Dietary Selenium Deprivation Oppositely Impacts Longevity and Healthspan in Telomere Dysfunctional Mice

    April 2017 in “ ˜The œFASEB journal ”
    Wen‐Hsing Cheng, Ryan T.Y. Wu, Lei Cao, Kenneth W. Witwer, Hsin‐Yi Lu
    TLDR Low selenium levels worsen health but increase lifespan in mice.
    The study investigated the effects of dietary selenium (Se) deprivation on telomere dysfunctional mice. Researchers found that Se deprivation delayed wound healing and accelerated age-related degeneration, including osteoporosis, grey hair, alopecia, cataracts, and hyperglycemia. Surprisingly, long-term Se deprivation promoted longevity. Plasma microRNA profiling indicated significant changes in metabolism due to Se deprivation. Additionally, Se deprivation accelerated declines in glucose tolerance, insulin production, and insulin sensitivity, and increased DNA damage and senescence in the pancreas. Selenotranscriptomic and metagenomic analyses highlighted key selenoproteins and gut bacteria involved in the response to Se deprivation. The findings suggested that low Se levels might act as a hormetic chemical, decoupling healthspan and longevity.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 120 results

    Similar Research

    5 / 748 results

      research Gray Hair: From Preventive to Treatment

      June 2025 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”
      The document explores the complex process of hair graying, which is primarily due to decreased melanin production from melanocyte stem cell (MSC) dysfunction. Factors such as genetic predispositions, oxidative stress, and environmental influences contribute to this process. Stress, through norepinephrine signaling, depletes MSCs, accelerating graying. Recent advancements in treatments focus on stimulating melanin production, using antioxidants, and exploring therapies like low-level laser therapy. Genetic studies highlight variations in hair pigmentation genes across populations, and nutritional deficiencies, particularly in copper and iron, are linked to premature hair graying. Emerging therapies include stem cell research and topical treatments, with ongoing research emphasizing personalized approaches to manage and potentially reverse gray hair.
      Aging and Anti-Aging in Hair and Hair Loss

      research Aging and Anti-Aging in Hair and Hair Loss

      1 citations, September 2013 in “Elsevier eBooks”
      Hair ages and thins due to factors like inflammation and stress, and treatments like antioxidants and hormones might improve hair health.