Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace nutrient required for optimal human health. It has long been suggested that selenium has anti-cancer properties. However, clinical trials have shown inconclusive results on the potential of Se to prevent cancer. The suggested role of Se in the prevention of cancer is centered around its role as an antioxidant. Recently, the potential of selenium as a drug rather than a supplement has been uncovered. Selenium compounds can generate reactive oxygen species that could enhance the treatment of cancer. Transformed cells have high oxidative distress. As normal cells have a greater capacity to meet oxidative challenges than tumor cells, increasing the flux of oxidants with high dose selenium treatment could result in cancer-specific cell killing. If the availability of Se is limited, supplementation of Se can increase the expression and activities of Se-dependent proteins and enzymes. In cell culture, selenium deficiency is often overlooked. We review the importance of achieving normal selenium biology and how Se deficiency can lead to adverse effects. We examine the vital role of selenium in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Finally, we examine the properties of Se-compounds to better understand how each can be used to address different research questions.
Highlights
Selenium (Se) is a trace element, essential for optimal health
This review focuses on the role of selenium in the prevention and treatment of cancer
For glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) organic hydroperoxides must be solubilized to be a substrate, e.g., phospholipid hydroperoxides must be cleaved from a membrane by phospholipase A2 yielding a fatty acid, as a carboxylate, that is soluble in the cytosol [20]; whereas GPx4 acts on phospholipid hydroperoxides that are membrane-bound, i.e., localized within the phospholipid bilayer [21,22]
Summary
Selenium (Se) is a trace element, essential for optimal health. In the mid 20th century selenium was found to be protective in liver tissue [1,2,3]. Later it was determined that selenium was at the active site in the form of a proteinogenic amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec) and that this Se was essential for the activity of the enzyme [5]. Since this first discovery, 25 selenoproteins have been identified that contain one or more Sec. The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of Se for both men and women is 55 μg (0.7 μmol)/day [6]. We summarize knowledge on the function of selenium when used in cancer treatment
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