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Antiproliferative Effect of Inorganic and Organic Selenium Compounds in Breast Cell Lines
Nayara Souza da Costa1,2, Luíza Siqueira Lima1,2, Franciele Aparecida Mendes Oliveira1
1Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, fast-growing tumor that is more likely to spread to distant organs. Among women diagnosed with breast cancer, the prevalence of TNBC is 20%, and treatment is currently limited to chemotherapy. Selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient, has been explored as an antiproliferative agent. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure to organic (selenomethionine, ebselen, and diphenyl diselenide) and inorganic (sodium selenate and sodium selenite) Se molecules in different breast cell lines. The compounds were tested at 1, 10, 50, and 100 μM for 48 h in the non-tumor breast cell line (MCF-10A) and TNBC derivatives cell lines (BT-549 and MDA-MB-231). The effects of Se on cell viability, apoptotic and necrotic processes, colony formation, and cell migration were analyzed. Exposure to selenomethionine and selenate did not alter the evaluated parameters. However, selenomethionine had the highest selectivity index (SI). The exposure to the highest doses of selenite, ebselen, and diphenyl diselenide resulted in antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects. Selenite had a high SI to the BT cell line; however, the SI of ebselen and diphenyl diselenide was low in both tumoral cell lines. In conclusion, the Se compounds had different effects on the breast cell lines, and additional tests are needed to reveal the antiproliferative effects of Se compounds.
Insights
Selenium compounds show varied effects on triple-negative breast cancer cells. Some forms, like selenite, ebselen, and diphenyl diselenide, demonstrated antiproliferative and antimetastatic properties at higher doses.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options, primarily chemotherapy.
- Selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient, is being investigated for its potential antiproliferative properties.
- Understanding Se's effects on different breast cell lines is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of various organic and inorganic selenium (Se) compounds.
- To assess the impact of Se exposure on cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis, colony formation, and migration in breast cell lines.
- To determine the selectivity of Se compounds towards tumor cells compared to non-tumorigenic cells.
Main Methods:
- Testing organic (selenomethionine, ebselen, diphenyl diselenide) and inorganic (sodium selenate, sodium selenite) Se compounds.
- Exposure of non-tumorigenic (MCF-10A) and TNBC (BT-549, MDA-MB-231) cell lines to varying concentrations (1-100 μM) for 48 hours.
- Analysis of cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis, colony formation, and cell migration.
Main Results:
- Selenomethionine and selenate showed no significant effects on the evaluated parameters.
- Selenite, ebselen, and diphenyl diselenide exhibited antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects at higher concentrations.
- Selenite demonstrated a high selectivity index (SI) in the BT cell line, while ebselen and diphenyl diselenide had low SIs in both tumor cell lines.
- Selenomethionine displayed the highest overall SI.
Conclusions:
- Selenium compounds exhibit differential effects on breast cell lines, with varying efficacy and selectivity.
- Selenite, ebselen, and diphenyl diselenide show promise as potential agents against TNBC, warranting further investigation.
- Additional research is necessary to fully elucidate the antiproliferative mechanisms of selenium compounds in breast cancer treatment.
