iThyroid.com

Title Low-selenium diet, bone, and articular cartilage in rats.

Author Sasaki S; Iwata H; Ishiguro N; Habuchi O; Miura T

Address Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.

Source Nutrition, 10(6):538-43 1994 Nov-Dec

Abstract

The pathophysiology of secondary osteoarthritis remains largely obscure. Our attention has been drawn to Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), which has been attributed to Se deficiency. To obtain information regarding the prevention, prediction of progression, and treatment of this condition, we performed histological and biochemical studies on bone and articular cartilage specimens obtained from rats fed a low-Se diet. A low-Se diet was prepared and fed to Wistar rats for 3-11 mo, after which the rats were killed under general anesthesia, and their articular cartilages were studied microscopically and electron microscopically. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur was determined by the microdensitometry method and ash weight. In addition, serum Se, Ca, P, Alk Phos, T3, T4, and urinary Se were measured. In the low-Se group, impaired weight gain was observed from the 5th mo, and head alopecia was found in 60% of the animals. Microscopically, no clear changes in the articular chondrocytes were apparent, whereas with the electron microscope, chondrocytes in the deep layer showed degeneration of nuclei and endoplasmic reticular ballooning. From the 5th mo, a decrease in BMD (ash weight) was noted. Serum Se concentrations, alkaline phosphatase activity, and urine Se concentrations were decreased in the Se-deficient rats, whereas serum Ca, P, T3, and T4 values did not differ from those of a control group. Also, a decrease in sulfotransferase activity, which is involved in transfer in the process of synthesis of glycosaminoglycan, which is a proteoglycan carbohydrate chain, was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Unique Identifier 95218343

Finger Nails

Post to hyperthyroidism group, 8-16-01

I don't know whether it has ever been classified to be part of Graves'
disease to be missing your moons on fingernails.  However, when we got into
the discussion about nail problems, I noted that my sister who has had GD
since her mid 30s (in 60s now, and in remission currently, had taken PTU)
told me to look at my nails and see if I had moons.  We live 2,500 miles
from each other, so it was by phone.  And I noted that no, I had no moons on
any of my nails anymore, except my thumbs.  So, I am wondering if this is
indeed indicative of GD.

I also have seen some posts about pre-menstrual symptoms being worse with
GD.  Just going through menopause (still not totally through at 57), I have
noted some things:  my sleeplessness is/was much worse for the week prior to my periods.  Lots of my symptoms which I had thought were menopausal turned out to be GD (like palpitations).  As soon as I went on PTU, I started to
sleep much better.  (ask my husband - I am like a log now).  Also, I would
get hangnails the week prior to my period, which I am sure is some kind of
vitamin deficiency.  I  would love help on this particular problem.
Probably a B vitamin.  I have had problems taking the Bs, since they are
usually in soy base, and I am allergic to soy, so I am sure I have been
deficient in Bs for years.  Also allergic to brewer's yeast, another base
for Bs.