Lack of oxidative stress in a selenium deficient area in Ivory Coast -: Potential nutritional antioxidant role of crude palm oil

Background Previous studies have described an important selenium deficiency in a mountain region (Glanle) in the west of Ivory Coast. Aim of the study To assess the antioxidant capacity of subjects from a selenium deficient area in Ivory Coast (Glanle region). Methods This study involved 57 subjects, 18 to 69 years old, living in the Glanle region and 56 healthy controls living in the southern coastal region (Bodou). In the Glanle region families consume basically a vegetarian and crude palm oil diet, whereas in the Bodou region, families eat a fish-based diet with principally refined palm oil. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess the following parameters: lipid status ( plasma total lipids; total-, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol; triglycerides; phospholipids; fatty acid composition), plasma protein status ( total protein, albumin, transthyretin, orosomucoid, CRP, transferrin), antioxidant capacity ( plasma selenium, uric acid, retinol, alpha-tocopherol and tocotrienols levels, plasma seleno-glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity) and oxidative stress markers ( malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)). Results The mountain region samples (Glanle) were characterized by significantly lower plasma albumin, total-, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, retinol and selenium levels, plasma PUFA content and GSHPx activity, but significantly higher alpha-tocopherol index and total tocotrienol level, than controls from the coastal area (Bodou). These results suggest a higher exposure risk to oxidative stress for the mountain region subjects. However, the absence of oxidative damage in this group provides evidence of a selenium independent protection mechanism against oxidative stress. This protection is related to lower plasma LDL cholesterol and PUFA content, and to higher alpha-tocopherol index, d and total tocotrienols. Conclusion The long-term consumption of crude palm oil could be considered as an effective protective factor against oxidative stress.