Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Selenium pp 157–173Cite as

Selenium and Thyroid Function

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Molecular and Integrative Toxicology ((MOLECUL))

Abstract

Selenium is an essential trace element embedded in several proteins. Most of the known selenoproteins are found in the thyroid gland and this is the organ with the highest amount of selenium per gram of tissue. Selenium levels in the body depend on the characteristics of the population and its diet, geographic area, and soil composition. In the thyroid, selenium is required for protection from oxidative damage and for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. The literature suggests that selenium intake is associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders and selenium supplementation in those patients is associated with a reduction in antithyroid antibody levels, improved thyroid ultrasound features, and improved quality of life. Selenium supplementation in Graves’ ophthalmopathy is associated with an improved quality of life, less eye involvement, and delayed orbitopathy progression. Supplementation with the organic form is more effective, and benefits in immunological mechanisms have been observed in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Toxicologic profile for selenium. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service; 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bahn RS. Graves’ ophthalmopathy. N Engl J Med. 2010;362(8):726–38.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baltaci AK, Dundar TK, Aksoy F, Mogulkoc R. Changes in the serum levels of trace elements before and after the operation in thyroid cancer patients. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2017;175(1):57–64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartalena L, Baldeschi L, Boboridis K, Eckstein A, Kahaly GJ, Marcocci C, Perros P, Salvi M, Wiersinga WM. The European Thyroid Association/European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy Guidelines for the Management of Graves’ Orbitopathy. Eur Thyroid J 2016. European Group on Graves O. 2016;5(1):9–26.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bonfig W, Gartner R, Schmidt H. Selenium supplementation does not decrease thyroid peroxidase antibody concentration in children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis. ScientificWorldJournal. 2010;10:990–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Calissendorff J, Mikulski E, Larsen EH, Moller M. A prospective investigation of Graves' disease and selenium (Se): thyroid hormones, auto-antibodies and self-rated symptoms. Eur Thyroid J. 2015;4(2):93–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen YC, Prabhu KS, Mastro AM. Is selenium a potential treatment for cancer metastasis? Nutrients. 2013;5(4):1149–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Derumeaux H, Valeix P, Castetbon K, Bensimon M, Boutron-Ruault MC, Arnaud J, Hercberg S. Association of selenium with thyroid volume and echostructure in 35- to 60-year-old French adults. Eur J Endocrinol. 2003;148(3):309–15.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dharmasena A. Selenium supplementation in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy: an update. Int J Ophthalmol. 2014;7(2):365–75.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Dickson RC, Tomlinson RH. Selenium in blood and human tissues. Clin Chim Acta. 1967;16(2):311–21.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Duntas LH, Benvenga S. Selenium (Se): an element for life. Endocrine. 2015;48(3):756–75.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Duntas LH, Mantzou E, Koutras DA. Effects of a six month treatment with selenomethionine in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Eur J Endocrinol. 2003;148(4):389–93.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eskes SA, Endert E, Fliers E, Birnie E, Hollenbach B, Schomburg L, Kohrle J, Wiersinga WM. Selenite supplementation in euthyroid subjects with thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Clin Endocrinol. 2014;80(3):444–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Esposito D, Rotondi M, Accardo G, Vallone G, Conzo G, Docimo G, Selvaggi F, Cappelli C, Chiovato L, Giugliano D, Pasquali D. Influence of short-term selenium supplementation on the natural course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis: clinical results of a blinded placebo-controlled randomized prospective trial. J Endocrinol Investig. 2017;40(1):83–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gärtner R, Gasnier BC. Selenium in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis. Biofactors. 2003;19(3–4):165–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gärtner R, Gasnier BC, Dietrich JW, Krebs B, Angstwurm MW. Selenium supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis decreases thyroid peroxidase antibodies concentrations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002;87(4):1687–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goyens P, Golstein J, Nsombola B, Vis H, Dumont JE. Selenium deficiency as a possible factor in the pathogenesis of myxoedematous endemic cretinism. Acta Endocrinol. 1987;114(4):497–502.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hill KE, Wu S, Motley AK, Stevenson TD, Winfrey VP, Capecchi MR, Atkins JF, Burk RF. Production of selenoprotein P (Sepp1) by hepatocytes is central to selenium homeostasis. J Biol Chem. 2012;287(48):40414–24.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jonklaas J, Danielsen M, Wang H. A pilot study of serum selenium, vitamin D, and thyrotropin concentrations in patients with thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2013;23(9):1079–86.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kahaly GJ, Riedl M, Konig J, Diana T, Schomburg L. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of selenium in Graves hyperthyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(11):4333–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karanikas G, Schuetz M, Kontur S, Duan H, Kommata S, Schoen R, Antoni A, Kletter K, Dudczak R, Willheim M. No immunological benefit of selenium in consecutive patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Thyroid. 2008;18(1):7–12.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kohrle J. Thyrotropin (TSH) action on thyroid hormone deiodination and secretion: one aspect of thyrotropin regulation of thyroid cell biology. Horm Metab Res Suppl. 1990;23:18–28.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kohrle J, Jakob F, Contempre B, Dumont JE. Selenium, the thyroid, and the endocrine system. Endocr Rev. 2005;26(7):944–84.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leo M, Bartalena L, Rotondo Dottore G, Piantanida E, Premoli P, Ionni I, Di Cera M, Masiello E, Sassi L, Tanda ML, et al. Effects of selenium on short-term control of hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease treated with methimazole: results of a randomized clinical trial. J Endocrinol Investig. 2017;40(3):281–7.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mao J, Pop VJ, Bath SC, Vader HL, Redman CW, Rayman MP. Effect of low-dose selenium on thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid function in UK pregnant women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(1):55–61.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marcocci C, Kahaly GJ, Krassas GE, Bartalena L, Prummel M, Stahl M, Altea MA, Nardi M, Pitz S, Boboridis K, et al. Selenium and the course of mild Graves’ orbitopathy. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(20):1920–31.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mazokopakis EE, Papadakis JA, Papadomanolaki MG, Batistakis AG, Giannakopoulos TG, Protopapadakis EE, Ganotakis ES. Effects of 12 months treatment with L-selenomethionine on serum anti-TPO Levels in Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Thyroid. 2007;17(7):609–12.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Metere A, Frezzotti F, Graves CE, Vergine M, De Luca A, Pietraforte D, Giacomelli L. A possible role for selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and thioredoxin reductases (TrxR1) in thyroid cancer: our experience in thyroid surgery. Cancer Cell Int. 2018;18:7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nacamulli D, Mian C, Petricca D, Lazzarotto F, Barollo S, Pozza D, Masiero S, Faggian D, Plebani M, Girelli ME, et al. Influence of physiological dietary selenium supplementation on the natural course of autoimmune thyroiditis. Clin Endocrinol. 2010;73(4):535–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Negro R. Selenium and thyroid autoimmunity. Biologics. 2008;2(2):265–73.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Negro R, Greco G, Mangieri T, Pezzarossa A, Dazzi D, Hassan H. The influence of selenium supplementation on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92(4):1263–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Patrick L. Selenium biochemistry and cancer: a review of the literature. Altern Med Rev. 2004;9(3):239–58.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rasmussen LB, Schomburg L, Kohrle J, Pedersen IB, Hollenbach B, Hog A, Ovesen L, Perrild H, Laurberg P. Selenium status, thyroid volume, and multiple nodule formation in an area with mild iodine deficiency. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011;164(4):585–90.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rayman MP. Selenium and human health. Lancet. 2012;379(9822):1256–68.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rotondo Dottore G, Leo M, Casini G, Latrofa F, Cestari L, Sellari-Franceschini S, Nardi M, Vitti P, Marcocci C, Marino M. Antioxidant actions of selenium in orbital fibroblasts: a basis for the effects of selenium in Graves' orbitopathy. Thyroid. 2017;27(2):271–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Santos LR, Duraes C, Mendes A, Prazeres H, Alvelos MI, Moreira CS, Canedo P, Esteves C, Neves C, Carvalho D, et al. A polymorphism in the promoter region of the selenoprotein S gene (SEPS1) contributes to Hashimoto's thyroiditis susceptibility. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(4):E719–23.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saranac L, Zivanovic S, Bjelakovic B, Stamenkovic H, Novak M, Kamenov B. Why is the thyroid so prone to autoimmune disease? Horm Res Paediatr. 2011;75(3):157–65.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schomburg L. Selenium, selenoproteins and the thyroid gland: interactions in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2011;8(3):160–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schomburg L, Kohrle J. On the importance of selenium and iodine metabolism for thyroid hormone biosynthesis and human health. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008;52(11):1235–46.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schomburg L, Riese C, Michaelis M, Griebert E, Klein MO, Sapin R, Schweizer U, Kohrle J. Synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones is preferentially maintained in selenium-deficient transgenic mice. Endocrinology. 2006;147(3):1306–13.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schweizer U, Streckfuss F, Pelt P, Carlson BA, Hatfield DL, Kohrle J, Schomburg L. Hepatically derived selenoprotein P is a key factor for kidney but not for brain selenium supply. Biochem J. 2005;386(Pt 2):221–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen F, Cai WS, Li JL, Feng Z, Cao J, Xu B. The association between serum levels of selenium, copper, and magnesium with thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2015;167(2):225–35.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thiry C, Ruttens A, Pussemier L, Schneider YJ. An in vitro investigation of species-dependent intestinal transport of selenium and the impact of this process on selenium bioavailability. Br J Nutr. 2013;109(12):2126–34.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Turker O, Kumanlioglu K, Karapolat I, Dogan I. Selenium treatment in autoimmune thyroiditis: 9-month follow-up with variable doses. J Endocrinol. 2006;190(1):151–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ventura M, Melo M, Carrilho F. Selenium and thyroid disease: from pathophysiology to treatment. Int J Endocrinol. 2017;2017:1297658.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vrca VB, Skreb F, Cepelak I, Romic Z, Mayer L. Supplementation with antioxidants in the treatment of Graves' disease; the effect on glutathione peroxidase activity and concentration of selenium. Clin Chim Acta. 2004;341(1–2):55–63.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang L, Wang B, Chen SR, Hou X, Wang XF, Zhao SH, Song JQ, Wang YG. Effect of selenium supplementation on recurrent hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease: a prospective pilot study. Horm Metab Res. 2016;48(9):559–64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Watt T, Cramon P, Bjorner JB, Bonnema SJ, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Gluud C, Gram J, Hansen JL, Hegedus L, Knudsen N, et al. Selenium supplementation for patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism (the GRASS trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2013;14:119.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Winther KH, Watt T, Bjorner JB, Cramon P, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Gluud C, Gram J, Groenvold M, Hegedus L, Knudsen N, et al. The chronic autoimmune thyroiditis quality of life selenium trial (CATALYST): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2014;15:115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu Q, Rayman MP, Lv H, Schomburg L, Cui B, Gao C, Chen P, Zhuang G, Zhang Z, Peng X, et al. Low population selenium status is associated with increased prevalence of thyroid disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(11):4037–47.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Young O, Crotty T, O’Connell R, O’Sullivan J, Curran AJ. Levels of oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation in thyroid neoplasia. Head Neck. 2010;32(6):750–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    Mara Ventura, Miguel Melo & Francisco Carrilho

  2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    Miguel Melo

  3. Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Porto, Portugal

    Miguel Melo

  4. Institute of Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Miguel Melo

Authors
  1. Mara Ventura
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Miguel Melo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Francisco Carrilho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Research Unit: Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany

    Bernhard Michalke

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Ventura, M., Melo, M., Carrilho, F. (2018). Selenium and Thyroid Function. In: Michalke, B. (eds) Selenium. Molecular and Integrative Toxicology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95390-8_8

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation