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MATPROG-Matprogrammet: Norsk mat fra sjø og land

Optimising the antioxidant effect of Se in wheat

Awarded: NOK 3.0 mill.

Selenium (Se) is a key antioxidant of major importance to health of living organisms. A series of stressors (e.g. radiation, chemicals) can induce free radicals in living tissues and subsequently negative effects such as oxidative stress and DNA/RNA damag e occur. The antioxidant effect of Se is attributed to substitution of S with Se in glutathione enzymes; key components of the enzymatic oxidative defence system. Thus, Se should act as a protective agent for organisms exposed to oxidative stress. Althoug h marine products are rich in Se, the bioavailability of Se is higher in cereals. In Norway with low-Se soils, crops are produced with suboptimal Se concentrations. Thus, increased concentration of bioavailable Se in wheat from Se fertilisation should rep resent a food system approach that would increase the population Se intake. Literature data scatters, however, with respect to Se uptake in wheat from Se fertilisation, interactions with Sulphur and Nitrogen etc. To obtain basic knowledge on Se speciation , uptake mechanisms, translocation, redistribution, accumulation of Se within the plant as well as synergism and antagonism of N and S, the present project utilises dynamic model experiments with tracers (75Se, 35S, 15N) and advanced synchrotron radiation techniques for solid-state speciation of Se. For wheat optimised with respect to Se, different production techniques from milling to bread production will be tested to optimise the antioxidant effect of Se in the produce. Oxidative stress sensitive bioma rkers will be assessed in experimental animals (Luciferase transgenic mice) in vivo to document the antioxidant effect of Se in wheat. Following the induction of free radicals from gamma radiation, oxidative stress should be suppressed in model organisms fed with Se enriched wheat. Thus, Se enriched wheat acting as a protective agent against oxidative stress will be demonstrated in wheat produce rapidly available at the marked.

Funding scheme:

MATPROG-Matprogrammet: Norsk mat fra sjø og land