N‐γ‐(L‐Glutamyl)‐L‐selenomethionine enhances stress resistance and ameliorates aging indicators via the selenoprotein TRXR‐1 in Caenorhabditis elegans

Scope Selenium is an essential trace nutrient for human health. This study investigates the organic form of selenium, N‐γ‐(L‐Glutamyl)‐L‐selenomethionine (Glu‐SeMet), for its effects on aging indicators and stress resistance. The role of the selenoprotein TRXR‐1 was also evaluated in Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods and results Glu‐SeMet‐treated wild‐type N2 worms showed increased survival upon oxidative and thermal stress challenges. However, Glu‐SeMet treatment did not extend the lifespan of wild‐type N2 C. elegans under normal conditions (p = 0.128 for 0.01 μM and p = 0.799 for 10 μM Glu‐SeMet). Under stress conditions, Glu‐SeMet significantly increased the survival of wild‐type N2 C. elegans, but the phenomenon was absent from trxr‐1 null mutant worms. Furthermore, Glu‐SeMet treatments significantly ameliorated aging indicators, including body bends, pumping rate, defecation duration, and lipofuscin accumulation in wild‐type N2 nematodes. Nevertheless, the ameliorative effects by Glu‐SeMet were absent in the trxr‐1 null mutant worms. Conclusion The findings indicate that enhanced stress resistance and improved aging indicators by Glu‐SeMet in C. elegans are mediated by the selenoprotein TRXR‐1. Glu‐SeMet has potential for improving health and also provides new insights into selenium's regulatory mechanisms in intact organisms. Organic selenium (Glu‐SeMet) enhances stress resistance and ameliorates aging indicators, which is regulated by the selenoprotein TRXR‐1. This study indicates that Glu‐SeMet has potential for improving health and also provides new insights into selenium's regulatory mechanisms in intact organisms.