Selenium and thyroid cancer: a systematic review
Mônica de Oliveira Maia1, Bruna Aparecida Melo Batista1, Morgana Pinheiro Sousa1
1Department of Nutrition, State University of Ceara - UECE, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Nutrition and Cancer
|October 23, 2019
Summary
This systematic review found inconclusive evidence linking selenium levels in blood and tissue to thyroid cancer risk. More research is needed to understand this potential association.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
- Thyroid cancer is a significant global health concern.
- The role of selenium in thyroid cancer development remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review observational studies investigating the association between selenium levels (blood and tissue) and thyroid cancer.
- To synthesize current evidence on selenium's potential role in thyroid carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, LILACS, and Scielo for observational studies.
- Inclusion of studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese evaluating selenium levels and thyroid cancer.
- Data extraction and analysis of five selected cross-sectional studies.
Main Results:
- One study reported lower whole-blood and thyroid selenium in cancer patients.
- Another study indicated decreased serum selenium in follicular and papillary thyroid cancer.
- Other studies found no significant difference in plasma selenium or glutathione peroxidase activity.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence on the association between selenium levels and thyroid cancer is inconclusive.
- Further high-quality studies are required to clarify selenium's role in thyroid cancer development.
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