Negative Correlation between Urinary Selenium and Arsenic Levels of the Residents Living in an Arsenic-Contaminated Area in Bangladesh

Toxicological and metabolic interactions of selenium (Se) with arsenic (As) have been reported in many experimental studies. However, for human populations, possible interactions between As and Se and their toxicological significance have not been established. In this study, we have examined the relationship between Se and As in spot urine samples collected from the inhabitants of two rural communities of northeast Bangladesh. The urinary As (UAs) and Se (USe) concentrations were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS). Negative correlation between UAs and USe was found in both males and females. Considering the exposure condition in these communities, it is unlikely that the correlation reflected the correlation between the intakes of these elements. This result suggests that As exposure from drinking water or food may change Se metabolism in humans. Possible toxicological significance of the interaction is discussed.