Selenium, Melatonin Work Synergistically to Protect Brain from Stroke Damage

NEW DELHI, IndiaAdministration of selenium and melatonin may protect against ischemia-induced brain damage and improve neurological outcome, according to a new study (J Biol Trace Elem Res. ePub 2010 Mar 31; DOI: 10.1007/s12011-010-8643-z). Researchers from Hamdard University studied the ability of selenium and melatonin (Se-Mel) to synergistically protect against ischemia-induced neuronal injury. Rats were treated with Se-Mel 30 minutes before and immediately after ischemia induction for three days, once daily, at an interval of 24 hours. The combination intervention ameliorated oxidative stress and improved ischemia-induced focal cerebral ischemia, showing neuroprotective effects through an anti-ischemic pathway.