Association between creatine kinase activity, oxidative stress and selenoproteins mRNA expression changes after Brazil nut consumption of patients using statins

Abstract Background and aims Although the mechanisms by which statins promote muscle disorders remain unclear, the supplementation with dietary antioxidants seems to mitigate statins’ side effects. This study aimed to investigate whether the consumption of Brazil nuts could modulate the control of serum creatine kinase (CK) activity of patients in regular use of statins. Methods The study was performed in the Ribeirao Preto Medical School University Hospital. Thirty-two patients in regular use of statins were divided according to CK activity levels (G1: increased or G2: normal) and received one unit of Brazil nut daily for 3 months. Body composition, blood selenium (Se) concentrations, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, oxidative stress parameters, and CK activity were evaluated before and after supplementation. Results In both groups, supplementation with one Brazil nut daily for 3 months contributed to achieve decreased levels of CK activity in serum, significantly positive changes in plasma and erythrocyte Se concentrations (p Conclusion Brazil nut consumption enhanced the control of CK activity by improving oxidative stress biomarkers in patients using statins but did not modulate the mRNA expression of selenoproteins.