[Selenium: the biological role and antioxidant activity].

Selenium is essential trace element, sulphur analogue with high chemical activity, component of some selenoproteins and enzymes: glutathione peroxidase and other peroxidases, blood and tissue proteins. As to their biological action mechanism selenium and its compounds are antioxidants. Selenium is active immunomodulator, much more potent anti-oxidant than vitamins E, C and A, beta-carotene, but much more toxic. It takes part in thyroxine conversion to triiodethyronine in thyroid hormone biosynthesis. As sperm antioxidant selenium protected its motility and fertility. Selenium is a serious factor of biological and antioxidant protection of vascular endothelium, of low-density lipoproteins, protection of DNA, chromosomes. As food component selenium is an exceptional agent of protection from atherosclerosis, coronary ischemic disease and cancer. Some hydrobionts, liver, kidney, meal, corn and garlic, onion, cabbage, broccoli are dietary products with high content of selenium.