Interaction between mercury and selenium has previously been observed both in man and in animals. The aim of this work was to study expressions of interaction between mercury and selenium in human K-562 cells. Inorganic and organic forms of mercury and selenium were used and cells were either pre-treated with selenium or simultaneously exposed to selenium and mercury. Concentrations of selenium and mercury chosen were indicated by a study of growth inhibition in the individual compounds: a low concentration of selenium and selenomethionine induced slight cell growth inhibition, while a high concentration resulted in a notable growth inhibition. Two mercury concentrations were chosen: one with minimal toxicity and another with high cell toxicity. In addition, uptake and retention patterns of selenomethionine and selenite differed in both selenocompounds. All simultaneous treatments with 3.5 μM methylmercury produced a reduction in cellular mercury with increased selenium concentration. This was particularly obvious in selenite treatments. Growth curves from the simultaneous 3.5 μM methylmercury and selenite treatments indicated protection with increased selenite concentrations. In both exposure protocols, the 5 μM methylmercury treatments were toxic to the cells. In both study protocols, cells exposed to selenite and mercuric chloride manifested increased cellular mercury uptake with increased selenium concentration. In all selenite and 35 μM mercuric chloride treatments, no inhibition of growth was observed, while the 50 μM mercuric chloride treatments were toxic to the cells. Selenite-dependent protection was achieved in both exposure protocols when considering the cellular uptake of mercury. With few exceptions, selenomethionine produced similar effects as selenite on mercuric chloride uptake and growth inhibition.

Selenium (Se) is known to cause chronic toxicity in aquatic species. In particular, dietary exposure of fish to selenomethionine (SeMet), the primary form of Se in the diet, is of concern. Previous studies reported that chronic exposure to elevated dietary SeMet altered swimming performance, aerobic metabolism, and energy and endocrine homeostasis in adult fish. However, little is known about the direct effects of dietary SeMet exposure in juvenile fish. Therefore, the overall objective of this thesis was to investigate sublethal pathophysiological effects of subchronic dietary SeMet exposure in two juvenile fish species, fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In the first experiment, 20 days post hatch (dph) juvenile fathead minnow were exposed to different measured concentrations (2.8, 5.4, 9.9, 26.5 µg Se/g dry mass [dm]) of Se in food in the form of SeMet for 60 days. In the second experiment, 14 dph juvenile rainbow trout were exposed for 37 days to different measured concentrations (1.0, 4.1, 11.2, 26.1 µg Se/g dm) of Se in food in the form of SeMet. Following exposure, samples were collected for Se analysis and fish were subjected to a swimming performance challenge to assess critical swim speed (Ucrit), tail beat frequency and tail beat amplitude, oxygen consumption (MO2), cost of transport (COT), standard metabolic rate (SMR), active metabolic rate (AMR), and factorial aerobic scope (F-AS). Dietary SeMet exposure impaired swimming ability in both fathead minnow and rainbow trout. Juvenile fathead minnow showed alterations in aerobic metabolism with increased MO2, COT and AMR at the 9.9 and 26.5 µg Se/g diets, while dietary SeMet exposure did not appear to affect aerobic metabolism in juvenile rainbow trout. After swim performance experiments, swam fish were considered fatigued and metabolic and energy storage endpoints were compared to non-swam (non-fatigued) fish. Energy storage capacity was measured via whole body (fathead minnow) and liver and muscle (rainbow trout) triglyceride and glycogen concentrations. For fathead minnow, triglyceride concentrations in non-swam fish were significantly elevated in the 5.4 µg Se/g group relative to controls, and swam fish had significantly lower whole body triglycerides than non-swam fish. All non-swam SeMet exposure groups had significantly decreased whole body glycogen concentrations compared to controls while the 5.4 and 26.5 µg Se/g exposure groups had significantly greater whole body glycogen concentrations in swam versus non-swam fish. In juvenile rainbow trout, liver triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower in all SeMet exposed groups compared to controls in non-swam fish. Swimming decreased liver and muscle triglycerides in the control and 11.2 µg Se/g treatment groups. Liver glycogen concentrations were greater in swam trout in the 4.1 µg Se/g dm exposure group. Muscle glycogen concentrations in non-swam fish, were significantly decreased in the 4.1 and 11.2 µg Se/g exposed groups compared to controls, while muscle glycogen in swam fish was unaffected by dietary SeMet exposure. For the swim status factor, muscle glycogen concentrations were significantly greater in swam versus non-swam trout in all treatment groups. Therefore, dietary SeMet exposure caused impaired swimming performance and metabolic alterations in both juvenile fathead minnow and juvenile rainbow trout. Species differences were apparent, especially in the patterns of altered energy status between swam and non-swam fish exposed to Se. Overall, the pathophysiological implications of these sublethal effects are unclear, but suggest that dietary SeMet exposure may negatively influence juvenile fish survivability in natural habitats.

Tyrimų problema: vitaminas E ir selenas yra plačiai naudojami maisto papildai gerinant žmonių sveikatingumą. Tarpusavyje šie elementai pasižymi stipriu sinergetiniu veikimu. Vitamino E ir seleno transferacijos laipsnis iš lesalų į paukštieną yra sąlygojamas daugelio faktorių, kaip seleno ir vitamino E formų bei kiekių, sąveikos su kitais mikroelementais bei organinėmis rūgštimis, fitobiotikais, sintetiniais antioksidantais, lesalų gamybos technologinių procesų, paukščių auginimo sąlygų, jų imuniteto ir kt.. Todėl magistrinio darbo tikslas yra ištirti skirtingų vitamino E kiekių, naudojant selenitą ir selenometioniną, įtaką viščiukų broilerių produktyvumui, fiziologinei būklei bei paukštienos kokybei. Uždaviniai: 1.Nustatyti skirtingo vitamino E ir skirtingų koncentracijų seleno bei seleno formų įtaką viščiukų broilerių augimo intensyvumui, lesalų konversijai bei išsaugojimui. 2.Nustatyti skirtingo vitamino E ir skirtingų koncentracijų seleno bei seleno formų įtaką viščiukų broilerių fiziologinei būklei. 3.Nustatyti skirtingo vitamino E ir skirtingų koncentracijų seleno bei seleno formų įtaką viščiukų broilerių mėsos kokybei. Svarbiausios išvados: 1.Naudojant organinį seleną 0,3 mg/kg ir vitaminą E 70 mg/kg tiriamųjų viščiukų broilerių masė padidėjo 5,2% (p<0,05), lesalų konversija pagerėjo 5,2% ir viščiukų išsaugojimas padidėjo 4% palyginus su kontroline grupe. 2.Analizuojant tiriamosios grupės viščiukų broilerių kraujo rodiklius nustatėme, kad esminių skirtumų tarp... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The issue of investigation: vitamin E and selenium transferacion degree of feed to poultry is caused by many factors such as selenium and vitamin E forms and levels of interaction with other microelements, organic acids, phytobiotics, synthetic antioxidants, feed manufacturing processes, chicken broilers growing conditions, their immunity, etc.. Therefore, the aim of the Master is to investigate the different levels of vitamin E, using selenite and selenomethionine, on chicken broilers productivity, physiological condition and poultry quality. The tasks of the work: 1. To determine different vitamin E and selenium concentrations and different forms of selenium influence for chicken broilers growth rate, feed conversion and surviving. 2. To determine different vitamin E and selenium concentrations and different forms of selenium influence for chicken broilers physiological conditions. 3. To determine different vitamin E and selenium concentrations and different forms of selenium influence for chicken broilers meat quality. The most important conclusions: 1. When organic selenium 0.3 mg/kg and vitamin E 70 mg/kg was used, the weight of experimental broiler group increased 5.2% (p <0.05), feed conversion improved 5.2%, chicken surviving increased 4% in comparison with the control group. 2. The analysis of the blood parameters in a experimental group of chicken broilers showed that there wasn’t any substantial differences in cholesterol, HDL and LDL. However, the experimental... [to full text]

A nutrição para matrizes de frangos de corte tem como objetivo maximizar a produção de ovos e a qualidade da progênie subsequente e é considerada essencial para a melhora da produção e qualidade dos ovos. Os nutrientes transferidos para os ovos são importantes para o crescimento e desenvolvimento fisiológico do embrião. O organismo animal sofre constantemente ação do estresse oxidativo e o selênio (Se) é considerado um eficiente antioxidante natural que é essencial para matrizes de frangos de corte. Este estudo foi conduzido com matrizes de frango de corte alimentadas com duas fontes de Se (selenometionina - orgânica e selenito de sódio - inorgânico) para avaliar o seu desempenho produtivo, as características reprodutivas, a concentração de Se no ovo bem como o desempenho e rendimento de carcaça da progênie subsequente. Foram utilizadas 216 matrizes AP95 Aviagen de 55 a 65 semanas de idade, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos e 27 repetições de quatro aves cada. Para o experimento com a progênie, foram utilizados 520 pintinhos mistos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em um fatorial 2 x 2 (duas fontes de Se da dieta das matrizes e duas fontes de Se para dietas de frangos de corte - selenito de sódio e selenometionina) com quatro tratamentos, 13 repetições de 10 aves cada. As matrizes alimentadas com Se orgânico melhoraram a produção de ovos em comparação com o Se inorgânico (p = 0,038; p = 0,044). A concentração do Se no ovo e na clara foi maior para Se orgânico em comparação com o inorgânico (p &lt;0,001; p &lt;0,001). As taxas de fertilidade, bem como mortalidade embrionária, não sofreram efeito significativo ao se comparar as duas fontes. Não foram observadas diferenças entre a altura de albúmen, unidade Haugh e espessura da casca para a qualidade do ovo. O peso do ovo e coloração da gema foram estatisticamente diferentes (p=0,001; p=0,026) para fonte inorgânica comprada com a orgânica. A resistência a quebra do ovo foi melhor estatisticamente (p=0,007) para fonte orgânica. Não foram observadas interações entre a dieta da progênie e a dieta materna para nenhum dos critérios avaliados. Não foram observados efeitos da dieta materna, assim como da dieta da progênie sobre o consumo de ração, ganho de peso corporal e rendimento de carcaça e cortes. No entanto, a taxa de conversão alimentar foi melhor (p = 0,017) em frangos de corte provenientes de matrizes alimentadas com selenometiona. Assim, a selenometionina melhorou a produção e qualidade de ovos e propiciou maior transferência de Se para o ovo, principalmente na clara. Além disso, melhorou a conversão alimentar da progênie, devido a sua melhor biodisponibilidade. / The nutrition for broiler breeders has the objective of maximizing egg production and the quality of subsequent progeny. It is essential to improve the egg production and egg quality. The nutrients transferred to the eggs are important for growth and physiological development embryo. The animal organism is constantly suffering by oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) is considered an efficient natural antioxidant and has shown to be essential for broiler breeders. This trial was conducted using broiler breeders fed with two different sources of Se (organic - selenomethionine and inorganic - sodium selenite) to determinate performance, reproductive characteristics, Se concentration in egg as well as performance and carcass yield of the subsequent progeny. It was used 216 AP95 Aviagen broiler breeders, from 55 to 65 weeks of age, in completely randomized design with two treatments and 27 replications of four birds each. For subsequent progeny, it was used 520 straght-run chicks in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial (two sources of Se for broiler breeders diets and two sources of Se for broilers diets- sodium selenite and selenomethionine) with four treatments and 13 replications of 10 birds each. Broiler breeders fed with organic Se had improved egg production in comparison to inorganic Se (p=0.038; p=0.044). Se concentration in whole egg and white egg were higher for organic Se in comparison to inorganic Se (p&lt;0.001; p&lt;0.001). The fertility and embryonic mortality were not significant between Se sources. No difference were observed to albumin height, Haugh unit and shell thickness for egg quality. The egg weight and yolk color were statistically different (p = 0.001; p = 0.026) for inorganic source compering to organic. The egg breaking was statistically better (p=0.007) for organic source. For progeny, no interactions between broiler diet and the maternal diet were observed for any of the criteria measured. No effect of maternal diet as well as broiler diet differences were observed on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass yield and cuts. However, feed conversion ratio was improved (p=0,017) in broiler from breeders fed selenomethione. Thus, selenomethionine has improved the egg production and quality, and has been transferred to the egg mainly in the egg white. Also, selenomethionine has improved feed conversion ratio because has a higher bioavailability.

Tout au long de la chaîne alimentaire, des moisissures peuvent se développer et produire des mycotoxines. Ce sont des composés toxiques naturels issus du métabolisme secondaire des moisissures, susceptibles de contaminer l'alimentation animale et humaine, provoquant de nombreuses pathologies (hépatotoxicité, néphrotoxicité, neurotoxicité, mutagénicité, tératogénicité, cancérogénicité,…). La première étape de ce travail était d'évaluer la présence simultanée de l'ochratoxine A (OTA), de la citrinine (CIT), des aflatoxines (AFs), de la zéaralénone (ZEA), de la fumonisine (FB) et des trichothécènes dans des aliments destinés aux humaines (céréales, lait, café, jambon) et aux animaux (croquettes de chat et chien, foins). En général plusieurs mycotoxines coexistaient. Certains échantillons pour les humains dépassaient les limites autorisées en mycotoxines dans l'Union Européenne. Suite à l'étude de simulation d'apport en mycotoxines dans une ration quotidienne, nous avons constaté que les doses journalières admissibles (DJA) peuvent être dépassées. La deuxième phase consistait à étudier l'impact des mycotoxines seules ou en combinaison sur la viabilité cellulaire et la génotoxicité sur des modèles cellulaires (cellules rénales d'opossum (OK), cellules rénales humaines (HK2), cellules humaines de glandes mammaires (MCF7)) et chez des animaux (porc, rat). Nous avons montré que la CIT, la FB1 et la ZEA agissent en synergie sur la génotoxicité de l'OTA. Chez les animaux, nous avons montré qu'à des doses (5 ng d'OTA/kg poids corporel/ jour et de 200ng FB1/kg pc/j) correspondantes aux DJA, il y avait des effets génotoxiques (formation d'adduits à l'ADN). Nous avons mis en évidence l'implication des mycotoxines dans l'alimentation animale sur la baisse de fertilité et la tératogénicité chez les chats, ainsi que sur la mort des chevaux. Au cours de la troisième partie de cette étude, nous avons testé sur des cultures cellulaires (HK2 et MCF7) et in vivo (poulet) l'effet protecteur du glutathion (GSH) et de la sélénométhionine (SeMet) contre l'OTA responsable de cancers de voie urinaire et la ZEA responsable de baisse de fertilité. Le GSH est un puisant antioxydant et le sélénium est un oligoélément indispensable qui intervient comme co-facteur de nombreuses enzymes ayant des propriétés antioxydantes, comme les glutathion peroxydases. D'une manière générale, au niveau des cellules rénales, le GSH seul et la levure correspondante ont un effet bénéfique vis-à-vis de la génotoxicité de l'OTA ; par contre la sélénométhionine et la levure séléniée augmentent la génotoxicité de l'OTA et de la ZEA. Dans les cellules des glandes mammaires, il y a une nette amélioration vis-à-vis de la génotoxicité des deux mycotoxines lorsque les cellules sont exposées à une seule mycotoxine simultanément au GSH, à la sélénométhionine et aux levures enrichies. Chez les poulets, la diminution de la génotoxicité n'est pas exclusivement corrélée à la capacité des parois de levure ou des levures à adsorber l'OTA. Ces dérivés de levure ont gardé la propriété de partiellement métaboliser l'OTA dans l'intestin. Les parois de levures et les levures enrichies en GSH ont un meilleur pouvoir protecteur que celles enrichies en SeMet / Throughout the food chain, mold can grow and produce mycotoxins. These are toxic compounds "natural" from the secondary metabolism of molds that may contaminate the feed and food, causing many diseases (hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, ...). The first stage of this work was to assess the level of multi-contamination by mycotoxins (OTA, CIT, Afs, ZEA, FB, DON) in food (cereals, milk, coffee, ham) and feed (pet food). Some samples analyzed exceeded the limits of mycotoxins in the European Union. Through the simulation study of mycotoxin intake in a daily diet, we found that the acceptable daily intake (ADI) may be exceeded. The second phase was to study the impact of mycotoxins alone or in combination on cell proliferation, genotoxicity in cellular models (OK, HK2, and MCF7) and animal (pig, rat). We have demonstrated genotoxic effects (formation of DNA adducts) at doses (5 ng OTA / kg bw / day and 200 ng FB1/kg bw / day) considered safe (ADI). We have shown that the CIT, FB1 and ZEA act synergistically on the genotoxicity of OTA. We pointed to the involvement of mycotoxins in animal feed on declining fertility and teratogenicity in cats, as well as the death of horses. In the third part of this study, we tested in cell cultures (HK2 and MCF7) and in vivo (chicken) the protective effect of glutathione (GSH) and selenomethionine (SeMet) against OTA responsible for urinary tract cancers and ZEA reducing fertility. GSH is considered as a potent antioxidant and selenium is a trace essential element that acts as a cofactor of enzymes such glutathione peroxidase. In summary, in kidney cells, GSH and GSH enriched yeast decrease OTA genotoxicity whereas SeMet and SeMet enriched yeast increase genotoxicity of OTA and ZEA. In mammary cells, whatever the compounds gentoxicty of OTA and ZEA significantly decrease. Decrease of OTA genotoxicity in chicken kidney cannot be exclusively explained by adsorption of OTA on yeast by products. The yeast products retain their ability to metabolize the OTA. GSH enriched yeast and yeast cell wells are more efficient than SeMet enriched yeast

O experimento foi conduzido na FZEA/USP com objetivo de comparar a utilização de fontes orgânicas de selênio (Se) com o selenito de sódio na dieta de cordeiros, pela análise da concentração de Se nos tecidos, da atividade da enzima glutationa peroxidase no fígado, do balanço metabólico e do cálculo da biodisponibilidade. Foram utilizados 40 cordeiros Suffolk, os quais foram submetidos a três fontes e três níveis de Se suplementar por 84 dias. Os tratamentos foram: tratamento 1: sem suplementação; tratamentos 2, 3 e 4: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de selenito de sódio; tratamentos 5, 6 e 7: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de Se-levedura; tratamentos 8, 9 e 10: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de Se-metionina. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue para dosagem sérica de Se e ao final do experimento, os animais foram abatidos para colheita de amostras de fígado, músculo e rim, para determinação dos teores de Se e da atividade da glutationa peroxidase (fígado). Nos últimos cinco dias de experimento foi realizado um balanço metabólico de Se. A biodisponibilidade foi calculada através da técnica “slope ratio", utilizando como parâmetros a concentração de selênio no fígado, músculo, rim e a atividade da glutationa peroxidase. Não houve efeito da fonte de Se utilizada na ingestão, absorção aparente e retenção de Se, atividade da glutationa peroxidase e nas concentrações de selênio no fígado, rim e soro; porém, as concentrações de selênio no músculo foram maiores nos animais suplementados com fontes orgânicas do que nos outros animais (P<0,0001). A biodisponibilidade de Se no músculo foi maior quando foram utilizadas fontes orgânicas de selênio. O uso de fontes orgânicas de Se promove maior acúmulo de Se no músculo de cordeiros e promoveria maior ingestão de Se por consumidores de carne ovina. / This research was carried out at FZEA/USP to compare the utilization of organic selenium (Se) sources to sodium selenite in lambs’ diet, through analyses of tissues Se concentrations, liver glutathione peroxidase activity, metabolic balance of Se and bioavailability assay. Forty Suffolk lambs were used and submitted to three sources and three levels of supplementary Se for 84 days. Treatments were: treatment 1: no supplement; treatments 2, 3 and 4: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary sodium selenite-selenium; treatments 5, 6 and 7: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary selenoyeast-selenium; treatments 8, 9 and 10: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary selenomethionine-selenium. Blood samples were taken to Se serum dosage and in the end of the experiment the animals were killed and samples of liver, muscle and kidney were taken to Se concentrations dosage and glutathione peroxidase activity (liver). In the last five days of the experiment, a Se metabolic balance was realized. Bioavailability was calculated by “Slope Ration Assay", using liver, muscle and kidney Se concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity as parameters. Se sources did not affect Se intake, apparent absorption and retention, glutathione peroxidase activity and Se concentrations in liver, kidney and serum; however, selenium concentrations in muscle of animals supplied with organic sources were higher than in other animals (P<0.0001). Se bioavailability in muscle was higher when organic Se sources were used. Using organic Se sources provides higher accumulation of Se in lambs’ muscle which would provide higher Se intake to consumers of sheep meat.

O experimento foi conduzido na FZEA/USP com objetivo de comparar a utilização de fontes orgânicas de selênio (Se) com o selenito de sódio na dieta de cordeiros, pela análise da concentração de Se nos tecidos, da atividade da enzima glutationa peroxidase no fígado, do balanço metabólico e do cálculo da biodisponibilidade. Foram utilizados 40 cordeiros Suffolk, os quais foram submetidos a três fontes e três níveis de Se suplementar por 84 dias. Os tratamentos foram: tratamento 1: sem suplementação; tratamentos 2, 3 e 4: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de selenito de sódio; tratamentos 5, 6 e 7: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de Se-levedura; tratamentos 8, 9 e 10: 0,2; 0,8 e 1,4 mg/kg de Se suplementar na forma de Se-metionina. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue para dosagem sérica de Se e ao final do experimento, os animais foram abatidos para colheita de amostras de fígado, músculo e rim, para determinação dos teores de Se e da atividade da glutationa peroxidase (fígado). Nos últimos cinco dias de experimento foi realizado um balanço metabólico de Se. A biodisponibilidade foi calculada através da técnica “slope ratio”, utilizando como parâmetros a concentração de selênio no fígado, músculo, rim e a atividade da glutationa peroxidase. Não houve efeito da fonte de Se utilizada na ingestão, absorção aparente e retenção de Se, atividade da glutationa peroxidase e nas concentrações de selênio no fígado, rim e soro; porém, as concentrações de selênio no músculo foram maiores nos animais suplementados com fontes orgânicas do que nos outros animais (P<0,0001). A biodisponibilidade de Se no músculo foi maior quando foram utilizadas fontes orgânicas de selênio. O uso de fontes orgânicas de Se promove maior acúmulo de Se no músculo de cordeiros e promoveria maior ingestão de Se por consumidores de carne ovina. / This research was carried out at FZEA/USP to compare the utilization of organic selenium (Se) sources to sodium selenite in lambs’ diet, through analyses of tissues Se concentrations, liver glutathione peroxidase activity, metabolic balance of Se and bioavailability assay. Forty Suffolk lambs were used and submitted to three sources and three levels of supplementary Se for 84 days. Treatments were: treatment 1: no supplement; treatments 2, 3 and 4: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary sodium selenite-selenium; treatments 5, 6 and 7: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary selenoyeast-selenium; treatments 8, 9 and 10: 0.2, 0.8 and 1.4 mg/kg of supplementary selenomethionine-selenium. Blood samples were taken to Se serum dosage and in the end of the experiment the animals were killed and samples of liver, muscle and kidney were taken to Se concentrations dosage and glutathione peroxidase activity (liver). In the last five days of the experiment, a Se metabolic balance was realized. Bioavailability was calculated by “Slope Ration Assay”, using liver, muscle and kidney Se concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity as parameters. Se sources did not affect Se intake, apparent absorption and retention, glutathione peroxidase activity and Se concentrations in liver, kidney and serum; however, selenium concentrations in muscle of animals supplied with organic sources were higher than in other animals (P<0.0001). Se bioavailability in muscle was higher when organic Se sources were used. Using organic Se sources provides higher accumulation of Se in lambs’ muscle which would provide higher Se intake to consumers of sheep meat.

[pt] O consumo de suplementos alimentares tem apresentado um aumento significativo nos últimos anos principalmente pelo grande apelo desse produto em relação a complementação da dieta com elementos essenciais e a melhora e manutenção da saúde. A combinação do crescente consumo e o livre acesso a esse produto, aliado a ausência de fiscalização por parte dos órgãos governamentais torna seu consumo descontrolado, um potencial risco a saúde da população. Nesse cenário o desenvolvimento de métodos analíticos destinados ao controle de qualidade incluindo a determinação da concentração de selênio total e de suas espécies torna-se uma necessidade. Para isso, foram desenvolvidas metodologias para a quantificação de selênio total por ICP-MS e suas espécies inorgânicas (Se IV e Se VI) e selenometionina por HPLC-ICP-MS em amostras de suplementos alimentares enriquecidos em selênio e em amostra de levedura enriquecida isotopicamente em 78Se. A metodologia para determinação de selênio total, utilizando diferentes gases de reação, foi otimizada empregando planejamento experimental e os limites de detecção encontrados foram entre 0,01 mg kg(-1) (CH4) e 0,1 mg kg(-1) (NH3) e a concordância com o MRC Selm-1 de entre 99 por cento (NH3) e 104 por cento (CH4). Os resultados encontrados referentes à concentração de selênio nas amostras de suplementos alimentares apresentaram uma discrepância em relação ao valor informado no rótulo entre -29 por cento e +170 por cento e, de maneira complementar, o acoplamento do HPLC ao ICP-MS permitiu realizar a especiação de selênio nas amostras de suplemento alimentar. O emprego das técnicas ICP-MS, HPLC-ICP-MS e ESI-MS possibilitou a caracterização de uma amostra de levedura enriquecida isotopicamente em 78Se em termos de sua distribuição isotópica, concentração de selênio total e selenometionina bem como proteínas com peso molecular de aproximadamente 12 kDa. / [en] The consumption of dietary supplements has a significant increase in recent years mainly for a great appeal of this product in relation to a complementation of the diet with essential elements and an improvement and maintenance of health. The combination of increased consumption and free access to this product, associated to the lack in the inspection by government, makes their consumption uncontrolled and a potential risk to the citizen health. In this scenario the development of analytical methods for quality control, including a determination of the total selenium concentration and its species becomes a primordial necessity. For this, methodologies were developed for quantification of total selenium by ICP-MS and its inorganic species (Se IV and Se VI) and selenomethionine by HPLC-ICP-MS in samples of selenium-based food supplements and in isotopically enriched yeast sample in 78Se. The methodology for total selenium determination was optimized by experimental design and the limits of detection were in the range of 0.01 mg kg(-1) (CH4) and 0.1 mg kg(-1) (NH3) and the agreement with the CRM Selm-1 were between 99 percent (NH3) and 104 percent (CH4). The results found for selenium content in the food supplements samples presented a discrepancy in relation to the labeled value between -29 percent and + 170 percent and, complementarily, coupling of HPLC to ICP-MS allowed an speciation analysis in the food supplements samples. The use of the ICP-MS, HPLC-ICP-MS and ESI-MS techniques enabled a characterization of a 78Se isotopically enriched yeast sample in terms of its isotopic distribution, total selenium concentration and selenomethionine as well as proteins with molecular weight of approximately 12 kDa.

Úprava biomasy je jedním z nejdůležitějších problémů v moderních přírodních vědách, protože je základní kategorií týkající se zemědělství, potravinářství, ekologie, zpracování odpadu a biotechnologie. Ať už živočišného, rostlinného nebo mikrobiálního původu, biomasa představuje obrovský zdroj surovin jako potravin, čistých chemikálií, bioaktivních molekul atd., jejichž izolace, charakterizace a formulace může vést k zajímavým novým produktům určeným pro lidskou spotřebu, nebo jako nový materiál v biomedicíně. Předložená studie byla zaměřena na výzkum dvou druhů biomasy - kuřecí kůže jako zdroje kolagenu t a biomasy mikrořasy Chlorella sorokiniana obohacené selenomethioninem (SeMet). V první části práce byl z kuřecí kůže izolován, identifikován a charakterizován kolagen typu I. Molekulární vlastnosti kuřecího kolagenu byly analyzovány a srovnány s jinými kolageny z živočišných kůží. Pro molekulární charakterizaci kolagenu byla použita viskosimetrie a ultrazvuková spektroskopie. Ultrazvukovou spektroskopií bylo zjištěno, že disagregace a zkapalňování hovězího kolagenu začíná při teplotě 40 °C, zatímco u kuřecího kolagenu začíná až při 50 °C. Viskosimetrie dále potvrdila vyšší tepelnou stabilitu kolagenu z kuřecí kůže, jeho denaturační teplota byla 50 °C, což je rovněž o deset stupňů více než u hovězího kolagenu. Kuřecí kolagen obsahuje dvakrát vyšší množství lysinu, což poskytuje tepelnou stabilitu kolagenu. Na základě získaných výsledků lze říci, že vzhledem ke své vysoké tepelné stabilitě a vhodnému aminokyselinovému složení, kuřecí kůže může být použita jako alternativní zdroj kolagenu typu I s aplikacemi v potravinářském průmyslu a biomedicíně. Druhá část práce byla zaměřena na obohacení biomasy zelené mikrořasy C. sorokiniana selenomethioninem. Experimentální část byla provedena v Laboratoři biotechnologie řas na Univerzitě Huelva ve Španělsku. Cílem první části experimentů bylo studovat vliv selenu na životaschopnost řas, morfologii buněk a akumulaci SeMet v biomase mikrořasy kultivované v dávkových kulturách. Subletální koncentrace Se v živném médiu, 40 mgL-1 (212 M), snížila rychlost růstu o 25 % ve srovnání s kontrolní kulturou. Hodnota EC50 45 mgL-1 (238,2 M) byla stanovena pro selenan. Ultrastrukturální studie ukazovaly na strukturální změny chloroplastu (granulární stroma, redukce thylakoid). Elektroforéza proteinů z biomasy mikrořasy ukazuje, že Se ovlivňuje expresi genu enzymu Rubisco. C. sorokiniana byla schopna akumulovat až 140 mgkg-1 SeMet během 120 h kultivace. Další část experimentální práce byla zaměřena na obohacování biomasy mikrořasy C. sorokiniana selenomethioninem během kontinuální kultivace s použitím 2,2 L bioreaktoru v kultivačním médiu s přídavkem koncentrace selenu v rozmezí od 5 do 50 mgL-1. C. sorokiniana rostla stejně ve všech testovaných koncentracích selenu kromě koncentrace 50 mgL1, která byla již po krátké době kultivace letální. Během kontinuální kultivace se 40 mgL-1 selenu, bylo získáno maximálně 246 gL-1 selenomethioninu denně. Výsledky ukazují, že kultivace v dávkových kulturách a dlouhodobá kontinuální kultivace mikrořasy C. sorokiniana pro získaní biomasy obohacené SeMet je možná pečlivým výběrem podmínek kultivace a subletálních koncentrací selenu v živném médiu.

Le sélénium est un micronutriment essentiel pour des nombreux organismes vivants, y compris l’homme. Son rôle est lié à sa présence dans des sélénoprotéines sous forme d’un acide aminé, génétiquement encodé – la sélénocystéine. Il y a 25 sélénoprotéines encodées dans le génome humain. Leurs fonctions, la cinétique et la hiérarchie d'expression se trouvent au cœur des problématiques de recherche concernant le sélénium et la santé humaine. Il existe également un autre type de protéines où le sélénium est inséré par un remplacement partiel du soufre dans la méthionine mais aussi, potentiellement, dans la cystéine. Ces protéines suscitent l’intérêt dans les sciences de nutrition comme source de sélénium biodisponible dans l’alimentation naturelle et supplémentée. L'objectif de cette thèse a été la mise au point de méthodologies analytiques visant la spéciation du sélénium incorporé dans les protéines à l’échelle du protéome entier. Une procédure inédite a été développée pour la détection globale de protéines séléniées dans des gels d’électrophorèse bidimensionnelle par l’imagerie d’ablation laser ICP MS (spectrométrie de masse plasma à couplage inductif) permettant de s’affranchir de l’utilisation de l’isotope radioactif 75Se. Les autres avancées comprennent la mise en place d’un couplage robuste de HPLC capillaire avec l’ICP MS pour la détection des sélénopeptides dans des microvolumes de digestats trypsiques des protéines extraites du gel ainsi que la mise en place des protocoles d’identification des protéines séléniées par la spectrométrie de masse électrospray en tandem utilisant la trappe orbitale (Orbitrap). Les méthodes développées ont permis (i) la caractérisation de la part du protéome sélénié contenant la sélénocystéine chez la levure séléniée, (ii) l’identification des protéines majeures qui accumulent le sélénium dans le blé, et (iii) le dosage semi quantitatif et la caractérisation globale des sélénoprotéomes (GPx1, GPx4, TRxR1, TRxR2, Sel15kDa) dans les lignées cellulaires. / Selenium is an essential micronutrient for many living organisms including man. Its role is related to selenoproteins which contain genetically encoded selenocysteine. There are 25 selenoproteins encoded in the human genome. Their function, expression kinetics and hierarchy have been a topic of intense research in life sciences. There is another type of proteins which contain selenium inserted non-specifically by partly replacing sulphur in methionine and, potentially, cysteine. They are of interest in nutrition science as source of bio-available selenium in natural and supplemented foods. The goal of this Ph.D. was the development of methodologies for the analysis of selenium-containing proteins on the entire proteome scale. A novel procedure was developed for their global detection in 2D electrophoretic gels par laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) imaging permitting to avoid the use of the radioactive 75Se. The other developments included (i) a robust capillary HPLC – ICP MS coupling allowing the detection of Se-containing peptides in microliter volumes of the digests of proteins extracted from the gel and (ii) protocols allowing the targeted identification of the Se-containing proteins by a parallel capillary HPLC - electrospray Orbitrap MS/MS. The methods developed allowed (i) the characterisation of the selenocystein-containing part of the selenoproteome of Se-enriched yeast, (ii) identification of the major Se-accumulating proteins in wheat, and (iii) semiquatitive analysis and global identification of the selenoproteomes (GPx1, GPx4, TRxR1, TRxR2, Sel15kDa) expressed in different human cell lines.