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Application of Sodium Selenite in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancers
Marek Kieliszek1, Boguslaw Lipinski2, Stanisław Błażejak3
1Faculty of Food Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Evaluation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland. marek_kieliszek@sggw.pl.
Abstract:
Selenium is an essential trace element that occurs in nature, in both inorganic and organic forms. This element participates in numerous biochemical processes, including antioxidant potential, but the mechanism of its anti-cancer action is still not well known. It should be noted that the anti-cancer properties of selenium depends on its chemical form, therapeutic doses, and the tumor type. Higher nutritional doses of selenium can stimulate human immune system. There are several hypotheses concerning the anticancer activity of selenium, including oxidation of sulfhydryl groups in proteins causing their conformational alterations. Conformational changes in proteins have the ability to weaken the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of cancer cells. In case of human fibrinogen sodium selenite, but not selenate, it inhibits protein disulfide exchange reactions, thus preventing formation of a hydrophobic polymer termed parafibrin, circulatory accumulation, of which is associated with numerous degenerative diseases. Parafibrin can specifically form a protein coat around tumor cells that is completely resistant to degradation induced with lymphocyte protease. In this way, cancer cells become protected against destruction by the organism's immune system. Other possible mechanisms of anticancer action of selenium are being still investigated.
Insights
Selenium, an essential trace element, shows anticancer properties that vary by chemical form and dose. It may inhibit cancer cell protection by altering protein structures and preventing immune system evasion.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Trace Element Research
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element with known antioxidant functions.
- The precise mechanisms underlying selenium's anticancer activity remain incompletely understood.
- Anticancer effects are influenced by selenium's chemical form, dosage, and tumor type.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the biochemical mechanisms of selenium's anticancer properties.
- To investigate how different forms of selenium interact with biological molecules relevant to cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing hypotheses on selenium's anticancer mechanisms.
- Analysis of selenium's effect on protein structure and function, specifically human fibrinogen.
- Examination of the interaction between sodium selenite, selenate, and protein disulfide exchange reactions.
Main Results:
- Selenium's anticancer effects are dependent on its chemical form, dosage, and tumor type.
- Hypothesized mechanisms include oxidation of sulfhydryl groups in proteins, altering enzyme activity in cancer cells.
- Sodium selenite inhibits protein disulfide exchange, preventing parafibrin formation, which can shield tumor cells from immune attack.
Conclusions:
- Selenium exhibits anticancer potential through various biochemical pathways.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms, such as parafibrin inhibition by sodium selenite, is crucial for therapeutic applications.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate all anticancer mechanisms of selenium.
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