Enhancement of endogenous defenses against ROS by supra-nutritional level of selenium is more safe and effective than antioxidant supplementation in reducing hypertensive target organ damage

Med Hypotheses. 2007;68(5):952-6. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.09.058. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

Abstract

Hypertension-induced target organ damage (TOD), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of hypertension. It has been suggested that hypertension-induced TOD is related to the level of oxidative stress, but is in part independent of the level of blood pressure. Therefore, in addition to anti-hypertensive drug therapy, novel strategies against ROS, will provide additional benefits to patient with hypertension. Vitamin E has long been supplemented as an effective antioxidant. However, the potential hazardous effects of vitamin E supplementation as antioxidant revealed by recent studies make its clinical and routine use prudent. Therefore, novel approaches capable of enhancing endogenous system to defend against ROS are required. Here, we propose that enhancement of intrinsic defenses against ROS by supra-nutritional level of selenium is more safe and effective than antioxidant supplementation in reducing hypertensive target organ damage, owing to its role in activating and constitution of native vital proteins and/or enzymes against oxidative stress, and the fact that scarcity of selenium can not be supplemented by normal food, and potentially extra benefits by supra-normal intake.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Selenium / adverse effects
  • Selenium / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Selenium