Association of expression of selenoprotein P in mRNA and protein levels with metabolic syndrome in subjects with cardiovascular disease: Results of the Selenegene study

Background/Objectives Selenoprotein P (SeP) is involved in transporting selenium from the liver to target tissues. As SeP confers protection against disease by reducing chronic oxidative stress, this study aims to assess the level of SeP in the serum of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Subjects/Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 63 and 71 subjects with and without MetS in the presence of documented CVD. All demographic, anthropometric and with cardiometabolic variables (lipids, blood glucose, blood pressure) were assessed. Lifestyle related factors and personal history and familial CVD risk factors were recorded. The expression of SELP in mRNA and protein levels in the serum was measured, and MetS was determined using ATPIII criteria. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated MetS and SeP as dependent and independent variables, respectively. Results Mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, HDL-C, fasting blood sugar (FBS), BMI, and waist circumference were higher among subjects with MetS (P = 0.05). Mean of selenium is higher among subjects with MetS whereas the mean of SeP was lower among subjects with MetS (P < 0.001). In the unadjusted model, the SeP had decreased odds for MetS (OR, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.989 to 1.00) (P < 0.04). Furthermore, the association between MetS and SeP levels remained marginally significant even after adjusting for potential confounders such as age, gender, family history, smoking status, and nutrition. SeP and WC has a significant relationship (OR, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.990 to 1.00), (P < 0.033). Conclusions In conclusion, we demonstrated a significant decrease in circulating SeP levels according to MetS status in patients with documented cardiovascular disease.