Effect of brazil nut (Bertholetia excelsa H.B.K.) consumption on selenocompouds in chronic use of statins

Abstract

Introduction: Statins inhibit the first steps of cholesterol biosynthesis in the Mevalonate pathway. This pathway is also important for the maturation of selenocysteine tRNA (Sec tRNA), responsible for the expression of all selenoproteins, and when inhibited results in decreased availability of selenoproteins. The decrease in selenoproteins has been associated with side effects related to the use of statins such as myopathies and increased oxidative stress. Aims: To assess the effects of consumption of Brazil nuts in patients with dyslipidemia, chronically treated with statins compared selenium concentrations, selenometabolites and selenoproteins, and possible changes in gene expression of selenoproteins P, N and glutathione peroxidase. Furthermore, to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms on genes of selenoproteins P, S and glutathione peroxidase 1 in these patients. Methodology: The study will be performed in the Clinics Hospital at Ribeirão Preto Medical School. The sample will consist of 35 male subjects aged 19-60 years with dyslipidemia in statin use for more than a year. Participants will receive one unit of Brazil nut for 3 months. It will be conducted two periodic evaluations for assessment of body composition, food intake, in addition to collecting blood samples for analysis of the following parameters: lipid profile; selenium and selenometabolites; glutathione peroxidase activity; liver enzymes; C-reactive protein; oxidative stress; gene expression and polymorphisms in selenoproteins. Statistical tests will be used to assess differences between the groups and the correlations between the variables of interest.