PLASMA SELENIUM AND GLUTATHIONE-PEROXIDASE ACTIVITIES IN INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE VENETO REGION OF ITALY

In order to assess the Se status in individuals living in the Veneto r egion, a series of related measurements was performed. These included plasma selenium by PIXE and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in plasma, red blood cells and platelets. Individuals were either nor mals or people suffering from various liver diseases. Moreover, an ora l supplement of sodium selenite was given to 13 patients suffering fro m stable chronic renal failure (CRF) in parallel to 26 normals: data o n plasma GSH-Px and on serum creatinine and creatinine clearance were collected either before or after supplementation. Results were in supp ort of a relatively low selenium status: mean +/- SD plasma Se values of normals (0.82 +/- 0.17 mu mol/L, n = 82) were comparable to data ob served in European regions where Se deficiency was already known. Even lower values were observed in those with liver diseases. Among enzyme activities, the distribution of the data of platelet GSH-Px was in fu rther support of low Se status in the evaluated individuals. After Se supplementation, both normals and CRF patients showed a significant in crease in the creatinine clearance, reflecting an improvement of the g lomerular filtration rate. We suggest that more extensive surveys of t he Se status should be carried out in Italy; moreover, Se supplementat ion may be advisable in individuals affected with moderate impairment of renal function.