Selenium Status and Its Antioxidant Role in Metabolic Diseases

Figure 2

Graphical summary of the potential effects of the various selenoproteins in tissues and organelles. In general, Se is widely expressed in many organs, such as the thyroid gland, heart, liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle. As an antioxidant agent, Se is incorporated into selenoproteins, which play an important role in the glucose and lipid metabolism and may be involved in metabolic disorders, including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, selenoproteins are highly expressed in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, which indicates a close correlation between energy metabolism and selenoproteins. Furthermore, the importance of selenoproteins in antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory capacity has been widely reported. These roles may partly contribute to the role of Se within the occurrence and development of diseases.