Selenite Supplements Might Prevent Obesity, finds Study

Key findings of the study:

• Upon analysis, the researchers found that selenite (100, 200, and 400 nM) significantly decreased lipid accumulation during differentiation compared with untreated adipocytes.
• They noted that preadipocytes exposure (48 h) to selenite increases the glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) gene expression in a dose-dependent manner.
• They found that adipogenesis significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels while decreasing gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and significantly increased gene expression of regulators of lipid catabolism (type II iodothyronine deiodinase [Dio2]) and markers of differentiation compared with preadipocytes.
• They noted that selenite exposure (200 nM) caused a significant increase in Gpx1, selenoprotein W (Selenow) and selenoprotein P (Selenop) gene expression, in adipocytes compared with untreated ones with a significant decrease in heme oxygenase 1 (Ho-1), cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2), Dio2, and Fabp4 gene expression.

The authors concluded, "Selenium, as selenite, prevented adipogenesis through increasing antioxidant selenoprotein expression, leading to decreased inflammatory markers and, subsequently, to a decrease in differentiation and lipid deposition. These findings, if demonstrated in vivo, could provide valuable data for novel dietary approaches to prevent obesity."

For further information:

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2021.111424