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Selenium and anticarcinogenesis: underlying mechanisms

Matthew I Jackson1, Gerald F Combs

  • 1Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, USDA-ARS, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202-9034, USA.

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|October 2, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Selenium compounds exhibit anticarcinogenic effects through various mechanisms, including influencing gene expression and cell cycle regulation. Key selenium metabolites like methylselenol mediate these protective actions against cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Selenium is an essential trace element with known anticancer properties.
  • Understanding the precise mechanisms of selenium's anticarcinogenic action is crucial for its therapeutic application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent research on the anticarcinogenic mechanisms of selenium.
  • To correlate these effects with the chemical and biochemical functions of selenium species.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on selenium and cancer.
  • Analysis of studies investigating selenium's effects on cellular processes.
  • Examination of the roles of key selenium metabolites.

Main Results:

  • Selenium compounds impact gene expression, DNA repair, cell signaling, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
  • Anticancer effects are linked to reactive oxygen species production, protein-thiol modification, and methionine mimicry.
  • Key selenium metabolites include hydrogen selenide, methylselenol, and selenomethionine.
  • Selenoprotein polymorphisms may influence cancer risk by affecting selenium metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • The anticarcinogenic effects of selenium involve intermediate mechanisms.
  • Redox cycling, protein-thiol modification, and methionine mimicry are key underlying biochemical processes.
  • Metabolism and disposition pathways of selenium compounds influence their efficacy.

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