Chronic renal failure (CRF) patients present with a high incidence of cardiovascular pathologies as well as cancer.  This has been attributed to the existence of genomic instability in these patients, and consequently they have elevated levels of genetic damage. Genetic damage increases when renal function decreases and creatinine levels increase; this is most severe in those undergoing hemodialysis. These patients have a chronic imbalance of prooxidant and antioxidant factors that results in a state of chronic inflammation.

In a recently concluded placebo-controlled study involving 42 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis, the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation was studied. The results indicated that supplementation with selenium may prevent DNA damage in white blood cells. The patients were assigned to daily supplementation with 200 mcg selenium or placebo for 3 months.  DNA damage significantly decreased in the selenium supplemented group and plasma selenium concentration significantly increased in the supplemented group. This study showed that in CKD patients on HD, DNA damage in white blood cells is higher than in healthy controls, and Se supplementation could prevent the damage of DNA.