Cardiopulmonary injury in hypoxia and selenium: A review

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element required by the human body, existing in selenium proteins as selenocysteine (Sec) and selenomethionine (SeMet). Through these proteins, Se exerts its biological effects such as free radical metabolism, antioxidant functions, immune response, reproductive functions, apoptosis, and endocrine hormone regulation. Both selenium deficiency and excess are can cause adverse effects on human health. A growing number of evidence highlights the involvement of selenium and its proteins in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). During hypoxia, the body undergoes a series of changes across all organ systems. Among these, the heart, lungs, and brain—due to their high oxygen demand and metabolic activity—demonstrate particularly prominent manifestations of injury. This review summarizes the effects of selenium/selenoproteins on the cardiovascular system, emphasizing new findings on their roles in hypoxic cardiorespiratory injury. This is to provide a scientific basis for preventing and treating high-altitude illnesses from both environmental and nutritional perspectives.