Biological and mechanistic effects of selenium and zinc in coronary artery bypass surgery: preoperative and postoperative evaluation.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Trace elements such as selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) play important roles in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases through direct effects on the vascular system and indirect effects on lipoprotein metabolism. Se and Zn are essential components of the antioxidant defense system that help reduce oxidative stress associated with cardiac disorders. In this study, serum Se and Zn levels were evaluated in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and compared with those of healthy controls. The study population comprised patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease and a control group of healthy individuals. Serum Zn concentrations were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), while Se levels were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise test. The mean preoperative serum Se concentration in patients was 25.49 ± 16.83 µg/L, which increased postoperatively to 31.55 ± 22.19 µg/L and to 40.97 ± 30.17 µg/L pre-discharge. In contrast, the control group had a significantly higher Se level of 70.88 ± 13.18 µg/L. Similarly, Zn levels in patients were 116.53 ± 27.85 µg/L preoperatively, decreased to 88.43 ± 23.32 µg/L postoperatively, and increased to 98.43 ± 21.53 µg/L pre-discharge, while controls had 120.46 ± 17.58 µg/L. Both Se and Zn levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Based on these findings, we highlight that low Se and Zn levels are associated with coronary heart disease; therefore, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether Se and Zn supplementation under medical supervision provides clinically significant benefits.