Association between Parkinson disease and selenium levels in the body: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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#humans #selenium #parkinson-disease

Association between Parkinson disease and selenium levels in the body: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chen et al., 2024 | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Chen Quanyi, Hu Xiaofei, ... Wu Hongye. Association between Parkinson disease and selenium levels in the body: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024-Apr-26;103(17):e37919. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000037919

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Parkinson disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, but its pathogenesis is still not entirely understood. While some trace elements, such as selenium, iron, and copper, are considered pivotal in PD onset due to their role in oxidative stress, the association between selenium concentrations and PD susceptibility remains ambiguous. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and framed by the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome paradigm. Data were sourced from 4 prominent electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies must have had a PD case group and a control group, both of which presented data on selenium concentrations. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Of 1541 initially identified articles, 12 studies comprising a total of 597 PD cases and 733 controls were selected for the meta-analysis. Pronounced heterogeneity was observed among these studies. When assessing blood selenium levels, no significant difference was found between patients with PD and the controls. However, when examining the cerebrospinal fluid, selenium levels in PD patients were significantly elevated compared to controls (standard mean difference = 1.21, 95% CI 0.04-2.39, P < .05). Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and evaluation of publication bias were performed to ensure data robustness. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated selenium levels in cerebrospinal fluid may be associated with a higher risk of Parkinson. Further prospective research is required to solidify this potential link and to offer avenues for novel therapeutic interventions or preventive measures.

Key Findings

Of 1541 initially identified articles, 12 studies comprising a total of 597 PD cases and 733 controls were selected for the meta-analysis. Pronounced heterogeneity was observed among these studies. When assessing blood selenium levels, no significant difference was found between patients with PD and the controls. However, when examining the cerebrospinal fluid, selenium levels in PD patients were significantly elevated compared to controls (standard mean difference = 1.21, 95% CI 0.04-2.39, P < 

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pd and the controls
Sample Size 12
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Selenium
  • Parkinson Disease

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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