Reduced serum selenium : a molecular risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurismal disease?

Aim: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common condition present in approximately 4% of the male UK males over 65. Studies show levels of several heavy metals including Selenium (Se) may affect both aneurysm formation and growth. The aim of this study was to look at Se levels relating to AAA size. Methods: Males undergoing AAA screening underwent a health and medication questionnaire prior to Duplex ultrasonography (USS) to assess AAA size. Measurement of serum selenium concentration was performed. Data was analysed using a one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferonni- corrected independent samples t-tests. Results: 73 patients were allocated to 3 groups. The control group: AAA (<3 cm) presented with a Selenium concentration of 0.93 μmol/L, (mean) +/-0.15(SD) By comparison Selenium concentrations were lower in patients with AAA 3-4.4 cm 0.78 μmol/L (=/-0.16) (p = <0.05), and AAA 4.5-5.4 cm 0.78umol/L (+/-0.19) (p= <0.05). An inverse relationship was observed between serum Selenium concentration and AAA diameter (r = -0.56, P = <0.05, pooled data). Conclusion: Our findings support the concept that depressed serum Selenium may prove a molecular biomarker with the potential to “track” patients potentially vulnerable to aneurismal disease.