Low Selenium Levels in Patients with Sarcoidosis in Teaching Hospitals at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

Background and purpose: Recently, many studies have been conducted on the role of selenium in autoimmune diseases. Trace element deficiency is not an uncommon finding in autoimmune diseases. This deficiency may be a consequence of autoimmune diseases or may contribute to their aetiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of selenium in patients with sarcoidosis compared to healthy controls in teaching hospitals affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, serum selenium levels were measured in 42 patients with sarcoidosis and compared with 42 healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. Two cc non-fasting blood samples were collected. The serum selenium level was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The normal range for serum selenium is between 46 to 143 micrograms per liter. Results: The mean ages in the case group and controls were 47.45±7.6 and 47.24±7.23 years, respectively (P=0.898). Serum selenium levels were significantly lower than the controls (82.42±24.11 vs. 94.79±27.01 µg/ml, P=0.03). In case group, there was no significant difference between serum selenium levels and sex (P=0.165). The study showed no relationship between serum selenium levels and age (P=0.258), duration of disease (P=0.121), duration of treatment (P=0.837), delay in initiation of treatment (P=0.316), and type of treatment (P=0.859). Conclusion: Serum selenium levels were significantly lower in patients with sarcoidosis than the healthy controls, so, these patients may benefit from selenium supplements.