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A nonmetallic chemical element found in trace amounts in human body. Selenium primarily occurs in vivo as selenocompounds, mostly selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase (enzymes responsible for detoxification). Alone or in combination with Vitamin E, selenocompounds act as antioxidants. These agents scavenge free radicals; prevent blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation; strengthen the immune system; and have been shown, in some instances, to inhibit chromosomal damage and mutations. Exhibiting chemopreventive activity, selenocompounds also inhibit the induction of protein kinase C.
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Troponin I, troponin T, and troponin C are the three closely associated subunits of the troponin complex of thin filaments in muscle. The complex serves as a calcium-sensitive switch that regulates muscle contraction. In the absence of calcium, Troponin I binds actin, inhibits actomyosin ATPase activity, and inhibits F-actin-myosin interactions. The troponin I gene family comprises three isoforms: skeletal TNI-fast, skeletal TNI-slow, and TNI-cardiac. (from OMIM 191044, 191043, 191042 and NCI)
Indicators
Troponin I, troponin T, and troponin C are the three closely associated subunits of the troponin complex of thin filaments in muscle. The complex serves as a calcium-sensitive switch that regulates muscle contraction. Troponin T binds tropomyosin to the troponin complex and inhibits F-actin-myosin interactions. The troponin T gene family comprises three isoforms: slow skeletal (TNNT1), cardiac (TNNT2) and fast skeletal (TNNT3). Because it is not normally found in blood, cardiac troponin-T in serum is a sensitive indicator of myocardial cell injury.
Indicators
The term "vitamin K" refers to a group of chemically similar fat-soluble compounds called naphthoquinones: vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is found in plants and is the primary source of vitamin K for humans through dietary consumption, vitamin K2 compounds (menaquinones) are made by bacteria in the human gut, and vitamin K3 (menadione) is a water-soluble preparation available for adults only. Vitamin K is necessary for the liver to produce the coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as the clotting factors protein C, protein S, and protein Z; vitamin K deficiency can result in deficiencies of these coagulation factors and excess bleeding. An injection of vitamin K is routinely given to newborn infants to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding, also known as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Vitamin K deficiency is rare in adults but may result from chronic malnutrition or an inability to absorb dietary vitamins.
