Methods: To assess the effects of Se on the inflammatory markers, following the PRISMA-P guidelines, we systematically searched ISI/WOS, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus for studies that assessed the effect of Se supplementation on the inflammatory markers. Data extraction was performed by two independent investigators. Using the random effects or fixed-effects model depending on the results of heterogeneity tests was used to estimate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test and I2 index.
Results: The initial search revealed 3,320 papers. After screening process and considering inclusion criteria, 7 publications were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that Se supplementation did not significantly affect CRP and hs-CRP concentrations (mean difference (MD) = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.55- 0.23; P = 0.43). Subgroup analysis of CRP type showed that Se supplementation significantly decreased hs-CRP level (pooled SMD = -0.44; 95% CI: -0.67-0.21). Moreover, no significant change was observed in NO level by continuing to take Se supplementation, (pooled SMD: 0.003, 95%CI: -0.26, 0.26).
Conclusions: This study revealed that Se supplementation would have desirable effects on cardio-metabolic indicators through affecting the levels of inflammatory markers. Given the importance of concerns, more attention should be given to more prospective studies with longer follow-up.