Effect of the Interaction Between Selenium and Zinc on DNA Repair in Association With Cancer Prevention

Abstract

Cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide. Annually, more than ten million new cancer cases are diagnosed, and more than six million deaths occur due to cancer. Nonetheless, over 80% of human cancer may be preventable through proper nutrition. Numerous nutritional compounds are effective in preventing cancer. Selenium and zinc are essential micronutrients that have important roles in reducing oxidative stress and protecting DNA from the attack of reactive oxygen species. Selenium is an essential trace element that possesses several functions in many cellular processes for cancer prevention. Meanwhile, zinc may have protective effects on tumor initiation and progression, and it is an essential cofactor of several mammalian proteins. Results show that both selenium and zinc provide an effective progression of DNA repair system; thus, cancer development that originated from DNA damage is decreased. Results mostly focus on the separate effects of these two elements on different cell types, tissues, and organs, and their combined effects are largely unknown. This review aimed to emphasize the joint role of selenium and zinc specifically on DNA repair for cancer prevention.

Selenium Anticancer Properties and Impact on Cellular Redox Status

“…It was found recently that interaction of Se with zinc is important; metallothionein system can by negatively affected by Se due to impairment of zinc homeostasis and losing antioxidant role of this system. Such dysregulation can lead to oxidative DNA damage and cancer development [65].…”

The Effect of Zinc, Selenium, and Their Combined Supplementation on Androgen Receptor Protein Expression in the Prostate Lobes and Serum Steroid Hormone Concentrations of Wistar Rats

“…Therefore, it is hypothesized that increasing Zn concentrations can promote the apoptosis of malignant cells and inhibit neoplastic cell proliferation, migration, and invasion [15,16]. Similarly to Zn, Se is also used in anticancer supplementation, as it offers protection against free radicals, modifies immunity, DNA repair, apoptosis, and angiogenesis [17,18]. It is thought that Se prevents carcinogenesis by protecting the genome against oxidative damage and enhancing its repair [17].…”

“…Similarly to Zn, Se is also used in anticancer supplementation, as it offers protection against free radicals, modifies immunity, DNA repair, apoptosis, and angiogenesis [17,18]. It is thought that Se prevents carcinogenesis by protecting the genome against oxidative damage and enhancing its repair [17]. Moreover, very importantly, Se acts as an essential element of T synthesis in male gonads [19].…”

“…However, cellular and molecular studies indicate that these two elements may interact with each other. Thus, controlling the balance between Zn and Se might be extremely important [17]. As was recently reviewed by Yildiz et al (2019), Se can interrupt Zn homeostasis, which may result in disruption of metallothioneins (MTs) system, leading to oxidative damage of DNA or cancers [17,21].…”

“…Thus, controlling the balance between Zn and Se might be extremely important [17]. As was recently reviewed by Yildiz et al (2019), Se can interrupt Zn homeostasis, which may result in disruption of metallothioneins (MTs) system, leading to oxidative damage of DNA or cancers [17,21]. Our previous research showed that the availability of Zn for the prostate gland varies depending on the supplementation variant used, that is, co-administration of Zn and Se affected the bioavailability of Zn in the prostate, which may indicate that Zn and Se should not be administered simultaneously [22].…”