Vascular System: Role of Selenium in Vascular Diseases

The trace element selenium is crucial for cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. Balanced selenium levels are important for the vascular system, whereas dysregulation can damage vascular reactivity. Reports have also supported the strong relationship between oxidative stress and vascular inflammation, which are induced by either the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or the lack of antioxidant defense proteins. The damage of vascular smooth muscle and endothelium layer are frequently linked to vascular disorders such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and atherosclerosis. Vascular diseases can result in life-threatening serious cardiovascular complications, such as blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Selenium levels are crucial for preventing vascular damage; however, either low or extremely high amounts of selenium intake may contribute to the pathophysiology of vascular disorders. Selenoproteins are proteins such as glutathione peroxidase containing selenium in the form of the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine. Selenoproteins have the capacity to protect vascular smooth muscle and endothelium by lowering harmful ROS, which allows them to regulate normal vascular functions including vasoreactivity. The current chapter’s goal was to carry out a thorough evaluation of the literature on the connection between selenium and vascular disorders.