Selenium-containing Peptides and their Biological Applications

Abstract

Selenium (Se) has been known for its beneficial biological roles for several years, but interest in this trace element has seen a significant increase in the past couple of decades. It has been reported to be a part of important bioactive organic compounds, such as selenoproteins and amino acids, including selenocysteine (SeCys), selenomethio-nine (SeMet), selenazolidine (SeAzo), and selenoneine. The traditional Se supplementa-tions (primarily as selenite and selenomethionine), though have been shown to carry some benefits, also have associated toxicities, thereby paving the way for the organosele-nium compounds, especially the selenoproteins and peptides (SePs/SePPs) that offer several health benefits beyond fulfilling the elementary nutritional Se needs. This review aims to showcase the applications of selenium-containing peptides that have been reported in recent decades. This article summarizes their bioactivities, including neuroprotec-tive, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulato-ry roles. This will offer the readers a sneak peek into the current advancements to invoke further developments in this emerging research area. © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.