[Selenium in Graves' disease]

Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2013 May 24:67:491-8. doi: 10.5604/17322693.1051000.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present the current state of knowledge of the role of selenium in Graves' disease. Recently, in the pathogenesis and course of this autoimmune disease, more attention has been paid to the relationship between oxidative stress and the antioxidant system, where selenium compounds play an important role. The thyroid is the organ with the highest selenium concentration in the human body. Selenium compounds, having antioxidant properties, protect thyrocytes against the destructive effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated during the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Therefore, strengthening the body's defense mechanisms, which protect against the formation and activity of ROS during medical treatment of Graves' disease patients, may be an effective adjuvant in commonly used methods of therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Graves Disease / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Selenium / metabolism*
  • Selenium / therapeutic use*
  • Thyroid Gland / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Hormones / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Selenium