Naslov
The potential of selenium in giving foods disease preventing properties

Autori
Klapec, Tomislav ; Mandić, Milena L.

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), znanstveni

Izvornik
Current Studies of Biotechnology. Vol. 3 : Food / Kniewald, Zlatko - Zagreb : Hrvatsko Društvo za Biotehnologiju ; Medicinska naklada, 2003, 255-263

ISBN
9531762090

Skup
Croatian Scientific Conference on Biotechnology (3 ; 2003)

Mjesto i datum
Zagreb, Hrvatska, 17.02.2003. - 20.02.2003

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Plenarno

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
selenium; health; Se-enriched foods

Sažetak
The physiological significance of selenium (Se) for humans is well-known. In addition to its antioxidant role mediated by the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase, Se is also a component of thioredoxin reductase which reduces nucleotides needed for DNA synthesis, and assists in keeping the intracellular redox balance. New evidence also uncovered antioxidant properties of selenoprotein P. Other important selenoproteins include iodothyronine 5' -deiodinase, involved in thyroid metabolism, and selenophosphate synthetase, the central enzyme for the synthesis of all selenoproteins. The sperm cell mitochondrial capsule selenoprotein is actually a form of glutathione peroxidase which polimerizes into a structural protein after maturation of sperm cells. The functions of many other identified selenoproteins have not been ascertained. Additionally, some of the effects of Se in the body cannot be accounted for solely by the actions of known selenoproteins. Most important of these effects include immunostimulant properties, maintenance of optimal reproductive function, protection against toxicity of heavy metals, etc. Not surprisingly, Se status has been widely recognized as an indispensable factor for risk and/or prognosis of a number of diseases. This is also backed up by an increasing body of evidence, especially in the case of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, viral diseases, and various inflammatory conditions. Most of the observed effects are established at the so-called chemopreventive levels of Se intake, primarily attainable only with supplements or fortified foods. On account of several reasons, use of Se-enriched plant foods could prove as the most favorable way of improving Se intake, and agricultural and biotechnological approaches may play critical roles in making such foods available.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Prehrambena tehnologija

POVEZANOST RADA