Deutsch 
Test-Category
ELISA
Pack size
96 Tests
Possible sample matrix and volumes
| Serum | 100 µl |
Incubation periods
Indications
Regulatory Status
The selenOtest ELISA is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantitative determination of selenoprotein P in human serum. The test is an in-vitro diagnostic medical device and is intended for manual and automated use by professional users in a laboratory environment. It serves to monitor the functional selenium status of individuals with suspected selenium deficiency or excess and can also be used as an aid in the differentiated assessment of selenium status in the context of selenium deficiency therapy through selenium supplementation.
SELENOP – Established biomarker for functional selenium status
Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that plays a central role in selenium metabolism in the human body [1, 2]. It belongs to the family of selenoproteins, which contain selenium as an essential component in the form of the amino acid selenocysteine [3]. The main function of SELENOP is to ensure the transport and distribution of selenium from the liver to peripheral tissues, particularly the brain and endocrine glands, which have a high selenium requirement. SELENOP also has antioxidant and protective properties. Reduced growth, infertility of males and pronounced neurodegeneration with epileptic seizures have been observed in animal models of SELENOP deficiency [4].
Selenium is mainly absorbed through food, with selenium-rich foods such as fish, meat, eggs and milk being the primary sources. After absorption in the intestine, selenium is mainly incorporated in the liver in the form of selenocysteine in the synthesis of selenoproteins such as SELENOP. Selenium availability in the hepatocytes is the most important limiting factor [5]. An unbalanced SELENOP status has a negative effect on the immune system, the thyroid axis and cognitive and musculoskeletal performance. In addition, SELENOP deficiency increases the risk of cardiovascular events (stroke, heart attack) and tumour diseases (especially liver, intestine and kidney) [6]. An elevated SELENOP status serves as an indicator of selenium intoxication (selenosis), which can manifest itself through symptoms such as nausea, hair loss, brittle fingernails and toenails and neurological symptoms such as tingling or concentration disorders [7]. Both deficiency and excess impair the antioxidant defence, the hormone axes, the immune system and the function of vital organs. Regular monitoring of selenium status is therefore a useful diagnostic tool for monitoring and adjusting personalised care, protecting against degenerative processes and thus maintaining health [8].
Test Principle
The selenOtest ELISA is based on the sandwich ELISA principle. Monoclonal antibodies against human selenoprotein P are bound to the surface of the test plate. The selenoprotein P in the samples is bound by the antibody in the test plate. In the next step, a second, HRP-labelled monoclonal antibody against human selenoprotein P is added, which binds to the selenoprotein P bound by the first antibody in the test plate. In the final step, a TMB-based peroxidase substrate is added. The reaction product is a blue-appearing dye. The enzymatic peroxidase reaction is stopped by adding diluted sulphuric acid. The simultaneous change in the pH value causes a shift in the spectral absorption coefficient of the resulting reaction product. The light absorption of the now yellow-appearing dye is measured with a microtiter plate photometer at a wavelength of 450 nm. The measured absorbance is directly related to the amount of human selenoprotein P contained in the sample.
References:
[1] Burk, R.F. and K.E. Hill, Selenoprotein P-expression, functions, and roles in mammals. Biochim Biophys Acta, 2009. 1790(11): p. 1441-7.
[2] Schomburg, L., Selenoprotein P - Selenium transport protein, enzyme and biomarker of selenium status. Free Radic Biol Med, 2022. 191: p. 150-163.
[3] Atkins, J.F. and R.F. Gesteland, The twenty-first amino acid. Nature, 2000. 407(6803): p. 463, 465.
[4] Schweizer, U., et al., Seizures, ataxia and parvalbumin-expressing interneurons respond to selenium supply in Selenop-deficient mice. Redox Biol, 2022. 57: p. 102490.
[5] Ha, H.Y., et al., From Selenium Absorption to Selenoprotein Degradation. Biol Trace Elem Res, 2019. 192(1): p. 26-37.
[6] Schöttker, B., et al., Strong associations of serum selenoprotein P with all-cause mortality and mortality due to cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in older German adults. Eur J Epidemiol, 2024. 39(2): p. 121-136.
[7] Brodin, O., et al., Selenoprotein P as Biomarker of Selenium Status in Clinical Trials with Therapeutic Dosages of Selenite. Nutrients, 2020. 12(4).
[8] Rayman, M.P., Selenium and human health. Lancet, 2012. 379(9822): p. 1256-68.
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