The Role of Selenium in Sepsis

Selenium is a key component of many important enzyme systems, including the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) family of enzymes. Glutathione peroxidases are primarily involved in repairing cell membranes damaged by lipid peroxidation caused by reactive oxygen species. The glutathione peroxidases may also have an anti-inflammatory role. Sepsis is known to cause a significant degree of oxidative stress. The selenium containing glutathione peroxidases play an important role in neutralizing the oxidative damage from sepsis. Selenium supplementation to patients with sepsis shows a potential to improve important outcomes such as mortality and organ dysfunction. However, larger more definitive trials are needed to define the optimal dosing and timing of supplementation.