Kaschin-Beck disease due to selenium deficiency (Q94487)

Kaschin-Beck disease is a selenium-responsive bone and joint disease (osteoarthropathy) detected in children aged 5–13 years in China and less extensively in Southeast Siberia. The disease is characterised by joint necrosis—epiphyseal degeneration of the arm and leg joints resulting in structural shortening of the fingers and long bones with consequent growth retardation and stunting. Although not identical to Keshan disease, Kaschin-Beck disease also occurs in areas where the availability of soil selenium for crop growth is low. The selenium contents of hair and of whole blood are abnormally low and the blood content of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) is reduced. Although the disease is ameliorated by selenium therapy, other factors such as the frequent presence of mycotoxins in cereal grains grown in the area may be involved.