[Experimental study on selenium preventing nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a significant health concern.
• Dinitrosopiperazine (DNP) is a chemical agent used to induce NPC in experimental models.
• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with potential chemopreventive properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) induced by dinitrosopiperazine (DNP) in rats.
• To evaluate both the preventive and therapeutic roles of selenium in NPC carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, selenium-only, DNP-only, selenium prevention, and selenium therapy.
• Selenium was administered via drinking water at specified concentrations.
• DNP was administered via subcutaneous injection to induce NPC.
• The experimental duration was one year.

Main Results:

• No NPC was observed in the control or selenium-only groups.
• Selenium supplementation significantly reduced NPC incidence by 54.3% in the prevention group compared to the DNP-only group (P < 0.01).
• Precancerous lesions were significantly reduced in the prevention group. Selenium therapy did not significantly affect NPC incidence.

Conclusions:

• Elevating selenium levels in rats can effectively prevent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) induced by dinitrosopiperazine (DNP).
• Selenium's preventive role is significant, while its therapeutic effect in established carcinogenesis warrants further investigation.
• Maintaining adequate selenium levels may be crucial for NPC prevention.