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1. Heavy metals pose a serious threat to the environment and human health. 2. Cadmium is a highly persistent toxic metal that is present in agricultural fields due to industrial and anthropogenic activities. 3. The present study investigates the effect of sodium selenate on the growth and physiological parameters of Pisum sativum L. under cadmium stress. 4. The application of sodium selenate significantly enhances root and shoot length, biomass, and physiological attributes such as chlorophyll, sugar, proline, protein, and total antioxidant contents in pea plants. 5. Sodium selenate can protect pea plants against cadmium toxicity. 6. The highest total antioxidant content was reported in the Cd (20 mM) + SS (5 μM) treatment. 7. Sodium selenate can be used as a plant growth promoter for the growth of pea plants under cadmium stress.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Idelalisib, Apelisib and Copanlisib on 8-day-old cataract SD rat pups. MATERIALS AND METHODS The rat model induced by sodium selenate (Na2SeO3) was used in this study. Experimental animals were randomly divided into five groups with eight animals in each group. They were control group, Na2SeO3 group, Idelalisib group, Apelisib group and Copanlisib group. On days 3, 5 and 7, all rats in Na2SeO3, Idelalisib, Apelisib and Copanlisib groups were given subcutaneous injection into the nape with Na2SeO3 and control group was given the same amount of saline. For days 1-14, Idelalisib, Apelisib and Copanlisib were given by intragastric administration, respectively, and the same amount of saline was given to the control group and Na2SeO3 group. On the 15th day of the experiment, we selected the Idelalisib group with the best effect from all groups, separated their lenses, and further analyzed the crystal proteins, oxidative damage and apoptosis indexes. RESULTS The survival rate of rats in control and Idelalisib groups was 100%, the Na2SeO3 group was 37.5%, the Apelisib group was 25%, and the Copanlisib group was 0. According to the rat survival rate and lens score, we selected Idelalisib for further analysis of the crystallin, oxidative damage and apoptosis indexes. The results suggested that Na2SeO3 leads to cataract formation and crystallin precipitation. The levels of antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD were decreased in the Na2SeO3 group, Nrf-2 and HO-1 were downregulated, Keap1 upregulated, and cleaved caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 upregulated. Idelalisib significantly improved crystallin insolubility, reduced oxidative damage, and inhibited lens apoptosis. CONCLUSION In summary, Idelalisib can significantly improve the progression of Na2SeO3-induced cataract in rats. In the future, it may be a potential effective drug candidate for the clinical treatment of cataract.

The interaction of selenium (Se) and melatonin in plants is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Se root application on melatonin synthesis in sweet cherry. Cultivar ‘Russia No.8’ was treated with Se6+ (sodium selenate) or Se2− (selenomethionine). Parameters of plant antioxidant levels, growth parameters, and the synthesis enzyme activities and precursor contents of melatonin were measured. Results showed that the plant benefited more from Se6+ than Se2− and were not exposed to Se stress by four low doses of Se6+ (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg kg−1) treatments for 40 days. The trends of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), tryptamine-5-hydroxylas, and arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activities were similar, while tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), serotonin-N-acetyltransferase (SNAT), caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase, and N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine-O-methyltransferase (ASMT) activities were different in leaves and roots following different Se6+ treatments. Tryptophan and 5-hydorxy tryptophan contents were not influenced by the Se6+ dose. Tryptamine was not detected in leaves or roots, but the serotonin content was increased by Se6+ treatment. The leaf content of N-acetyl-5-tryptophan was not influenced, but its synthesis was significantly induced in roots as the Se dose increased. Melatonin synthesis in leaves and roots was increased only following treatment with 96 mg Se6+. The leaf Se and melatonin content showed no significant linear relationship in the ‘Russia No.8’ cultivar. Treatment with Se2− increased the enzyme levels of TDC, TPH, SNAT, and ASMT more significantly than Se6+. Overall, lower doses of Se6+ did not significantly induce melatonin synthesis, but the relationship between melatonin and Se2− merits further attention.

The emergence of ferroptosis as a cell death pathway associated with brain disorders including stroke and neurodegenerative diseases emphasizes the need to develop therapeutics able to target the brain and to protect neurons from ferroptotic death. Selenium plays an essential role in reducing lipid peroxidation generated during ferroptosis through its incorporation into the catalytic site of glutathione peroxidase 4. Here, we compared the anti-ferroptotic activity of several organic and inorganic selenium compounds: methylselenocysteine, selenocystine, selenomethionine, selenocystamine, ebselen, sodium selenite, and sodium selenate. All were effective against erastin- and RSL3-induced ferroptosis in vitro. We characterized the ability of the selenium compounds to release selenium and boost glutathione peroxidase expression and activity. Based on our results, we selected organic selenium compounds of similar characteristics and investigated their effectiveness in protecting against neuronal death in vivo using the cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury mouse model. We found that pretreatment with methylselenocysteine or selenocystamine provided protection from ischemia–reperfusion neuronal damage in vivo. These data support the use of ferroptosis inhibitors for treatment and select selenium compounds for prevention of neuronal damage in ischemic stroke and other diseases of the brain where ferroptosis is implicated. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13311-021-01111-9.

The 77 Se NMR spectra of selenate were studied under various circumstances, such as concentration, pH, temperature, ionic strength, and D2 O:H2 O ratio, in order to examine its potential as a water-soluble internal chemical shift standard. The performance of selenate as a chemical shift reference and that of other attempted ones from the literature (dimethyl selenide, tetramethylsilane/TMS, and 3-(trimethylsilyl)propane-1-sulfonate/DSS) was also explored. The uncertainty in the resulting chemical shift relative to the effective spectral width is comparable to that of DSS. Compared to the currently prevalent water-soluble external chemical shift reference, selenic acid solution, the properties of internal selenate are much more favorable in terms of ease of use. We have also demonstrated that selenate can be used in reducing media, which is inevitable for the analysis of selenol compounds. Thus, it can be stated that sodium selenate is a robust internal chemical shift reference in aqueous media for 77 Se NMR measurements; the chemical shift of this reference in a solution containing 5 V/V% D2 O at 25°C and 0.15 mol·dm-3 ionic strength is 1048.65 ppm relative to 60 V/V% dimethyl selenide in CDCl3 and 1046.40 ppm relative to the 1 H signal of 0.03 V/V% TMS in CDCl3 . In summary, a water-soluble, selenium-containing internal chemical shift reference compound was introduced for 77 Se NMR measurements for the first time in the literature, and with the aforementioned results all previous 77 Se measurements can be converted to a unified scale defined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

This research investigated the effect of co‐supplementation of selenium with zinc on weight control and the inflammatory and oxidative status in relation to obesity. Male Wistar rats (N = 32) were randomly divided into four groups after induction of obesity model: 1) “Zn” was supplemented with zinc sulfate (15 mg/kg BW), 2) “Se” supplemented with selenium as sodium selenate (0.5 mg/kg BW), 3) “Zn + Se” which received Zn (15 mg/kg BW) + Se (0.5 mg/kg BW), and 4) “HFD” as the control group. The intervention was done for eight weeks. At the end of treatment, serum and tissue level of Zn, Se, SOD, GSH‐Px, MDA, leptin, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 was evaluated. Weight and food intake were significantly reduced in the Se group(p, This article revealed that co‐supplementation of selenium and zinc may have a synergistic effect in the reduction of oxidative and inflammatory markers. Regarding the effect of zinc on inflammatory factors and lipid peroxidation, leptin can play a mediating role.

There is a very narrow margin in selenium deficiency and toxicity although it is an important element for humans, animals, and plants. Effects of selenium (Se) on the growth and physiomorphological parameters in maize were studied grown in soil spiked with sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) in 5 different concentrations (i.e., 0. 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg kg−1). The growth of plants was affected by high Se concentration. However, maximum increases in plant height and root length were observed at low Se (2.5 mg kg−1) which were 17.89 and 23.17%, respectively. At higher Se concentrations (20 mg kg−1), a considerable reduction was observed in dry matter, root length, antioxidant enzymes, and other physiological parameters. The dry matter of plants was also analyzed for nutrient (Fe and Zn) concentrations. Results indicated that Se stress inhibits plant growth. Gas exchange parameters were also found to be decreased under stress conditions, but at a lower Se level (2.5 mg kg−1), improvement in transpiration rate (63.46%), photosynthetic rate (47.47%), and stomatal conductance (54.55%) was observed. The reduction in growth attributes may be due to the high accumulation of Se in roots and the disturbance in gas exchange parameters. However, the principal component analysis revealed that higher Se levels were more hazardous for maize growth and physiological responses as compared to low Se levels.

Relevance.Production of functional food with high levels of antioxidant status and selenium is essential for human protection against viral and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer.Methods.Evaluation of the efficiency in foliar sodium selenate biofortification (25. 50 and 75 mg Se/L) was achieved on three chervil genotypes.Results.Intervarietal differences in biofortification level was demonstrated: from 15.5 to 31.1 for 25 mg Se/L dose; from 36.9 to 64.6 for 50 mg Se/L dose; and from 72.9 to 130 for 75 mg Se/L dose. At the chosen doses, selenium supply did not affect significantly the yield, antioxidant properties and photosynthetic content of chervil. Total antioxidant activity was in the range from 30 to 42 mg GAE/g d.w., phenolics content from 9 to 13 mg GAE/g d.w, flavonoids from 5 to 12 mg-eq quercetin/g d.w., ascorbic acid from 33 to 66 mg/100 g fresh w. High levels of carotene were a typical feature of Se fortified and non-fortified chervil. A direct correlation was recorded between phenolics content and total antioxidant activity (r=+0.954, P

This research was funded by PDR2020, grant number 101-030671. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 by the authors. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most economically and socially important cereals in the world. Several strategies such as biofortification have been developed in a way eco-friendly and sustainable to enhance crop productivity. This study implemented an agronomic itinerary in Ariete and Ceres rice varieties in experimental fields using the foliar application of selenium (Se) to increase rice nutritional value. At strategic phases of the plant’s development (at the end of booting, anthesis, and at the milky grain stage), they were sprayed with sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). In the first foliar application plants were sprayed with 500 g Se·ha−1 and in the remaining two foliar applications were sprayed with 300 g Se·ha−1. The effects of Se in the level of micro and macronutrients in brown grains, the localization of Se in these grains, and the subsequent quality parameters such as colorimetric characteristics and total protein were considered. After grain harvesting, the application of selenite showed the highest enrichment in all grain with levels reaching 17.06 µg g−1 Se and 14.28 µg g−1 Se in Ariete and Ceres varieties, respectively. In the Ceres and Ariete varieties, biofortification significantly affected the K and P contents. Regarding Ca, a clear trend prevailed suggesting that Se antagonizes the uptake of it, while for the remaining elements in general (except Mn) no significant differences were noted. Protein content increased with selenite treatment in the Ariete variety but not in Ceres. Therefore, it was possible to conclude, without compromising quality, that there was an increase in the nutritional content of Se in brown rice grain. publishersversion published

Owing to the strong antioxidant capacity of selenium (Se) in vivo, a variety of Se compounds have been shown to have great potential for improving the main pathologies and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models. However, the differences in the anti-AD effects and mechanisms of different Se compounds are still unclear. Theoretically, the absorption and metabolism of different forms of Se in the body vary, which directly determines the diversification of downstream regulatory pathways. In this study, low doses of Se-methylselenocysteine (SMC), selenomethionine (SeM), or sodium selenate (SeNa) were administered to triple transgenic AD (3× Tg-AD) mice for short time periods. AD pathology, activities of selenoenzymes, and metabolic profiles in the brain were studied to explore the similarities and differences in the anti-AD effects and mechanisms of the three Se compounds. We found that all of these Se compounds significantly increased Se levels and antioxidant capacity, regulated amino acid metabolism, and ameliorated synaptic deficits, thus improving the cognitive capacity of AD mice. Importantly, SMC preferentially increased the expression and activity of thioredoxin reductase and reduced tau phosphorylation by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) activity. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), the selenoenzyme most affected by SeM, decreased amyloid beta production and improved mitochondrial function. SeNa improved methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MsrB1) expression, reflected in AD pathology as promoting the expression of synaptic proteins and restoring synaptic deficits. Herein, we reveal the differences and mechanisms by which different Se compounds improve multiple pathologies of AD and provide novel insights into the targeted administration of Se-containing drugs in the treatment of AD.

The present study was carried out to show the negative impact of different concentrations of sodium chloride (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mM) on germination rate of 7-day old maize seeds, according to the results by measuring growth criteria of germinated maize seeds both 250 and 300 mM of Nacl these concs nearly lethal to maize seed so, both of concentrations ignored in next experiments and complete next step with three concs only (100, 150 and 200 mM) Nacl. Also, our study was accomplished to improve growth rate of 15-day old maize plant under different concentrations of sodium selenate (0.25, 0.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 μM), alpha-tocopherol (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 ppm) and ascorbic acid (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 ppm) each one alone, whereas growth parameter (shoot length, root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, No. of leaves and leaf area per plant were estimated. The application of sodium selenate, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid each one alone by seed soaking resulted generally improve growth parameters of 15-day old maize plants as compared with untreated plants especially, 0.5µM of sodium selenate, 200ppm of alpha-tocopherol and 250 ppm of ascorbic acid.

The article deals with the effect of foliar Se application on macro-and micro-elements and selected quantitative parameters (the content of ash, starch, and fat) in oat grains. The three-year experiments were carried out on Research and Breeding Station Vígľaš – Pstruša in the years 2014, 2015, 2016. The used oat variety was Valentin. The experiment was performed by a block method within a parcel size of 10 square meters (8 x 1.25 m) with the span of rows amounting to 0.125 m in four replications. Alfalfa was grown as forecrop. A potato and wheat production area (III-C2) with a height of 375 m above the sea level. The experimental area is characterized by warm, slightly wet weather with an average annual temperature of 7.8 °C and average annual precipitations of 666 mm. Basic fertilizing was planned before the sowing in the form of 100 kg of Ammonium nitrate containing dolomite (27% N), 100 kg of 60% KCl (60% of K2O), and100 kg of MAP (Monoammonium phosphate 12% N and 52% P2O5). Selenium was foliar applied in doses 25 g and 50 g Se per hectare in a solution form of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4). The harvest was realized by a small plot harvester in BBCH 91. The results of the experiments showed a statistically non-significant effect on microelements and most macroelements. Only sulfur content in oat grains was statistically significantly influenced by Se foliar treatment. The contents of ash, starch, and fat in oat grains were monitored, which showed statistically significant effect only in fat. Se content in grains showed a statistically significant increase by both Se foliar treatments.

The experiment was conducted to appraise whether exogenously applied selenium (Se) could alter nutrients acquisition and metabolism to mitigate the toxic effects of salinity in wheat. Seeds of two ...

Biofortification of crops with selenium is one of the possible manners on how to increase selenium intake by humans. The effect of selenium fertilization in relation to selenium enrichment of pea and following the phytotoxicity symptoms in garden pea plants was studied. Pot experiments were established with a control variant without selenium addition and four variants where selenium was applied as sodium selenate into the soil in four different concentrations (1 - 6 mg Se.kg-1) before seeding. Garden pea was grown in pots for 60 days and then plant material was dried and submitted to analysis. The total content of selenium was determined by the ZET-AAS method in the roots, above-ground parts of the plant (stems, leaves, extracted pods), and in seeds of a pea. Dean-Dixon´s test and paired t-test (α = 0.05) were used for statistical evaluation of the results. Transfer factors were calculated as a ratio between selenium content (mg.kg-1) in individual plant material and soil. Transfer indexes were calculated as a ratio between selenium content (mg.kg-1) in seeds and roots. The results showed that with the increasing addition of the Se to the soil, its contents in all parts of the plant proportionally increased. The content of the Se increased in the roots 43 to 173-fold, in the above-ground parts 79 to 372-fold, and in the seeds Se was accumulated 130 to 415 times more compared to control. Transfer factors and transport indexes were expressed. Transfer factors for pea varied from 11.05 to 19.25 in the case of Se transfer to the whole pea biomass. In the case of the Se transfer from soil to pea seeds, the highest transfer showed variant with addition 1 mg Se.kg-1 and the transfer factor gradually decreased with increasing addition of Se. Based on the amount of biomass produced, the experiments statistically confirmed the phytotoxicity of higher doses (4 and 6 mg Se.kg-1) of selenium to plants. The highest transport index values are shown variants with the Se addition 1 and 2 mg Se.kg-1 (2.03 and 1.77, respectively). In these variants, Se was used the most efficiently. Our results showed that the best biofortification results were obtained in experimental variants with the lower selenium additions (1 and 2 mg Se.kg-1).

In order to better understand the transformation and distribution of different Se forms in wild peach. Se2−, Se0, Se4+ and Se6+ (from selenomethionine, Se powder, sodium selenite, and sodium selenate, respectively) were added to 4.1-L plastic pots with 15-cm high wild peach seedlings, for a final soil Se concentration of 1.0 mg/kg soil. Growth parameters, Se transaction factors (TFS) and bioconcentration factor, as well as the leaf sugar content and antioxidant ability were determined. We found that all four forms of Se increased shoot length, stem diameter, and dry weight, whereby treatment with Se4+ and Se6+ especially promoted the dry weight. The wild peach seedlings showed different Se enrichment ability, whereby the Se bioconcentration factor (BCF) and total Se uptake per plant were in the same order of Se2– > Se6+> Se4+> Se0 > Control. However, the transaction factors (TFS) in the control and Se6+ treatment groups were significantly higher than in the groups treated with other Se forms. The control and the Se forms Se0, Se4+ and Se2− showed the same trend of Se distribution, with the largest Se concentration in the roots, followed by the leaves and stems. No significant differences were observed in leaf pigment concentration of the seedlings treated with all Se forms except for Se0. Treatment with different Se forms significantly reduced the leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, obviously increased the reducing power, insignificantly increased the content of reducing sugars, and decreased the content of total sugars. Overall, different Se forms effected the growth and physiological parameters of wild peach seedlings to different extent, whereby Se6+ and Se2– led to the highest Se accumulation, which may be beneficial for the production of Se-enriched fruits.

Food enriched with organic selenium is considered as a good source for selenium supplementation. In the current research, we cultivated Pleurotus citrinopileatus with medium containing different levels of sodium selenate, evaluated the antioxidant activity, and sequenced the transcriptome of the Se-enriched mushroom. Selenium content in Se-enriched mushroom is dependent on selenium level in the surroundings. The ABTS total radical scavenging ability was not significantly different between selenium enriched mushroom and the control, though the total phenol content was increased in Se-enriched mushroom. Transcriptome sequencing showed a total of 1036 differentially expressed genes, including 987 upregulated genes and 49 downregulated genes. These differentially expressed genes are involved in 20 metabolic pathways, most of which are involved in carbon metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis, while many differentially expressed genes are in growth, plasma membrane, and protein binding. It needs to be noted that the sulfur metabolism and ABS transporters, which are closely related with selenium metabolism and transportation, are particularly enriched. The mushroom P. citrinopileatus has strong ability to uptake selenium from the surroundings, which modifies many biological pathways. This paper provides a theoretical reference for the development of Se-enriched fungal foods.

The bioconversion of 2 forms of inorganic selenium namely selenite (SeIV) and selenate (SeVI) to organicform(s) by Lactobacillus acidophilus strain was investigated. The cultured media (MRS) was supplemented with 1,2, 5, 10, 20 ppm of Se in the form of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3, SeIV) or sodium selenate (Na2SeO4, SeVI) and incubatedat 37°C up to 24 hr Both Se forms showed no marked effect on the bacterial growth indicating no cytotoxicityat these concentrations. However, the media supplemented with 5, 10 and 20 ppm of Se(IV), but not Se(VI), becamereddish after 24 hr of incubation with increasing the red color intense with increasing the Se content in the media. Thescanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation clarified the presence of Se-nano particles (SeNPs) in the media.Se speciation of the cultured media supernatant and its corresponding cell fractions using HPLC-ICP-MS techniqueindicated that the bioconversion rate of Se to organic form(s) was extremely higher in Se(IV) than Se(VI) in both fractionshowever, the cell fractions contained the highest content. The organic Se gradually increased in both fractionswith increasing the media Se content. The inorganic Se was completely bio-converted to organic form(s) without anyresidual only in the medium contained 1 ppm Se(IV). Our results demonstrate the ability of L. acidophilus to convertSe(IV) but not Se(VI), at a limit concentration of 1 ppm and accumulate organic Se form(s) in the cell fraction. Theseresults confirm the possible bio-production of organic Se enriched fermented dairy products.

The biofortification of cereals is a potential solution for increasing Se levels in the human diet. Here we evaluated whether applying selenate and organic N and S sources via foliar alters Se content and species in durum wheat grain. Field trials were conducted in a Mediterranean environment in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 on old (Cappelli and old Saragolla) and modern (Marco Aurelio and Nadif) durum wheat varieties. Four organic fertilization strategies were evaluated: the control (dry blood meal at sowing), the application of foliar S (Bio-sulphur at flag leaf) and N (liquid blood meal at the beginning of heading), and their combined use in interaction with a foliar application of selenate at the booting stage. The Se content in grain was determined using ICP-MS and its speciation throughout HPLC-ICP-MS and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. In 2018, the lower rainfall in the ten days before the Se foliar application caused a higher Se accumulation in the grain (1.63 vs. 1.44 mg kg−1 in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively). A negative effect of organic foliar S on Se content in grain was observed (−24% with respect to the control). The modern Nadif showed the highest Se content (1.87 mg kg−1), followed by the old variety Cappelli (1.57 mg kg−1). Finally, the Se speciation analysis showed the presence of SeMet and SeMetSeCys. The organic fertilization affected only SeMet, with lower values under organic S fertilization and higher values under organic N fertilization.

In order to study the effect of foliar application of sodium selenate on fragrant rice performance at the heading stage, the present study was conducted with two fragrant rice cultivars, 'Meixiangzhan-2' and 'Xiangyaxiangzhan'. At the heading stage, six concentrations of sodium selenate solution (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μmol L-1) were sprinkled to plants. Our results showed that foliar application of sodium selenate increased chlorophyll contents in rice leaves and upregulated net photosynthetic rate at the grain-filling stage. The enhancement was observed in grain yield, seed-setting rate, and in 1,000-grain mass. The highest yield and net photosynthetic rate were both recorded at 40 μmol L-1 treatment for both cultivars. Furthermore, foliar application of sodium selenate also improved some grain quality attributes, such as head rice rate and crude protein content. The Se concentration in fragrant rice grain also increased due to sodium selenate application. In conclusion, sodium selenate has potential to be the exogenous plant growth regulator in fragrant rice production to increase yield and quality.

Taking into account the relevance of biofortification of crop plants with selenium (Se) - an essential element for humans and animals -, this study assessed the effect of adding Se in the soil (as selenate) on: i) rice grains yield; ii) Se contents in polished rice grains; iii) physiological traits in rice leaves; and, iv) spatial distribution of Se and other elements in biofortified grains. A field trial was conducted using five Se rates (12, 21, 38, 68, and 120 g ha−1). Physiologic and enzymatic evaluations were carried out in rice leaves. Rice grain yield and Se contents were assessed. Spatial distributions of Se and other elements were visualized mapping the biofortified rice grains with μXRF at Brazilian Synchrotron Light Source. Results showed that soil Se application was effective in producing rice grains with higher Se contents, yet no effects were verified on rice yield. Antioxidant enzyme activities and gas exchanges in rice leaves changed following the application of Se. The spatial distribution of different elements in biofortified grains varied, with Se being accumulated mainly in the rice endosperm. Our results suggest that soil application of 47 and 36 g ha−1 of Se (as sodium selenate) may guarantee the production of rice grains with adequate Se levels for human consumption in Brazil and worldwide, respectively.

This study was undertaken in the open field at the nursery of Hort. Res. Inst., ARC, Giza, Egypt during the winter of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons to find out the effect of some fertilization treatments, which were: foliar spraying with aqueous solution of amino acids mixture at the rate of 1 g/l (T1), T1 + soil drenching with potassium sulphate (K2SO4) at 2 g/plant (T2), T1 + sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) as foliar spray at 1 g/l (T3), T2 + Na2SeO4 as foliar spray at 1 g/l (T4) and foliar spray with tap water only (as control) on growth, chemical composition and tolerance of one-year-old seedlings of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. grown in 25-cm-diameter plastic pots filled with about 4 kg of sand + clay soil mixture (1:1, by volume) to winter months. The treatments were applied 2 times every month in a complete randomized design. The obtained results showed that means of the different growth parameters; expressed as: plant height, stem diameter, No. leaves/plant, root length, as well as fresh and dry weights of stem, leaves and roots were significantly increased as a result of applying the various treatments mentioned above relative to control means in the two seasons. However, the dominance was for the sole treatment of amino acids (T1) that gave the highest values over the combined treatments in both seasons. A similar trend was also obtained regarding the leaf content of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, total soluble sugars and total carbohydrates, as T1 treatment attained the highest records of such constituents, with few exceptions. However, the opposite was the right concerning the leaf content of N, P and K, where N % slightly decreased by T1 treatment, but increased to maximum by T2 one. As for P and K % recorded the highest by T4 treatment. Hence, it is enough to spray the foliage of E. citriodora plants cultivated in 25-cm-diameter plastic pots with the aqueous solution of amino acids mixture at the rate of 1 g/l, once every 15 days in winter months for keeping well growth and better quality plants.

Selenium-biofortified wheat can substantially improve human nutrition, by reducing selenium deficiency in humans. In this study, field trials were conducted to investigate the biofortification of selenium (Se) in wheat and also to assess the influence of foliar application of Se (as sodium selenate) on the metabolism of carbohydrates, nitrogen contents, and on the antioxidant system of the plants. Selenium was applied via foliar sprays at the following doses: 0, 12, 21, 38, 68, and 120 g ha−1. The dose of 120 g ha−1 provided the highest concentrations of Se in the grains and the highest biomass production. The dose of 21 g ha−1 of Se caused an increase of 48% in wheat productivity and 30% in biomass production, increasing also the net photosynthetic rate. Selenium positively affected also the activity of ascorbate peroxidase enzyme (APX) and carbohydrate contents. Moreover, treatments using 21 and 38 g ha−1 of Se increased total nitrogen contents. Thus, wheat is indicated for agronomic biofortification with selenium since it accumulated Se in grains and was not negatively affected with respect to its vegetative growth. In addition, the contents of carbohydrates and total nitrogen as well as the activity of APX increased, favoring wheat production and biomass accumulation.

The effect of genotype and selenium foliar biofortification in the form of an aqueous solution of sodium selenate on the content of total carotenoids, vitamin C, total polyphenols and selenium content in the tomato fruits was studied. Field experiment was held in the Botanical garden of the Slovak University of Agriculture in 2016. Seven determinant varieties of tomato in the two variants were observed. The results of experiments show that treatment of plants with the dose of Se concentration (150 g Se.ha-1) at the flowering stage significantly increased the total Se content in the in tomato fruits. Foliar application of selenium had a positive effect on the increase of total polyphenol. The influence of Se biofortification on the content of vitamin C and carotenoids was not detected. Selenium foliar fertilization in dosage 150 g.ha-1 is suitable way of tomato fruits enriching in polyphenols, without negative effect on other antioxidants content.

Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C is a tea-plant-specific endophytic bacterium. A genomic survey revealed an intact pathway for selenocompound metabolism in the genome of this bacterium. When it was cultured with sodium selenate, Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C was able to turn the culture medium to red. Electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C reduced selenite (Se6+) to elemental selenium (Se0), and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were secreted outside bacterial cells and grew increasingly larger to form Se-nanospheres and finally crystallized to form selenoflowers. Biochemical assays showed that selenospheres contained proteins but not carbohydrates or lipids. The improvement of selenium enrichment of tea plants by Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C was also tested. After Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C was inoculated into tea seedlings via needle injection and soaking tea-cutting methods, this endophytic bacterium markedly enhanced selenium enrichment of tea. When the tea seedlings inoculated by soaking tea-cutting mode were cultivated in the selenium-containing soils, selenium contents of tea leaves in three experimental groups were more than twofold compared to those of control groups. Our study demonstrates that the endophytic bacterium Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C has the ability to reduce selenate and improve selenium enrichment of tea.

Food safety is a very frequent topic. The article deals with the problems of fortification of the most grown mushroom in Slovakia, and the 3rd most grown mushroom in the world, Pleurotus ostreatus. Due to the high environmental pollution of soils and air, there is a risk of the production of dangerous fruiting bodies with high heavy metals content. It is known that these substances can promote serious health effects on human body, such as bone weakness or kidney damages (cadmium) and negative process of cognitive developing (lead). The experiment was focused on biofortification with selenium to reduce the accumulation of selected heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in oyster mushroom, grown with intensive cultivation under artificial conditions. This work confirms that the application of sodium selenate to the growing substrate with straw as the main component can reduce the accumulation of cadmium (by 22.45%) and lead (by 64.81%). Research by various authors reported the ability of the oyster mushroom to embed selenium from the substrate into the fruiting bodies. Based on the results of the experiments, we propose to fortify the growing substrate for the production of oyster mushroom by selenium. This way we produce a food with a high antioxidant potential.

The requirements for garlic powder enriched with selenium, dried by convective drying and homogenized, are established. Selenium-enriched vegetables have special healing properties and are of interest as a source of selenium. Garlic enriched with selenium is grown in a number of countries (including the USA, Sabinsa) and produced in the form of capsules, tablets and granules (BAA), as drugs that can protect against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The technical conditions of dried garlic with a high content of selenium were studied and identified. Based on these indicators, a standard has been developed «Dried garlic with high content of selenium. Technical conditions». The standard was developed for the first time for the Russian Federation. Sodium selenate was applied to the soil with a total dose of 75 mg / m 2 For drying, garlic bulbs in biological ripeness, standard and non-standard, without damage by diseases and pests were used. Cloves were peeled, ground, and dried in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 70°C to constant weight. The resulting material was homogenized, the powder was stored in tightly sealed plastic bags.

Selenium (Se), as a nutritionally essential trace element, has been shown to decrease with age and is closely related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). To probe the effects of Se on AD pathology, two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis was applied to the serum samples collected from the wild-type (WT) mice and the triple transgenic (PS1M146V/AβPPSwe/TauP301L) AD mice (3xTg-AD), treated with or without sodium selenate in drinking water for 4 months beginning at 2 months of age. Proteomics results revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins between WT and 3xTg-AD mice. It was found that the administration of selenate reversed the alterations of the differentially expressed serum proteins by up-regulating 13 proteins and down-regulating 2 proteins which were reported to be involved in the key pathogenesis of AD, including regulation of Aβ production, lipid metabolism regulation, and anti-inflammation. These results suggested that a dietary supplement with selenate is effective for prevention and treatment of AD, and the mechanism was maybe related to its role in Aβ regulation, lipid metabolism, and anti-inflammation. Moreover, we also presented that α-2 macroglobulin, transthyretin, haptoglobin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, and alpha-1-antitrypsin in the serum can be used to evaluate the effect of selenate on AD pathology.

Selenium (Se) is a trace element in the environment. Although it is a necessary trace element for human and animal health, excessive Se can also pollute the environment and show toxic effects on humans and animals. Since the safe dose range of Se is narrow, it is important to study the pharmacokinetics of Se in order to make better use of the biological effects of Se. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacokinetic process of sodium selenate in healthy piglet plasma after either intramuscular injection or oral administrations, and examined dynamic changes of antioxidant system in healthy piglets after Se supplementation. The results showed that the Se reached the peak concentration of (0.2451 ± 0.0123) μg mL−1 at (0.4237 ± 0.0185) h following intramuscular injection administration and (0.1781 ± 0.0142) μg mL−1 at (2.1517 ± 0.1806) h following oral administration in the plasma. The average AUC of sodium selenite following intramuscular injection and oral administrations was (31.7260 ± 1.3574) and (75.1460 ± 3.4127) mg L−1 h−1, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) generally show an upward trend and malondialdehyde (MDA) shows a downward trend, regardless of intramuscular injection or oral sodium selenite. An increased concentration of Se was observed in the serum of healthy piglets after intramuscular injection and oral sodium selenite. Our results indicated that the pharmacokinetic process of sodium selenate in healthy piglet blood conforms to the two-chamber open model. Its pharmacokinetic properties are rapid absorption and slow excretion. Antioxidant systems in healthy piglets vary with Se levels, but there is a significant lag period compared with the latter. Our current findings will provide a more complete understanding of clinical rational Se supplementation and avoid contamination of the environment by overdose.

Selenium (Se) enrichment of plants seems effective in enhancing the health-related properties of produce and in delaying plant senescence and fruit ripening. The current study investigated the effects of Se on tomato fruit ripening. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were grown in hydroponics with different Se-enriched nutrient solutions. Se, as sodium selenate, was added at a rate of 0?mg?L?1 (control), 1, and 1.5?mg?L?1. Results Selenium was absorbed by roots and translocated to leaves and fruit. Enrichment with Se did not significantly affect the qualitative parameters of fruit at commercial harvest; instead it delayed ripening by affecting specific ripening-related processes (respiration, ethylene production, color evolution) during postharvest. In the current experiment 100?g of tomato hydroponically grown with a 1.5?mg Se L?1 enriched solution provided a total of 23.7?µg Se. Selenium recommended daily intake is 60?µg for women and 70?µg for men; thus the daily consumption of 100?g of enriched tomato would not lead to Se toxicity but would provide a good Se diet supplementation. Conclusions The cultivation of tomato plants in a Se-enriched solution appeared effective in producing tomato fruit with improved performance during storage and postharvest shelf life, and also with greater potential health-promoting properties. ? 2018 Society of Chemical Industry

Exogenous selenium (Se) improves the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress. However, the effects and mechanisms of different Se species on drought stress alleviation are poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate and compare the different effects and mechanisms of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on the growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant system, osmotic substances and stress-responsive gene expression of Nicotiana tabacum L. under drought stress. The results revealed that drought stress could significantly inhibit growth, whereas both Na2SeO4 and Na2SeO3 could significantly facilitate the growth of N. tabacum under drought stress. However, compared to Na2SeO3, Se application as Na2SeO4 induced a significant increase in the root tip number and number of bifurcations under drought stress. Furthermore, both Na2SeO4 and Na2SeO3 displayed higher levels of photosynthetic pigments, better photosynthesis, and higher concentrations of osmotic substances, antioxidant enzymes, and stress-responsive gene (NtCDPK2, NtP5CS, NtAREB and NtLEA5) expression than drought stress alone. However, the application of Na2SeO4 showed higher expression levels of the NtP5CS and NtAREB genes than Na2SeO3. Both Na2SeO4 and Na2SeO3 alleviated many of the deleterious effects of drought in leaves, which was achieved by reducing stress-induced lipid peroxidation (MDA) and H2O2 content by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, while Na2SeO4 application showed lower H2O2 and MDA content than Na2SeO3 application. Overall, the results confirm the positive effects of Se application, especially Na2SeO4 application, which is markedly superior to Na2SeO3 in the role of resistance towards abiotic stress in N. tabacum.

Millions of people worldwide have an inadequate intake of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), and agronomic biofortification may minimise these problems. To evaluate the efficacy of combined foliar Se and Zn fertilisation in bread making wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), foliar Se (as NaSeO4) and soil and foliar Zn applications (as ZnSO4·7H2O) were tested individually and in all combinations. A 2-year field experiment was established in southern Spain under semiarid Mediterranean conditions, by following a split-split-plot design. The study year (2017/2018, 2018/2019) was considered as the main-plot factor, soil Zn application (50 kg Zn ha-1, nil Zn) as a subplot factor, and foliar application (nil, 10 g Se ha-1, 8 kg Zn ha-1, 10 g Se ha-1 + 8 kg Zn ha-1) as a sub-subplot factor. The best treatment to increase both Zn and Se concentration in both straw, 12.3- and 2.7-fold respectively, and grain, 1.2- and 4.1-fold respectively was the combined foliar application of Zn and Se. This combined Zn and Se application also increased on average the yield of grain, main product of this crop, by almost 26%. Therefore, bread-making wheat seems to be a very suitable crop to be used in biofortification programs with Zn and Se to alleviate their deficiency in both, people when using its grain and livestock when using its straw.

Agronomic biofortification of crops with selenium (Se) is an important strategy to minimize hidden hunger and increase nutrient intake in poor populations. Selenium is an element that has several physiological and biochemical characteristics, such as the mitigation of different types of abiotic stress. Selenoproteins act as powerful antioxidants in plant metabolism through the glutathione peroxidase (GSH) pathway, and provide an increased activity for enzymatic (SOD, CAT, and APX) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and tocopherols) compounds that act in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system and cell detoxification. Selenium helps to inhibit the damage caused by climate changes such as drought, salinity, heavy metals, and extreme temperature. Also, Se regulates antenna complex of photosynthesis, protecting chlorophylls by raising photosynthetic pigments. However, Se concentrations in soils vary widely in the earth's crust. Soil Se availability regulates the uptake, transport, accumulation, and speciation in plants. Foliar Se application at the concentration 50 g ha−1 applied as sodium selenate increases the antioxidant, photosynthetic metabolism, and yield of several crops. Foliar Se application is a strategy to minimize soil adsorption and root accumulation. However, the limit between the beneficial and toxic effects of Se requires research to establish an optimal dose for each plant species under different edaphoclimatic conditions. In this review, we present the compilation of several studies on agronomic biofortification of plants with Se to ensure food production and food security to mitigate hidden hunger and improve the health of the population.

In this study, the effects of sodium selenite and sodium selenate applications on laying, plant appearance, number of worm cobs, random number of plants, plant height, cob/plant ratio, leaf/stem ratio of silage maize plant were investigated. Selenium was applied at eight different levels (0-5-10-15-25- 50-75-100 g Se ha-1). Selenite was applied to the soil in liquid form before planting seeds, and selenate was applied to the leaf when the corn plant was 50-70 cm tall. Selenium applications did not statistically affect lying, plant appearance, worm cob number, randomized plant number and plant height values. Selenite applications affected the cob/plant ratio and leaf/stem ratio values statistically, the interaction of the year X subject was significant. In 2013, there was a statistical difference between the subjects, the highest values were obtained with 52% from 5 g Se ha-1 application, with 45% and 47% from 10 g Se ha-1 and 25 g Se ha-1 applications, respectively. Selenate applications did not affect the cob/plant ratio values statistically, but the leaf/stem ratios were affected, the highest values were obtained with 43% from 100 g Se ha-1 applications. It is known that selenium applications do not affect the yield and other plant properties in plants, but increase the selenium concentration of the grain or plant. However, some studies show that selenium application affects positively the plant as our study. It is thought that the effect of selenium in plant development may vary depending on the type and variety of the plant, many factors increase the selenium activity, especially outside the soil and climatic conditions, the application time, rate and method, the form of selenium and the plant species are effective.

The level of selenium in the human body depends on its concentration in food. Selenium enters the food chain primarily from soils, its content in plants is a function of the soil–plant system conditions. Analysis of selenium status suggests that fortification of the soil substrate with sodium selenate appears to be effective and undemanding form of selenium enrichment, which means that only with the help of vegetables it would be possible to cover the year-round need. In this part of the monograph, the results of solving the problem of selenium supplementation in selected vegetable species in model vegetation experiments by the method of fortification of soil substrate with sodium selenate are presented. Vegetable species such as garden peas, onions, white cabbage, and tomatoes were selected. In field experiments, soil fortification with selenium on cabbage and tomatoes was carried out. The results showed a significant increase in selenium content in the edible parts of the vegetables monitored. Due to the risk of phytotoxicity and the consideration that selenization of soils may after several years in certain circumstances gradually lead to the accumulation of added and not used selenium, our results showed that the optimal dose for soil fertilization with selenium for vegetable to be from 1 to 2 mg Se m−2 (for garden peas, cabbage, onions).

Introduction: In the Czech Republic, there is a deficiency of selenium in sheep due to its low level of occurrence in soil, thus in fodder. Selenium deficiency in these animals can manifest in a number of diseases. Therefore, sheep should be supplemented with preparations containing selenium with vitamin E, because Se is closely related to vitamin E, which plays an important role in the immune system. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the selenium status of selected sheep breeds in the Czech Republic and to determine the effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on selected hematological, biochemical and enzymatic blood indicators and on reproductive indicators. Material and methods: The research material consisted of sheep, used in the Czech Republic, of three breeds: Šumavka (16), Valaszka (16) and Zwartbles (16). At the 3rd month of gestation, the sheep were injected with sodium selenate with vitamin E. In the blood of sheep, hematological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters were analized, and reproductive indicators of sheep were determined. Results and discussion: The concentration of Se in sheep was quite low at the beginning of the experiment (from 0.145 (AVR group) to 0.219 µmol/l (BZR group) and the highest concentration (1.322 µmol/l I BZR group) on the test III. It was shown in experimental groups that with increasing selenium concentration, GSH-Px activity increased from the lowest level of 53.77 (ASR group) to the highes: 222.88 U/gHb (BZR group). In sheep from experimental groups (ASR, AVR, BZR groups) better fertility was obtained, amounting to 96.3%, 95.5%,89.4%, respectively. Conclusions: In all groups of sheep there was a selenium deficiency. Supplementation turned out to be an effective method of compensating for its deficiency. The proper selenium status ensured better reproductive indicators for sheep.

Selenium is an antioxidant trace mineral important for human health and development. Therefore, the growing demand for efficient, bioeconomic and sustainable strategies to increase Se content in cereals, namely, rice, is justified. In this context, biofortification is a strategy that can promote nutrient enhancement in food crops and, therefore, increased nutrient uptake in the human body. In this framework, a technical itinerary was implemented using a rice genotype (OP1509), through foliar spraying with two selenium concentrations (25 and 100 g Se.ha−1) of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). It was found that the average Se biofortification index was 1.8–4.7- and 5.4–6.0-fold in selenate and selenite treatments, respectively. The contents of Se, Ca, Fe, K, P, C, H and O in brown rice grains were also quantified and it was found that both forms of fertilizers increased Zn contents with 25 g Se.ha−1, but decreased with 100 g Se.ha−1. Moreover, Ca only increased significantly with selenate pulverization. The application of both forms also increased grain weight, but did not affect the colorimetric analysis. It is concluded that the applied itinerary can be implemented to minimize Se malnutrition.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:17:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-02-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) There are conclusive evidences of selenium (Se) deficiency in Brazilian soils and foods. Brazil is the largest producer and consumer of coffee worldwide, which favors agronomic biofortification of its coffee. This study aimed to evaluate effects of foliar application of three formulations and six rates of Se on antioxidant metabolism, agronomic biofortification and yield of coffee beans. Seven Se concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 100 and 160 mg L−1) were applied from three formulations of Se (sodium selenate, nano-Se 1500, and nano-Se 5000). Selenium application up to 40 mg L−1 increased the concentration of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophylls, pheophytins and carotenoids in coffee leaves. Foliar application of Se ranging from 20 to 80 mg L−1 decreased lipid peroxidation and concentration of hydrogen peroxide, but increased superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities in coffee leaves. These results indicated that foliar Se application stimulates antioxidative metabolism to mitigate reactive oxygen species. Foliar application of 20 mg Se L−1 of sodium selenate increased coffee yield by 38%, and 160 mg Se L−1 of nano-Se 5000 increased dramatically coffee yield by 42%. Selenium concentration in grains ranged from 0.116 to 4.47 mg kg−1 (sodium selenate), 4.84 mg kg−1 (nano-Se 1500) and 5.82 mg kg−1 (nano-Se 5000). The results suggest the beneficial effect of Se on the increment of photosynthetic pigments, antioxidative metabolism, increased coffee yield and nutritional quality of grains. The recommended foliar Se application in this study can mitigate abiotic stressors such as high temperatures resulting in higher yield of coffee plants. São Paulo State University (UNESP) Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul (IFMS), MS – 473, km 23 São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Sciences and Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Sciences and Engineering CAPES: 001 CNPq: 309380/2017-0

Hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on durum wheat seed germination and seedling growth under salt stress. The treatments used were 0 and 50 mM NaCl solutions, each supplemented with Na2SeO4 or Na2SeO3 at 0, 0.1, 1, 2, 4, 8, or 10 μM. Salt alone significantly inhibited seed germination and reduced seedling growth. Addition of low concentrations (0.1–4 μM) of Na2SeO4 or Na2SeO3 mitigated the adverse effects of salt stress on seed germination, biomass accumulation, and other physiological attributes. Among them, 1 μM Na2SeO4 was most effective at restoring seed germination rate, germination energy, and germination index, significantly increasing these parameters by about 12.35, 24.17, and 11.42%, respectively, compared to salt-stress conditions. Adding low concentrations of Na2SeO4 or Na2SeO3 to the salt solution also had positive effects on chlorophyll fluorescence indices, decreased the concentrations of free proline and malondialdehyde, as well as electrolyte leakage, and increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities in roots and shoots. However, high concentrations (8–10 μM) of Na2SeO4 or Na2SeO3 disrupted seed germination and seedling growth, with damage caused by Na2SeO3 being more severe than that by Na2SeO4. It is thus clear that exogenous selenium can improve the adaptability of processing wheat to salt stress and maintain higher photosynthetic rate by decreasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and alleviating the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation. Na2SeO4 was more effective than Na2SeO3 at all given concentrations.

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium selenate as a nutritional feed additive for ruminants, when used via an intraruminal bolus in ruminants. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel concludes that based on (i) the estimation of the release of selenium from the bolus, (ii) the similarities in bioavailability with sodium selenite, (iii) the experience with the use of boluses in ruminant nutrition and (iv) the wide margin of safety compared with the maximum tolerable levels of selenium in ruminants, the additive is safe for ruminants. The use of sodium selenate by bolus administration providing a selenium intake not exceeding that resulting from the maximum authorised EU level of total selenium in feed presents no concerns for consumer safety. The additive does not pose a risk to users by inhalation and is considered as non‐corrosive but irritant for the skin and the eyes. The FEEDAP Panel considers the additive as a skin sensitiser and respiratory sensitiser. The additive under assessment, in its intended use as complementary feed for ruminants in the form of boluses, is a substitute for other authorised selenium additives and will not further increase the environmental burden of selenium. Based on two studies submitted in cattle and sheep and studies from the literature, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that sodium selenate delivered by a bolus to ruminants is an efficacious source of selenium in meeting the animals’ requirements. The Panel posed some recommendations regarding the use of the bolus, especially in small size ruminants. The Panel also posed a remark, concerning the zinc content of the bolus from which the additive is delivered.

Aims The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effects of sulfur (S) application on selenium (Se) uptake and seed Se speciation in high-protein soybean (Glycine max L.) grown in different soil types. Methods Pot experiments were conducted with soybean plants grown in yellow-brown soil (pH 5.68) and in calcareous alluvial soil (pH 7.87). Sodium selenate (Na2SeO4, 2 mg kg−1) was applied to soil with or without S fertilizer (S, 100 mg kg−1). Results Soybean grain yield and total biomass in calcareous alluvial soil were both approximately 1.3-fold the levels in yellow-brown soil. Following Se application, seed Se concentration in calcareous alluvial soil was 3.2-fold the concentration in yellow-brown soil, although additional S application reduced the corresponding seed Se concentrations by 55.6% and 38.6%, respectively. Generally, Se application facilitated Se translocation and enrichment in soybean seeds. Organic Se accounted for 92% of seed total Se and Se-methionine (>90%) was always the major Se species. Available Se (soluble and exchangeable fractions) accounted for 50.7% (yellow-brown soil) and 70.1% (calcareous alluvial soil) of soil total Se under Se treatment, while additional S application decreased the corresponding proportion of soluble Se by 12.6% and 14.4%. Conclusions The bioavailability of selenate in calcareous alluvial soil was higher than the bioavailability in yellow-brown soil and was more negatively affected by S application. Although S application inhibited Se uptake in soybean plants in both soil types, it did not influence seed Se speciation and Se-methionine was the major Se species.

Identification and quantification of the selenium species in biological tissues is imperative, considering the need to properly understand its metabolism and its importance in various field of sciences, especially nutrition science. Although a number of studies deals with the speciation of selenium, speciation analysis is still far from being a routine task, and so far strongly depends on the type of the samples. We present a study aimed to examine speciation analysis of Se in tissues of livers, muscles, and hearts obtained from lambs, namely in liver, muscle, and heart. The studied lambs were fed with the diet enriched with an inorganic (as sodium selenate) and organic chemical form of Se (as Se-enriched yeast) compounds with simultaneous addition of fish oil (FO) and carnosic acid (CA). The first part of the work was focused on the optimization of the extraction procedure of selenium compounds from tissues. Next, hyphenated high performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC&ndash, ICP&ndash, MS) was used for the identification of five seleno-compounds&mdash, Se-methionine (SeMet), Se-cystine (SeCys2), Se-methyl-Se-cysteine (SeMetSeCys), and Se(IV) and Se(VI). Verification of the identified seleno-compounds was achieved using triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC&ndash, ESI&ndash, MS/MS). The applied procedure allowed for quantitative analysis of SeMet, SeCys2, and SeMetSeCys, in biological tissues. The developed analytical protocol is feasible for speciation analysis of small molecular seleno-compounds in animals samples.

In recent years, researches on selenium nanoparticle have gained more attention due to its important role in many physiological processes. Generally, selenium nanoparticle has a high level of absorption in regular supplementation comparative to selenium. Therefore it is all-important to develop new techniques to elevate the transportation of selenium compounds (selenoproteins, selenoenzymes, etc.) by increasing their bioavailability, bioactivity, and controlled release. SeNPs have special attention regarding their application as food additives and therapeutic agents. Selenium nanoparticle has biomedical and pharmaceutical uses due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Selenium nanoparticle is also used to antagonize the toxic effect of chemical and heavy metals. SeNPs are beneficial for the treatment of water and soil contaminated with metals and heavy metals as it has adsorption capability. Selenium nanoparticle is synthesized by the bioreduction of selenium species (sodium selenate, sodium selenite, selenium dioxide, and selenium tetrachloride, etc.) by using bacteria, fungi, plant, and plant extracts, which have given hope for the bioremediation of selenium contaminated water and soils. This article reviews the procedure of selenium nanoparticle synthesis (physical, chemical and biological methods), characterization (UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, etc.), with the emphasis on its role and application in health and environment.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:10:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-03-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Selenium (Se) is an essential element for human and animal, although considered beneficial to higher plants. Selenium application at high concentration to plants can cause toxicity decreasing the physiological quality of seeds. This study aimed to characterize the Se toxicity on upland rice yield, seed physiology and the localization of Se in seeds using X-ray fluorescence microanalysis (μ-XRF). In the flowering stage, foliar application of Se (0, 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 g ha−1) as sodium selenate was performed. A decrease in rice yield and an increase in seed Se concentrations were observed from 250 g Se ha−1. The storage proteins in the seeds showed different responses with Se application (decrease in albumin, increase in prolamin and glutelin). There was a reduction in the concentrations of total sugars and sucrose with the application of 250 and 500 g Se ha−1. The highest intensities Kα counts of Se were detected mainly in the endosperm and aleurone/pericarp. μ-XRF revealed the spatial distribution of sulfur, calcium, and potassium in the seed embryos. The seed germination decreased, and the electrical conductivity increased in response to high Se application rates showing clearly an abrupt decrease of physiological quality of rice seeds. This study provides information for a better understanding of the effects of Se toxicity on rice, revealing that in addition to the negative effects on yield, there are changes in the physiological and biochemical quality of seeds. São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Domingos da Costa Lopes 780, Postal Code 17602-496 São Paulo State University (UNESP), Postal Code 15.385-000 Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Rodovia MS-306 - Zona Rural, Postal Code 79560-000 Federal Institute of Southeast Minas Gerais Rua Monsenhor José Augusto, n. 204 - Bairro São José University of São Paulo - USP, Av. Centenário, 303, São Dimas, Postal Code 13400-970 São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Domingos da Costa Lopes 780, Postal Code 17602-496 São Paulo State University (UNESP), Postal Code 15.385-000 FAPESP: 15/05942-0 FAPESP: 15/19121-8 FAPESP: 16/19937-0 CNPq: 309380/2017-0

Biofortification of edible grains with selenium (Se) is widely practiced, but there is little information regarding the effects of grain processing on Se concentration in grain. To evaluate the potential of cooked field peas (Pisum sativum L.) to be used in the Se biofortification programs, foliar Na₂SeO₄ applications of 0, 0.015, 0.03, 0.045, 0.06, and 0.075% (w/v) were tested. Shoot growth was not influenced by the Se treatments, whereas root growth, nodulation, and 100‐grain weight were increased. There was a strong linear relationship between the Se treatment dose and total Se concentration in both raw and cooked peas. For each percentage‐point increase in the applied Na₂SeO₄ concentration, the grain Se concentration increased by 177 and 159 μg Se kg⁻¹ DW in raw and cooked peas, respectively. Processing (freezing and cooking) caused a decrease of about 12% in grain Se concentration. Foliar application of 0.06% (w/v) Na₂SeO₄ could be a good option for biofortifying field peas. The consumption of 100 g of cooked, biofortified field peas would provide ≈ 50% of the 200 μg total Se recommended for human daily intake.

The response of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) to selenium (Se), added as selenate, was studied. The development, stress response, uptake, translocation, and accumulation of Se were documented in three giant reed ecotypes STM (Hungary), BL (USA), and ESP (Spain), representing different climatic zones. Plantlets regenerated from sterile tissue cultures were grown under greenhouse conditions in sand supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg Se kg−1 added as sodium selenate. Total Se content was measured in different plant parts using hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. All plants developed normally in the 0–5.0 mg Se kg−1 concentration range regardless of ecotype, but no growth occurred at 10.0 mg Se kg−1. There were no signs of chlorosis or necrosis, and the photosynthetic machinery was not affected as evidenced by no marked differences in the structure of thylakoid membranes. There was no change in the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm ratio) in the three ecotypes under Se stress, except for a significant negative effect in the ESP ecotype in the 5.0 mg Se kg−1 treatment. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity increased as the Se concentration increased in the growth medium. GPx activity was higher in the shoot system than the root system in all Se treatments. All ecotypes showed great capacity of take up, translocate and accumulate selenium in their stem and leaf. Relative Se accumulation is best described as leaf ˃˃ stem ˃ root. The ESP ecotype accumulated 1783 μg g−1 in leaf, followed by BL with 1769 μg g−1, and STM with 1606 μg g−1 in the 5.0 mg Se kg−1 treatment. All ecotypes showed high values of translocation and bioaccumulation factors, particularly the ESP ecotype (10.1 and 689, respectively, at the highest tolerated Se supplementation level). Based on these findings, Arundo donax has been identified as the first monocot hyperaccumulator of selenium, because Se concentration in the leaves of all three ecotypes, and also in the stem of the ESP ecotype, is higher than 0.1% (dry weight basis) under the conditions tested. Tolerance up to 5.0 mg Se kg−1 and the Se hyperaccumulation capacity make giant reed a promising tool for Se phytoremediation.

Brassicaceae is one of the few plant families with the ability to incorporate the essential trace element selenium (Se) into organic compounds, and the vegetables are claimed to have a number of human health benefits based on both Se and glucosinolate content. We investigated the effect of Se addition on the nutrient composition of broccoli, purple radish and green radish sprouts and develop an efficient growing method for producing high concentration Se radish sprouts that does not impact the glucosinolate content and has little seleniferous waste. The concentration of Se in sprouts increased exponentially with time in the presence of high Se supply (9.2 μmol Se g−1 seed). At lower rates of Se supply (≤2.5 μg Se g−1 seed) sprouts containing a target Se concentration were produced according to the linear relationship y = 0.91x, where y is the target Se concentration in μg Se g−1 FW, and x is the concentration of sodium selenate in water added at 8.3 mL of water g−1 dry seed. Glucosinolate profiles differed between broccoli and radish but the total glucosinolate concentration of the sprouts was unaffected by Se addition. Radish was more suitable than broccoli for producing sprouts high in both glucosinolates and Se.