Clinical trial involving selenium supplementation to counter arsenic toxicity among rural population in Bangladesh

M. Alauddin, T. Wheaton, M. Valencia, E. Stekolchik, J. E. Spallholz, P. F. La Porte, S. Ahmed, B. Chakaraborty, M. Bhattacharjee, A. B.M. Zakaria, S. Sultana, Graham N. George, Ingrid J. Pickering, Jürgen Gailer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

In a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind Phase III clinical trial, selenium supplements were given to patients in 14 villages in Chandpur District in Bangladesh to combat chronic arsenic poisoning resulting from drinking arsenic laced groundwater. About 413 subjects were given 200 μg sodium selenite per day as oral supplements and 408 subjects received matching placebo. Urine Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se) and Plasma Selenium (Se) were analyzed at 0, 24 and 48 weeks of supplementation. In addition, Selenoprotein Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR) and selenoprotein P were measured in select few plasma samples at 0, 24 and 48 weeks following selenite supplementation. The trial was successfully conducted with high compliance as measured from DOTS and correct treatment assignment and dispensation as evidenced by the Se levels in plasma and urine. No consistent effect of selenite supplementation on plasma and urinary arsenic levels were observed. However, Glutathione Perxidase (GPx), Thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR) activity and selenoprotein P in plasma seem to increase with supplementation. Selenium supplementation appears to increase plasma selenium and selenoprotein levels in arsenicosis patients.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnderstanding the Geological and Medical Interface of Arsenic, As 2012 - 4th International Congress
Subtitle of host publicationArsenic in the Environment
PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages143-147
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9780415637633
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event4th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, As 2012 - Cairns, QLD, Australia
Duration: Jul 22 2012Jul 27 2012

Publication series

NameUnderstanding the Geological and Medical Interface of Arsenic, As 2012 - 4th International Congress: Arsenic in the Environment

Conference

Conference4th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, As 2012
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityCairns, QLD
Period07/22/1207/27/12

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