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Methyl selenocysteine: single-dose pharmacokinetics in men
James R Marshall1, Clement Ip, Karen Romano
1Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA. james.marshall@roswellpark.org
Cancer Prevention Research (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|August 18, 2011
Summary
Methyl selenocysteine, a potential cancer-preventive selenium compound, was studied for its pharmacokinetics. This research helps understand its behavior in the body, potentially explaining differences in cancer prevention trial outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Selenium supplementation trials (SELECT, NPC) yielded conflicting results on cancer prevention.
- SELECT used selenomethionine, while NPC used selenized yeast, possibly containing methyl selenocysteine.
- Methyl selenocysteine is an organic selenium form with suspected chemopreventive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the single-dose pharmacokinetics of methyl selenocysteine.
- To provide data that may help reconcile differing selenium trial outcomes.
- To investigate a potential cancer-chemopreventive agent.
Main Methods:
- Single-dose administration of methyl selenocysteine.
- Pharmacokinetic analysis of methyl selenocysteine absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
- Measurement of selenium levels in biological samples.
Main Results:
- Detailed pharmacokinetic parameters for methyl selenocysteine were determined.
- The study characterized the absorption and elimination profile of methyl selenocysteine.
- Data provides a basis for understanding methyl selenocysteine's biological fate.
Conclusions:
- The pharmacokinetic profile of methyl selenocysteine was elucidated.
- Understanding methyl selenocysteine pharmacokinetics is crucial for evaluating its chemopreventive potential.
- This study contributes to the ongoing research on selenium's role in cancer prevention.
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