Distribution and inhibition effect of Seleno-L-Methionine on 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma

To identify the relationship between selenium intake and breast cancer progression, SeMet supplement was applied to 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma for 28 days and the effect of SeMet on tumor growth was assessed. Combined with SXRF mapping, trace metal distribution in tumor tissues in relation to selenium-associated protein expressions and cellular transcription factors, HIF-1α accumulation and its targeted molecule expressions involved in tumor progression, were further investigated using immunohistochemical staining. Our results showed that tumor growth was inhibited significantly and tumor cells apoptosis was promoted after SeMet supplement. High Se intakes in tumor tissues overlaid with high iron distribution were observed by SXRF mapping. SeMet supplement increased SBP1 expression and decreased GPx1 expression, and greatly inhibited VEGF expression and tumor immune suppression cells accumulation in tumor tissues. In conclusion, SeMet-mediated anti-cancer effect was likely to inhibit tumor growth through high expression of SBP1 inhibiting GPx1 activity and HIF-1α, which could be used as chemopreventive strategies in breast cancer.