Brain Selenium in Alzheimer's Disease (BRAIN SEAD Study): a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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#alzheimer-disease #animals #brain #humans #oxidative-stress

Brain Selenium in Alzheimer's Disease (BRAIN SEAD Study): a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Varikasuvu et al., 2019 | Biol Trace Elem Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Varikasuvu Seshadri Reddy, Prasad V Satya, ... Manne Munikumar. Brain Selenium in Alzheimer's Disease (BRAIN SEAD Study): a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2019-Jun;189(2):361-369. doi:10.1007/s12011-018-1492-x

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been found to be implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this meta-analytic review, we compared tissue levels between AD and non-AD brains of selenium, an important biological trace element well known for its vital role in the brain function. We included 14 studies with 40 observations on selenium concentrations in AD and control brains. The effect size as standardized mean difference (SMD) was generated using review manager 5.3. Random-effects meta-analysis indicated a decrease (SMD = - 0.42) in brain tissue selenium levels in AD as compared to non-AD controls. The subgroup meta-analysis demonstrated that the selenium levels were decreased in the temporal, hippocampal, and cortex regions in AD. The funnel plot with Egger's (p = 0.88) and Begg's tests (p = 0.24) detected no significant publication bias. The results of sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study/observation had significantly influenced the overall outcome. This meta-analysis provides consolidated evidence for a significant decrease of selenium status in AD brains compared to controls. In line with the evidence supporting selenium's antioxidant role and the involvement of oxidative stress in AD development, this meta-analysis supports new therapeutic strategies aimed at brain tissue selenium homeostasis in AD.

Key Findings

In line with the evidence supporting selenium's antioxidant role and the involvement of oxidative stress in AD development, this meta-analysis supports new therapeutic strategies aimed at brain tissue selenium homeostasis in AD.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 14
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Animals
  • Brain
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Selenium

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: selenium-cognitive

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09