Effect of oral administration of selenium on ferritin level and iron concentration in patients with beta thalassemia major

Abstract

Beta thalassemia major is a hematological disease caused by the absence of beta globin chains. Repeated blood transfusions in these patients lead to iron overload, and that is the primary reason for oxidative damage. Administration of iron chelating agents in combination with antioxidants is expected to demonstrate positive outcomes in the balance between oxidant and anti-oxidant status in patients with beta thalassemia major. Selenium, as an essential trace element within the body, plays a vital role in maintaining body homeostasis. Previous studies revealed that when taken as a supplement, selenium modifies oxidative interactions, resulting in removal of free radicals from the body. Objective: To investigate the effects of oral administration of selenium on ferritin level and iron concentration in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Method: In this randomized clinical trial, blood samples were collected from 34 thalassemic patients, admitted to Shahid Ghazi hospital, at baseline and one month after intervention. All 34 patients were supplemented with 200 micro grams of selenium daily for one month. Serum level of selenium was measured by atomic absorption method. Results: The findings of this study demonstrated that selenium supplementation in patients with thalassemia major reduced alanine amino transferase, an indicator of liver function, significantly (P-value=0.007), revealing hepato protective features of selenium. Moreover, patients’ severe hair loss has improved dramatically following selenium supplementation (P-value=0.004). Conclusion: No relationship was found between selenium administration and ferritin level nor serum iron concentration. However, selenium supplementation significantly reduced ALT level and to a lesser extent, AST level. This is attributable to hepato protective features of trace element selenium. In addition, severe hair loss, which was common in thalassemia patients, markedly improved. Yet, the effects of selenium supplementation on liver and hair profile still needs further investigation.