Seleno-l-methionine suppresses copper-enhanced zinc-induced neuronal cell death via induction of glutathione peroxidase.

Excessive zinc ion (Zn) release is induced in pathological situations and causes neuronal cell death. Previously, we have reported that copper ions (Cu) markedly exacerbated Zn-induced neuronal cell death by potentiating oxidative stress, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, and the activation of the c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. In contrast, selenium (Se), an essential trace element, and amino acids containing selenium (such as seleno-l-methionine) have been reported to inhibit stress-induced neuronal cell death and oxidative stress.