Selenium species in selenium-enriched and drought-exposed potatoes

The aim of this work was to study selenium (Se) speciation in the potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar Desiree, enriched in Se by foliar spraying with a water solution containing 10 mg of Se/L in the form of sodium selenate. Four combinations of treatments were used: well-watered plants with and without Se foliar spraying and drought-exposed plants with and without Se foliar spraying. Water-soluble Se compounds were extracted from potato tubers by water or enzymatic hydrolysis with the enzyme protease XIV, amylase, or a combination of protease XIV and amylase. Extraction was performed using incubation at a constant temperature and stirring (37 degrees C at 200 rpm) or by ultrasound-assisted extraction (300 W), using different extraction times. Separation of soluble Se species (SeCys2, SeMet, SeMeSeCys, selenite, and selenate) was achieved by ion-exchange chromatography, and detection was performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results showed that the concentration of selenate extracted was independent of the enzymatic extraction technique (approximately 98 ng/g for drought-exposed and 308 ng/g for well-watered potato tubers), whereas the extraction yield of SeMet changed with the protocol used (10-36%). Selenate and SeMet were the main soluble Se species (representing 51-68% of total Se) in potato tubers, regardless of the growth conditions.     

硒镉伴生对富硒土壤柑橘生长及生理代谢的影响

为保障富硒柑橘的安全生产,明确富硒土壤硒镉伴生现象对柑橘生长、硒镉吸收转运和抗氧化能力的影响,采用盆栽试验,以一年生大雅柑橘为试验材料,研究添加硒代蛋氨酸(SeMet,CK,模拟富硒土壤)和添加SeMet与镉(模拟富硒土壤硒镉伴生)对富硒土壤柑橘的生长指标、硒镉含量、叶片还原型抗坏血酸-谷胱甘肽(AsA-GSH)循环效率的影响。结果表明,与CK相比,富硒土壤中,硒镉伴生增加了柑橘叶片叶绿素a+b、叶绿素a、叶绿素b和类胡萝卜素含量,但对株高、新梢长度、新梢数量以及根茎叶的干物质量影响不显著;在富硒土壤中,硒镉伴生显著增加了大雅柑橘硒含量和硒的富集系数(BCF),降低了硒的转运系数(TF);硒和镉主要分布在根系,其次是叶片和茎;在AsA-GSH循环中,硒镉伴生使过氧化氢(H₂O₂)和还原型抗坏血酸(AsA)含量显著上升,脱氢抗坏血酸(DHA)含量上升但未达到显著水平,抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)活性和脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(DHAR)活性显著上升,而GSH和氧化型谷胱甘肽(GSSG)含量下降,AsA/(AsA+DHA)和GSH/(GSH+GSSG)比值降低,谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPX)活性显著降低。本研究为阐明镉胁迫对富硒土壤柑橘的生理影响机制提供了理论依据。     

不同形态叶面硒肥对水稻吸收和转运硒的影响

通过田间试验,研究了不同形态叶面硒肥对水稻吸收和转运硒的影响。与空白对照相比,亚硒酸钠、硒酸钠、硒代蛋氨酸和化学纳米硒在水稻扬花期一次施用(15g/hm²)可使水稻籽粒、颍壳和秸秆的硒含量分别提高0.06～0.64、0.36～0.83和0.32～0.75 mg/kg。籽粒硒的回收率大小顺序为：硒代蛋氨酸(34.6%)>亚硒酸钠(15.7%)>硒酸钠(15.0%)>化学纳米硒(6.6%);硒在水稻各部位中的分配比例的高低顺序为：秸秆>籽粒>颍壳。此外,硒用量与水稻籽粒的硒含量呈极显著线性相关。按照黑龙江省富硒大米的地方标准(DB23T 790—2004),达到一等大米的硒含量指标(0.20～0.30 mg/kg),亚硒酸钠单施的施用量为6.01～10.62 g/hm²,腐植酸+亚硒酸钠复合肥的施用量为4.26～8.63 g/hm²。硒代蛋氨酸的富硒效率高于其他3种硒形态,腐植酸+亚硒酸钠复合肥的富硒效率高于亚硒酸钠单施。     

Selenium species bioaccessibility in enriched radish (Raphanus sativus): a potential dietary source of selenium

An in vitro gastrointestinal method was employed to predict the potential bioavailability of selenium and its species from radish, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, grown in hydroponics media in the presence of inorganic selenium, such as Na2SeO3 and Na2SeO4. A low transformation of Se into organic forms was observed in radish plants grown in Se(VI)-enriched culture media. On the contrary, in those plants exposed to selenite, >95% of the total selenium was found as selenocystine (SeCys2), selenomethionine (SeMet), and Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMetSeCys). The concentrations of these species in fresh samples remained almost unaltered after a simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, a high selenium content of Se-methylselenocysteine (65%), previously reported as a cancer chemopreventive species, remained in the potentially bioabsorbable fraction. As these plants usually undergo a short development cycle, these results suggest that radish enriched in selenite could be a good choice as an organoselenium supplement for the human diet and animal feed.     

Selenate reduction in river water by Citerobacter freundii isolated from a selenium-contaminated sediment

Bacterial reduction of selenate [Se(VI)] to insoluble elemental Se [Se(0)] is an important remedial technology to remove selenium (Se) from Se-impacted water. Citerobacter freundii, a Se(VI) reducer, isolated from a Se-contaminated sediment was assessed for its ability to reduce Se(VI) in a mineral culture medium and natural river water in a series of laboratory batch experiments. The results showed that a combination of yeast extract and glucose used in the culture medium was more effective than yeast extract alone, yeast extract plus sodium acetate, and yeast extract plus sodium lactate for reduction of Se(VI) to Se(0) by C. freundii. About 89-96% of the added Se(VI) (500-4500 microg/L) was reduced to Se(0) in the culture medium amended with 500 mg/L each of yeast extract and glucose. C. freundii can also survive in natural river water and reduce Se(VI). During an 8-day experiment in both sterile and nonsterile river water, 63-70 and 21-22% of the added Se(VI) was reduced to Se(0) and Se(-II), respectively. These results suggest that C. freundii has great potential for Se(VI) reduction and may be used for remediating Se-impacted water.     

Determination of selenium concentration of rice in china and effect of fertilization of selenite and selenate on selenium content of rice

A method of hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry was applied to the determination of the selenium concentration of regular polished rice in China and selenium-enriched polished rice obtained by foliar application of selenium-enriched fertilizer in the forms of selenite and selenate. The average selenium content of regular rice was 0.025 +/- 0.011 microg g(-)(1). On the basis of a daily dietary rice intake of 300-500 g suggested by the China Nutrition Society, the total selenium intake from regular rice was calculated to be 7.5-12.5 microg per person per day for an adult. The selenium contents of rice were significantly increased to 0.471-0.640 microg g(-)(1) by foliar application of selenium-enriched fertilizer at rate of 20 g of Se ha(-)(1) in the forms of sodium selenite and sodium selenate. The selenium content of rice by application of a fertilizer of selenate was 35.9% higher than that by a fertilizer of selenite, which showed that Se-enriched fertilizer in selenate exhibited greater efficiency in increasing Se content in rice products. The Se-enriched rice products can increase daily Se intake on average by 100-200 microg of Se per day by the consumption of 400 g of rice products if the Se level of rice products is controlled at 0.3-0.5 microg of Se g(-)(1). Because rice is a staple food in China, selenium-enriched rice obtained by bioenrichment of selenium to increase the Se content of rice could be a good selenium source for the population in selenium-deficient regions.     

新疆伊犁土壤硒资源分布及与土壤性质的关系分析

调查研究了伊犁州土壤中硒资源的分布特征,为该地区富硒农产品的开发提供理论指导。用原子荧光光度法测定了新疆伊犁州6个县158个农田土壤样品的全硒含量,并运用统计分析方法对伊犁州土壤硒资源的分布特征及与土壤理化性质的关系进行了分析。结果表明,伊犁州6个县土壤中全硒含量范围为0.14~2.75 mg·kg-1,几何均值为0.33 mg·kg-1,其中昭苏县土壤全硒含量均值最高,巩留县最低。所检测的土壤样品中有2.38%属于少硒土壤,78.57%属于足硒土壤(0.175~0.45 mg·kg-1),19.05%属于高硒土壤(0.45~3.00 mg·kg-1)。统计分析的结果表明,有机质、速效钾、碱解氮与全硒含量呈极显著正相关(P0.01),p H值与硒含量成显著负相关(P0.01)。伊犁州土壤中硒的含量水平偏高,可以优先考虑富硒农业的开发建设。     

Selenium long-term administration and its effect on mercury toxicity

An in vivo experiment was conducted to assess selenium bioaccumulation and bioaccessibility through the food chain and its effect on Hg toxicity. For this purpose 72 chickens were fed under different controlled conditions. Chickens were exposed to a common basal diet or a diet supplemented with Hg(II), MeHg, and Se(IV). Enzymatic digestion (feed, chicken muscle, liver, and kidney) as well as simulated human gastric and intestinal digestion (chicken muscle) led to the identification of selenomethionine (SeMet) in all the samples analyzed. Therefore, although chickens have no efficient mechanism for SeMet synthesis they can be considered as a source of SeMet due to its diet and the plant-animal food chain. The kidneys were the target organ for both total Se and SeMet in chickens (1604 +/- 136 and 128 +/- 6 microg kg(-1), respectively), but the greatest body store, among the tissues studied, was the muscle in both cases (84-96% of total Se). Long-term administration of inorganic and organic mercury did not alter SeMet distribution significantly. The antagonistic effect of Se on Hg toxicity by favoring MeHg demethylation is discussed.     

微量元素硒在动物体内的抗病毒作用研究进展

人体正常生命活动离不开微量元素硒,硒具有良好的抗氧化性、抗肿瘤性和抗重金属性,不仅能参与调节机体免疫反应和激素水平,而且可以抑制多种病毒的复制。人体对硒摄取过多或不足都会导致相应疾病。由于自然界硒分布不均,我国人口普遍缺硒,适当且有效地补硒对打造全民健康极其重要。本文以近年来国内外最新研究资料为基础,对硒的几种典型抗病毒作用进行了系统的总结,以期为硒抗病毒作用相关研究提供理论参考,为富硒食品、含硒药物、富硒保健品等硒产品的研发与推广提供理论支撑。     

Factors affecting reduction of selenate to elemental selenium in agricultural drainage water by Enterobacter taylorae

Microbial reduction of selenate [Se(VI)] to elemental selenium [Se(0)] is a useful technique for removing Se from agricultural drainage water. A series of batch experiments were conducted in the laboratory to determine the effects of yeast extract (50-1000 mg/L), salinity (EC, 5-75 dS/m), and NO(3)(-) (5-100 mg/L) on the removal of Se(VI) (2000 microg/L) from drainage water by Enterobacter taylorae. Results showed that relatively high amounts of yeast extract (500 mg/L) were needed for E. taylorae to effectively reduce Se(VI) to Se(0). During a 7-day experiment, approximately 95% of added Se(VI) was reduced to Se(0) in the low-salinity drainage water (5 dS/m) with NO(3)(-) values of 5-50 mg/L. In the high-salinity drainage water (50-75 dS/m), reduction of Se(VI) to Se(0) was limited. E. taylorae was also capable of reducing Se(VI) to Se(0) in the San Joaquin Valley drainage water, with a reduction of the added Se(VI) to Se(0) (73.8%) and Se(-II) (20%). This study suggests that E. taylorae may be used to treat Se(VI)-contaminated drainage water in the field.     

Comparison of biotransformation of inorganic selenium by Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces in lactic fermentation process of yogurt and kefir

The aim of the present study was to characterize, quantify, and compare the different selenium species that are produced when lactic fermentation with two different types of microorganisms, bacteria (Lactobacillus) and yeast (Saccharomyces), take place to produce yogurt and kefir, respectively, and to study the transformation process of these species as a function of time. These two dairy products were chosen for the study because they are highly consumed in different cultures. Moreover, the microorganisms present in the fermentation processes are different. While the bacteria Lactobacillus is the one responsible for yogurt fermentation, a partnership between bacteria and the yeast Saccharomyces causes kefir fermentation. A comparative study has been carried out by fermenting Se(IV) enriched milk in the presence of both types of microorganisms, where the concentration range studied was from 0.5 to 20 microg g (-1). Enzymatic extraction enabled selenium speciation profiles, obtained by anionic exchange and ion-pairing reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (IP-RP-HPLC) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) applied to the enriched samples showed segregated Se (0), at added concentrations higher than 5 microg g (-1). The main Se species formed depended on the type of microorganism involved in the fermentation process, SeCys 2 and MeSeCys being the main species generated in yogurt and SeMet in kefir. The results obtained are different for both kinds of samples. Lactic fermentation for yogurt produced an increment in selenocystine (SeCys 2) and Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys), while fermentation to produce kefir also incremented the selenomethionine (SeMet) concentration. The Se species are stable for at least 10 and 15 days for kefir and yogurt, respectively. After this period, selenocystine concentration decreased, and the concentration of Se-methylselenocysteine was found to significantly increase.     

Effect of selenium on preservation quality of green tea during autumn tea-processing season

Selenium-enriched green tea leaves were prepared by foliar applications of selenium-amended fertilizer during autumn season. The influence of selenium (Se) on preservation quality of tea during 4-month storage was determined. The results showed that the Se and vitamin C contents of green tea were significantly increased by selenium spraying during the autumn tea-producing season. The vitamin C content of Se-enriched green tea was higher and its decline was significantly slower during storage compared to normal green tea. However, there was no significant difference between the contents of chlorophyll and polyphenol of Se-enriched and regular tea. During the first 60 days, the color of green tea extract in Se-enriched green tea and normal tea showed no significant difference. However, the color of green tea extract in Se-enriched green tea was more stable compared with normal tea during the storage period. The sweetness and aroma of extracts of Se-enriched green tea were also significantly higher than that of normal tea and the bitterness of extracts of Se-enriched green tea was significantly lower compared with normal tea. These results showed that selenium application can slow the reduction of tea's major component and thus improve preservation qualities of green tea.     

High potential for selenium biofortification of lentils ( Lens culinaris L.)

Beneficial forms of selenium (Se) and their impact on human health are a global topic of interest in public health. We are studying the genetic potential for Se biofortification of pulse crops to improve human nutrition. Lentils ( Lens culinaris L.) are an important protein and carbohydrate food and are a valuable source of essential dietary components and trace elements. We analyzed the total Se concentration of 19 lentil genotypes grown at eight locations for two years in Saskatchewan, Canada. We observed significant genotypic and environmental variation in total Se concentration in lentils and that total Se concentration in lentils ranged between 425 and 673 microg kg(-1), providing 77-122% of the recommended daily intake in 100 g of dry lentils. Over 70% of the Se was present as selenomethionine (SeMet) with a smaller fraction (<20%) as inorganic Se and very small amounts as selenocysteine (SeCys). We found that soils from the locations where the lentils were grown were rich in Se (37-301 microg kg(-1)) and that lentils grown in Saskatchewan have the potential to provide an excellent natural source of this essential element. Our analyses gave us a preliminary understanding of the genetic basis of Se uptake in lentil and indicated that any potential strategy for micronutrient biofortification in lentil will require choice of field locations that minimize the spatial variability of soil Se content.     

不同形态硒向水稻籽粒转运途径及品种差异

硒是人体必需微量元素,提高水稻籽粒硒含量对改善人体膳食硒营养有重要意义。以富硒水稻品种(Oryza sativa L.)秀水48和非富硒品种S.Andrea为材料,在灌浆期分别供应离体穗亚硒酸盐、硒酸盐、硒代蛋氨酸(SeMet)和硒甲基硒代半胱氨酸(SeMeSeCys),探讨两品种水稻在灌浆期向籽粒转运不同形态硒的品种差异及转运途径。结果表明:水稻体内有机硒主要通过韧皮部转运至籽粒,硒酸钠可能通过木质部和韧皮部共同转运至剑叶,而亚硒酸钠主要通过木质部转运至剑叶。秀水48从茎至籽粒转运硒酸盐和硒代蛋氨酸能力显著强于S.Andrea,并且富硒水稻秀水48从剑叶至籽粒转运有机硒(硒代蛋氨酸)能力显著高于S.Andrea。与非富硒水稻相比较,富硒水稻能通过茎和剑叶向籽粒转运较多的硒,这可能是引起水稻籽粒硒含量差异的直接原因。     

Enriched selenium and its effects on growth and biochemical composition in Lactobacillus bulgaricus

Se-enriched Lactobacillus bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) was generated by administration of sodium selenite (0, 1, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 mg/L, respectively) in MRS medium and enriched selenium manifestation in L. bulgaricus was investigated using transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and alterations of essential elements and amino acids in the organism were evaluated. We demonstrate that administration of sodium selenite in the dosage of 1-16 mg/L is suitable for selenium enrichment in L. bulgaricus and can enhance nutritive value in the organism by elevating the contents of essential elements including P, Mg, Mn, Zn, Ca, and total amino acids as well as reducing selenite to insoluble elemental selenium, an electron-dense and amorphous Se (0) granule, thereby depositing it both in the cytoplasm and in the extracellular space of L. bulgaricus. Thus, Se-enriched Lactobacillus can provide a potential dietary source of nontoxic selenium and functional regulator used for food and medical industry.     

Selenium-enriched sprouts. A raw material for fortified cereal-based diets

The selenium supply in almost all European countries, including Austria and Germany, is below the recommended daily intake. In these countries, selenium fortification of foods and the use of selenium supplements are quite popular to compensate for low Se intake from diets. In general, wheat (Triticum aestivum) is known to be a good source for bioavailable selenium, and many studies have been performed to enrich selenium in wheat by selenium fertilization of the soil. In the present work, the process of sprouting was investigated as an alternative to enrich selenium in wheat. Sprouting was chosen because it additionally improves the nutritional value of seeds, for example, by a higher vitamin content, a better quality of protein, and some other parameters. Wheat, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds were germinated for 5 and 7 days in solutions containing selenate. The selenium sensitivity of the sprouts was tested by measuring visible germination levels and seedling development. Uptake rates were studied by determination of total selenium using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metabolism of the absorbed selenium was analyzed by determination of selenium species in extracts of the sprouts using anion exchange HPLC coupled to ICP-MS. It was shown that sunflower sprouts were the most resistant and had the highest uptake rates (up to 900 mg/kg), but almost 100% of the selenium was extracted with water and found to be nonmetabolized selenate. Wheat and alfalfa were less resistant and enriched selenium up to concentrations of 100 and 150 mg of Se/kg of dry mass, respectively. The metabolism of the selenate was inversely related to the total uptake rates. At low Se enrichment (approximately 1-2 mg of Se/kg), <20% of the total selenium content within the sprouts remained as inorganic selenium, indicating a high metabolism rate. With increasing uptake the amount of selenate increased to approximately 40-50%. However, with the method used it is possible to produce sprouts containing certain amounts of selenium, which might provide substantial proportions of bioavailable selenium. In combination with the generally high nutritional value of sprouts, they might serve for production of improved cereal-based diets.     

Characterization of selenium species in Brazil nuts by HPLC-ICP-MS and ES-MS

Brazil nuts have been classified as the foodstuffs that contain the highest level of unadulterated selenium, an essential trace element that appears to prevent cancer. To date, characterization of the selenium species in brazil nuts has not yet been investigated. In this work, various sample preparation approaches, including microwave extractions and enzymatic treatments, are examined with the goal of species preservation and subsequent selenium speciation; of these approaches, an enzymatic treatment with Proteinase K proved most effective. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation strategies and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection schemes will also be presented. Extracts are evaluated against available standards for the commercially obtainable seleno-amino acids, selenomethionine (SeMet), selenoethionine (SeEt), and selenocystine (SeCys); selenomethionine was demonstrated to be the most abundant of these seleno-amino acids. Further characterization of unidentified selenium-containing peaks is attempted by the employment of several procedures, including electrospray-mass spectrometry (ES-MS). A peptide structure was identified; however, this was considered a tentative proposal due to the large background produced by the extremely complicated brazil nut matrix.     

Enzymatic digestion-high-pressure homogenization prior to slurry introduction graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for selenium determination in plant and animal tissues.

Homogenization using a new flat valve homogenizer in combination with enzymatic digestion with a crude protease was investigated as a means of releasing Se compounds from zoological and botanical matrixes prior to slurry introduction GFAAS. Timed trials with four zoological certified reference materials (CRMs), three botanical reference materials (RMs), and a food crop indicated that Se release into 5% (v/v) ethanol-0.03 M TRIS containing 20 mg of protease was quantitative after homogenization or became quantitative within 1 h of digestion at 60 degrees C. For each of the zoological RMs (whole egg powder, dogfish muscle, and dogfish liver), three passes through the homogenizer in the presence of protease provided a quantitative release of selenium, and incubation with the enzyme was not necessary. No separation of the Se between the liquid phase and the particulate phase was evident even after several days of subsequent storage at 4 degrees C. The botanical matrixes (three milled wheat RMs and a rapeseed sample) were more resistant to selenium release and required up to 1 h of digestion with protease at 60 degrees C. Alternatively, 10 passes through the homogenizing valve (in the presence of the enzyme) resulted in the quantitative release of analyte.     

冻融对东北黑土硒酸盐吸附解吸的影响

为探究冻融过程对东北黑土硒酸盐(Se(Ⅵ))吸附、解吸的影响机理,通过室内不同初始含水率及冻融次数模拟冻融循环,随后利用冻融后土壤进行Se(Ⅵ)的吸附和解吸试验,分别采用Langumuir和Freundlich方程对Se(Ⅵ)吸附过程进行拟合。结果表明:冻融显著(P <0.05)改变了东北黑土pH值、有机质、球囊霉素相关土壤蛋白及各粒级团聚体含量,冻融后土壤Se(Ⅵ)吸附量显著高于未冻融土壤。通过拟合发现东北黑土对Se(Ⅵ)的吸附更符合Langmuir模型(R2> 0.967),高初始含水率及冻融循环次数均增加了冻融后黑土对Se(Ⅵ)的最大吸附量及缓冲容量,同时提高了Se(Ⅵ)的解吸率。70%含水率及多次冻融循环提高了黑土对Se(Ⅵ)的吸附潜能,促进Se(Ⅵ)的解吸,使得冻融后土壤硒的生物有效性增加,有利于作物根系对硒的吸收。     

Evaluation of the inorganic selenium biotransformation in selenium-enriched yogurt by HPLC-ICP-MS

Selenium is an essential element in the human diet. Interestingly, there has been an increased consumption of dietary supplements containing this element in the form of either inorganic or organic compounds. The effect of using selenium as a dietary supplement in yogurt has been evaluated. For this purpose, different concentrations of inorganic Se (ranging from 0.2 to 5000 microg g(-1)) have been added to milk before the fermentation process. Biotransformation of inorganic Se into organic species has been carefully evaluated by ion-exchange, reversed-phase, or size-exclusion chromatography, coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Yogurt fermentation in the presence of up to 2 microg g(-1) of Se(IV) produces a complete incorporation of this element into proteins as has been demonstrated applying a dialysis procedure. Analysis by SEC-ICP-MS showed that most of them have a molecular mass in the range of 30-70 kDa. Species determination after enzymatic hydrolysis has allowed the identification of Se-cystine using two different chromatographic systems. The biotransformation process that takes place during yogurt fermentation is very attractive because yogurt can act as a source of selenium supplementation.