The protective effect of the selenium on the nervous system; Focus on the seizure disease

IntroductionSelenium, is one of the essential elements in the body that is important for the function of the nervous system and for the recovery of nervous diseases, including - seizure disease. Antioxidant effect of selenium is one of its neuroprotective properties, so, the role of selenium as an essential ingredient and a dietary supplement in the prevention and control of epileptic seizures was considered.ResultsSeizure-related brain injury is dependent on several factors, including induction of oxidative stress, apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy that ultimately, lead to cell death. Selenium can protect cells through enhancement of antioxidant activity and regulation of the signaling pathways against the oxidative stress. Also, it can reduce seizures by inhibition of the over-activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and reduction of the glutamate production. In addition, selenium modulates the expression of different proteins which are involved in apoptosis and autophagy pathways.ConclusionStudies indicate that, selenium is one of the essential elements for brain function and prevents seizure and nerve cell death through antioxidant and anti-apoptosis properties.

Keywords:

Seizure , Selenium , Antioxidant , Neuroprotection