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Published on: November 19, 2019
Mechanisms of selenium chemoprevention and therapy in prostate cancer
Nagalakshmi Nadiminty1, Allen C Gao
1Department of Urology and Cancer Center, University of California School of Medicine at Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer (PC) chemoprevention has generated considerable interest in the last decade and selenium and combinations of selenium have been recognized as one of the most efficacious chemopreventive agents against PC. This review focuses on a discussion of the knowledge hitherto gained about the mechanisms of action of the various in vitro and in vivo used selenium compounds and their effects on cellular processes and signaling pathways. We also describe the clinical and preclinical studies that have contributed enormously to the knowledge about dose, duration of exposure, and the chemical form of selenium effective in different scenarios. Even though the jury is still out about whether selenium can be used as a chemopreventive agent in the clinic and whether studies with cell lines and populations at low, medium, or high risk can adequately represent the physiological behavior of this micronutrient, it can safely be said to offer the most diverse spectrum of protective effects against this particular type of cancer which may augur well for its future as a chemopreventive agent.
Insights
Selenium compounds show promise for prostate cancer (PC) chemoprevention by affecting cellular processes. Further research is needed to confirm their clinical efficacy and optimal use in preventing PC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Prostate cancer (PC) chemoprevention is an area of significant research interest.
- Selenium compounds have emerged as potentially effective agents for PC chemoprevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing knowledge on selenium compounds' mechanisms of action in PC chemoprevention.
- To discuss preclinical and clinical studies on selenium's efficacy, dosage, and chemical forms for PC prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on selenium compounds.
- Analysis of cellular processes and signaling pathways affected by selenium.
- Evaluation of clinical and preclinical data on selenium's role in PC prevention.
Main Results:
- Selenium compounds exhibit diverse protective effects against PC.
- Understanding of selenium's impact on cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways has advanced.
- Data on effective doses, exposure durations, and chemical forms are accumulating.
Conclusions:
- Selenium compounds offer a wide range of protective effects against prostate cancer.
- While clinical application requires further investigation, selenium shows potential as a chemopreventive agent.
- Future research should clarify selenium's physiological behavior and optimal use in diverse populations.
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