as controls. Level of Se, C-reactive protein (CRP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG) and albumin were measured in the patients and controls by the atomic absorption method. Se levels were categorized into two groups of "over half-normalized" and "under half-normalized" for further analysis. Results: Hyposeleniemia was found in two patients (2.3%). The mean level of Se in HD patients was lower than in the healthy controls (P< 0.001). Among all HD subjects, 30.3% had under half-normalized Se level. In addition, 79.5% of HD patients were well nourished and 20.5% were moderately malnourished. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean level of Se in the malnourished and well-nourished subjects. Total mean level of HDL, LDL, TG and CRP had not significant correlation with plasma Se levels. There was a significant positive correlation between the mean plasma albumin and Se levels in the HD patients (P<0.05). Conclusions: The mean plasma Se level of HD patients in this area is in the normal range. There is no association between plasma Se level and malnutrition. Based on our findings, hyposelenemia is not a problem in HD patients in the Golestan Province.

KEYWORDS: Selenium, Malnutrition, Inflammatory markers

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a common disease in Iran, which is associated with insufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium. Therefore, this study aimed to compare consumption of dietary supplements between healthy individuals and patients with osteoporosis referred to bone densitometry centers in Gorgan, north of Iran. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on women aged over 55 years who were at least 5 years postmenopausal. Overall, two groups of 130 subjects were enrolled via convenience sampling at 95% confidence interval. The subjects were divided into two groups of healthy individuals and patients with osteoporosis using Hologic QDR 4500 Elite Bone Densitometers and T-scores (-2.5: osteoporosis, above 1: normal). Anthropometric measurements (height, weight and waist circumference), and amount of dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E and multivitamins supplements were recorded by trained experts. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16). Results: Healthy subjects consumed significantly higher amount of calcium supplement (18.5%) compared to subjects with osteoporosis (P = 0.001). Intake of vitamin D supplement was significantly higher (23.3%) in healthy subjects compared to patients (P = 0.003). Intake of vitamin E supplement and multivitamin was slightly higher in healthy subjects, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: At least half and two-thirds of individuals aged over 55 years take vitamin D and calcium supplements, respectively. Intake of calcium and vitamin D is significantly higher in healthy individuals compared to those with osteoporosis.