Differential effects of selenite and selenate on human melanocytes, keratinocytes, and melanoma cells
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Published on: July 8, 2020
Laura Bandura1, Justyna Drukala, Agnieszka Wolnicka-Glubisz
1Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
Among the substances that attracted the attention of oncologists in recent years are selenium-containing compounds, both inorganic and organic. Several epidemiological studies have shown an inverse correlation between selenium intake and cancer incidence. In the experiments reported here, we compared the effects of 2 inorganic selenium-containing salts that differed in the level of selenium oxidation, selenite IV and selenate VI. We tested the effects of these 2 compounds on cell survival and growth, cell cycle processing, cell morphology, cytoskeleton, and lipid peroxidation in 3 human skin cell types: normal keratinocytes, melanocytes, and human melanoma cell line HTB140. The different effects of selenite and selenate on the viability, growth, and morphology of normal cells and tumor cells are reported and provide a base for future research and treatment of some neoplastic diseases. The attention is paid to cell apoptosis induced by selenite and not by selenate, and the effects of tested substances on thioredoxin reductase system are postulated.
Insights
Selenium compounds like selenite and selenate impact skin cell growth and survival. Selenite induces apoptosis in melanoma cells, unlike selenate, suggesting potential in cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Selenium compounds are investigated for cancer prevention due to epidemiological links.
- Inorganic selenium salts, selenite (IV) and selenate (VI), differ in oxidation state and biological activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of selenite and selenate on normal skin cells and melanoma.
- To investigate their impact on cell viability, growth, morphology, and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Tested selenite and selenate on normal keratinocytes, melanocytes, and HTB140 melanoma cells.
- Assessed cell survival, growth, cell cycle, morphology, cytoskeleton, and lipid peroxidation.
Main Results:
- Selenite and selenate exhibited differential effects on normal and tumor skin cells.
- Selenite induced apoptosis in melanoma cells, while selenate did not.
- Observed distinct impacts on cell viability, growth, and morphology.
Conclusions:
- Selenite and selenate have distinct biological activities relevant to skin cancer.
- Selenite's ability to induce apoptosis suggests therapeutic potential for melanoma.
- Further research into the thioredoxin reductase system is warranted.
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