Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have shown a relationship between low serum selenium levels and an increased risk of developing cancer. Methods: A total of 306 women participated in the study: 153 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 153 healthy women who were matched, in terms of birth year (+/−3 years), to the patients from the study group. The quantitative measurement of selenium content in the collected blood samples was performed using a mass spectrometer with excitation in inductively coupled plasma. In order to determine the relationship between the risk factors and the incidence of endometrial cancer, analyses based on single- and multi-factor conditional logistic regression models were performed. Results: The mean concentration of selenium was lower in patients with endometrial cancer than in healthy controls (60.63 µg/L (0.77 µmol/L) vs. 78.74 µg/L (0.99 µmol/L), respectively). When compared in quartiles, a significant association of lower selenium concentration with the incidence of endometrial cancer was recorded. The highest OR was observed in the first and second quartiles (OR-22.0, p-value < 0.001; medium selenium level 46.95 µg/L (0.59 µmol/L), and OR-5.94; p-value < 0.001; medium selenium level 63.60 µg/L (0.80 µmol/L), respectively). Conclusion: A strong correlation between the level of selenium in the blood serum and the risk of endometrial cancer indicates that patients with low levels should be a candidate group requiring appropriate preventive examinations. Further research on a larger group of patients is required.
Highlights
Selenium is a trace element necessary for the proper functioning of the human body
Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum selenium concentrations and the risk of developing endometrial cancer
Selenium obtained in the study group was at the level of 60.63 μg/L (8.85–164.42 μg/L; 0.77μmol/L), and in the control group was at the level of 78.74 μg/L (42.85–170.76 μg/L; 0.99 μmol/L)
Summary
Selenium is required for the formation of selenocysteine, an amino acid that is genetically encoded and is required for the formation of a range of transcribed proteins known as selenoproteins This element shows a protective function against free radicals due to its presence in active centers of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase [1,2,3]. Selenium is found mainly in cereals, vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy products, and nuts [5] This element is supplied to the human body through food or dietary supplements in two forms: organic (selenomethionine and selenocysteine) and inorganic (selenites and selenates). Conclusion: A strong correlation between the level of selenium in the blood serum and the risk of endometrial cancer indicates that patients with low levels should be a candidate group requiring appropriate preventive examinations. Further research on a larger group of patients is required
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