Abstract
Selenium is an important trace element for human health. Previous studies have raised concern that dietary selenium intake may change energy metabolism. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of energy status that controls cellular energy homeostasis. We aimed to determine the effect of selenium on the phosphorylation of AMPK pathway between Se-deficient and normal Sprague–Dawley rats. Twenty-four weaning rats were fed either a Se-deficient diet (0.02 mg Se/kg) or a standard diet (0.18 mg Se/kg). After 109 days, total serum levels of non-esterified fatty acid and total amino acids were significantly higher and the serum insulin concentration was significantly lower in Se-deficient rats than in healthy controls. Selenium concentration and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in myocardial tissue were significantly lower in Se-deficient rats. Importantly, mRNA levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase beta (ACACB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), and protein levels of p-AMPKα were increased in the Se-deficient group compared to normal controls (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that selenium deficiency induces changes in metabolic and molecular parameters involved in energy metabolism in the AMPK pathway.
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This work was supported by the National Natural Scientific Foundation of China (81273008).
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He, S., Guo, X., Tan, W. et al. Effect of Selenium Deficiency on Phosphorylation of the AMPK Pathway in Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 169, 254–260 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-015-0427-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-015-0427-z