Effect of erythropoietin therapy and selenium supplementation on selected antioxidant parameters in blood of uremic patients on long-term hemodialysis.

Background: The kidney accumulates the highest level of selenium (Se) in the organism and is the major source of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Se, as an integral part of the active site of GSH-Px, plays an important role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Decreased blood Se levels and GSH-Px activity are common in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients.

Selenium and glutathione levels, and glutathione peroxidase activities in blood components of uremic patients on hemodialysis supplemented with selenium and treated with erythropoietin.

Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) often have reduced concentrations of selenium (Se) and lowered activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in blood components. The kidney is a major source of plasma GSH-Px. We measured Se and glutathione levels in blood components and red cell and plasma GSH-Px activities in 58 uremic patients on regular (3 times a week) hemodialysis (HD).

Decreased selenium concentration in maternal and cord blood in preterm compared with term delivery.

The Se concentration in maternal and cord whole blood and plasma was determined spectrofluorimetrically in: (1) 42 women at term and (2) 46 at preterm parturients, and in the placenta. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was measured in red cells and plasma in maternal and cord blood of both groups. The Se concentrations and GSH-Px activities of the above-mentioned groups were compared with those of non-pregnant women.