Synchrotron studies of selenium interactions with heavy elements

摘要

The surprising interaction of selenium (Se) with a number of toxic heavy elements in biological systems has been known for decades. Selenium species, which are toxic at elevated levels, in some cases can interact with arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), or cadmium species to provide antagonism, or a significant reduction in toxicity compared with the individual species(e.g. Gailer et al., 2007). These observations have led to the suggestion that Se may provide protection against environmental toxins such as these heavy metals. However, to date almost all studies reporting on such antagonistic effects have been carried out using exogenous Se at acute levels, whereas Se responding to environmental exposure is drawn from endogenous (i.e. essential) pools within the organism. Further research is needed on endogenous Se and its possible interactions with toxic elements.