Selenium (Se) is an essential dietary trace element participating in the regulation of various physiological functions in both animals and humans through its incorporation into selenoproteins as the amino acid selenocysteine. Among many minerals Se has a special place being the most controversial trace element with a narrow gap between essentiality and toxicity. Indeed there are important environmental issues considering selenium as a pollutant from the one hand and global selenium deficiency on the other. In fact, Se deficiency is considered as a risk factor for the development of various diseases in human and animals. Decreased Se availability from soils as a result of low soil pH and usage of synthetic fertilizers is the major concern in European countries causing inadequate Se levels in food and feeds. Furthermore, it seems likely that sodium selenite used for the last 30 years as a feed supplement is not an optimal form of Se and the usage of organic selenium in animal diets could help to maintain optimal Se status as well as high immunocompetence, productive and reproductive performance. The aim of the present volume is to provide updated information on several important Se-related subjects, including Se status in Europe and ways of its improvement, advances in Se analysis and speciation in biological material, roles of selenium in poultry, pig and ruminant nutrition. Production of functional Se-enriched food, the relationship between selenium and mycotoxins, polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as reoviruses are also addressed. This collection of articles will provide nutritionists, veterinarians, human doctors, researchers and any other readers with new insights into the exciting world of the goddess of the moon - SELENIUM.

The 4th International Conference on Selenium in the Environment and Human Health was held 18-21 October 2015 in SPaulo, Brazil. This conference provided an effective scientific communication platform for researchers in different disciplines worldwide to elucidate and better understand those complex roles of Se as both essential nutrient and enviro

In the current edition, Selenium: Its Molecular Biology and Role in Human Health expands extensively on the previous editions providing readers with the most significant advances in the rapidly developing selenium field. Evidence from epidemiology and veterinary science supports the essential role of selenium in (human) health, but its split personality in both preventing and supporting cancer and also in promoting insulin resistance has become more clearly defined. The pivotal role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in a new process of programmed cell death, ferroptosis, brings new impetus to the field. Recently defined mutations in selenoprotein and biosynthesis factor genes have been identified in patients, and the resulting disorders further emphasize the significance of selenoproteins in human health. The mechanism of selenoprotein biosynthesis, the functions of selenoproteins, and the roles of dietary selenium have been further elucidated, and new regulatory mechanisms involving selenoproteins discovered. The book, therefore, covers the breadth of current selenium research. With up-to-date chapters written by leaders in their fields, it serves as an invaluable resource for novices as well as specialists.

Selenium (Se) is an essential dietary trace element participating in the regulation of various physiological functions in humans and farm animals through its incorporation into a range of selenoproteins. Low Se content in main feed ingredients is a common problem worldwide and dietary Se supplementation is a current practice in ruminant nutrition. Recent research clearly proved that sodium selenite, used for the last 50 years as a feed supplement, is not an optimal form of Se. However, use of organic selenium in dairy and beef diets can help meet Se requirement and maintain health/high immunocompetence, productive and reproductive performance. The goal of this book is to provide up-to-date information about the roles of Se in ruminant nutrition and health. A special emphasis is given to the role of selenium as an essential part of the integrated antioxidant system. The concept of using organic Se in ruminant nutrition is described in detail with emphasis on selenomethionine as a storage form of Se in the body. Also, specific Se deficiency-related disorders in ruminants are described and the importance of Se in growth, development, immunity and reproduction is demonstrated. Molecular mechanisms of protective effects of Se under stressful conditions of commercial milk and meat production are characterized. This book will be of practical importance to dairy and beef producers, to nutritionists and vets as well as for animal scientists, students of agricultural colleges and universities. It will also be of interest for researchers in areas related to environmental sciences, food sciences, physiology, etc.

Minerals—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Minerals. The editors have built Minerals—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Minerals in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Minerals—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

Organoselenium shows incredible promise in medicine, particularly cancer therapy. This book discusses organoselenium chemistry and biology in the context of its therapeutic potential, taking the reader through synthetic techniques, bioactivity and therapeutic applications. Divided into three sections, the first section describes synthetic advances in bioactive selenium compounds, revealing how organoselenium compound toxicity, redox properties and specificity can be further tuned. The second section explains the biophysics and biochemistry of organoselenium compounds, as well as selenoproteins. The final section closes with several chapters devoted to therapeutic and medicinal applications of organoselenium compounds, covering radioprotectors, anticancer agents and antioxidant behaviour. With contributions from leading global experts, this book covers recent advances in the field and is an ideal reference for those researching organoselenium compounds.