Progress in selenium and genetics associated with Keshan disease

Background

Keshan disease (KD) is a fatal dilated cardiomyopathy that is mainly endemic through northeast to southwest China's low-selenium belt. KD may result in adverse outcomes such as heart enlargement, heart failure, and cardiogenetic death.

Results

The nutritional biogeochemical etiology theory has been acknowledged as one of the primary etiology hypotheses for KD, primarily suggesting that selenium deficiency and coxsackie virus infection are the main causes of KD. The element selenium, which has antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects, is a component of selenoprotein. The prevention and treatment of KD are impacted by selenium supplementation. The pathogenesis of KD is associated with related genetic polymorphisms and gene mutations, such as SEPHS2, SCN5A, GPX-1, and ALAD.

Conclusion

The pathogenic mechanism has not yet been completely explored. ALAD gene may be a causative locus for KD, and selenium supplementation reversed the pathological process of KD.