Serum Selenium Level in Patients with Genital Warts Compared to Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background and purpose: Selenium, a rare and essential element, is crucial in various skin diseases. Given its significance, this study aimed to investigate the serum selenium levels in patients with genital warts and compare them with those of healthy individuals. Materials and methods: This case-control study involved 40 patients with genital warts and 40 healthy individuals. Serum selenium levels were measured using a Calbiotech laboratory kit with two cc of intravenous blood samples. Demographic characteristics and disease-related factors, including disease duration, severity of genital warts, and areas of skin involvement, were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: In the case group, the average age was 30.68±9.38 years, and in the control group, it was 34.30±6.90 years (P=0.060). The mean serum selenium level in the case group was lower than in the control group (83.92±35.43 vs. 93.62±26.29 ng/ml, respectively, P=0.168). Notably, there was no statistically significant difference in serum selenium levels with age (P=0.051), gender (P=0.062), number of lesions (P=0.750), disease duration (P=0.938), disease severity (P=0.618), or areas of skin involvement (P=0.349). Conclusion: Patients with genital warts exhibited lower serum selenium levels than their healthy counterparts, suggesting a potential correlation between weakened immune system strength and increased inflammatory conditions. Future studies are imperative to delve deeper into the immunomodulatory role of trace elements, such as selenium, in human papillomavirus infections and various skin wart types.

Keywords

• genital warts
• selenium
• immune system