Abstract
Objectives
Selenium deficiency is considered a risk factor for anemia of chronic inflammation, which is mediated by hepcidin. However, there are no studies providing evidence of the role of hepcidin in this relationship. In this study, we investigated the interrelationships among selenium biomarkers, hepcidin concentration, and iron status among individuals with obesity compared with their normal weight counterparts, since obesity presents with low-grade chronic inflammation
Methods
A total of 59 college students (18–40y) consisting of 27 individuals with normal weight and 32 individuals with overweight/obesity were recruited for this study. Fasting blood samples were collected for the analysis of iron status biomarkers, plasma selenoproteins (glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and selenoprotein P) and plasma hepcidin concentration. Subjects completed 3-day dietary records to determine average daily nutrient intakes. Regression analysis, independent t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to determine the relationships among variables. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results
There were no significant differences in nutrient intakes between subjects with overweight/obesity and those with normal weight (P > 0.05). Selenoprotein P concentration, GPX activity and iron status biomarkers (serum iron, transferrin saturation and hemoglobin concentration) were lower among individuals with overweight/obesity compared with individuals with normal weight, but these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Regression analysis showed that the relationship between hepcidin concentration and transferrin saturation depended on body weight status with an inverse relationship in subjects with overweight/obesity compared with their normal weight counterparts (P = 0.046). GPX activity (β = −0.018, P = 0.008) and selenoprotein P concentration (β = −1.24, P = 0.03) were inversely associated with hepcidin concentration (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Our study showed an inverse association between selenium status and hepcidin concentration which highlights the importance of selenium in addressing inflammation-related anemia. Intervention studies on the effect of selenium supplementation on hepcidin concentration and iron status in individuals with anemia of inflammation are needed to support these findings.
Funding Sources
None.
Selenoprotein P Concentration in Plasma is an Index of Selenium Status in Selenium-Deficient and Selenium-Supplemented Chinese Subjects