Is Selenium a Potential Treatment for Cancer Metastasis?

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that functions as a redox gatekeeper through its incorporation into proteins to alleviate oxidative stress in cells. Although the epidemiological data are somewhat controversial, the results of many studies suggest that inorganic and organic forms of Se negatively affect cancer progression, and that several selenoproteins, such as GPXs, also play important roles in tumor development. Recently, a few scientists have examined the relationship between Se and metastasis, a late event in cancer progression, and have evaluated the potential of Se as an anti-angiogenesis or anti-metastasis agent. In this review, we present the current knowledge about Se compounds and selenoproteins, and their effects on the development of metastasis, with an emphasis on cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. In the cancers of breast, prostate, colorectal, fibrosarcoma, melanoma, liver, lung, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and brain glioma, there is either clinical evidence linking selenoproteins, such as thioredoxin reductase-1 to lymph node metastasis; in vitro studies indicating that Se compounds and selenoproteins inhibited cell motility, migration, and invasion, and reduced angiogenic factors in some of these cancer cells; or animal studies showing that Se supplementation resulted in reduced microvessel density and metastasis. Together, these data support the notion that Se may be an anti-metastastatic element in addition to being a cancer preventative agent.

Protective Effects of omega-3 fatty acids and/ or Nano- selenium on Cisplatin and Ionizing radiation induced liver toxicity in rats

“…13 Nano technology holds a guarantee in medicine since materials at the nanometer dimension display novel properties different from those of bulk material, such as increase bioavailability of drugs, development of new medicines which are more safe.…”

Modulation of MHC class I surface expression in B16F10 melanoma cells by methylseleninic acid

“…Furthermore, newer studies reveal also chemo-therapeutic effects of Se. 3,4 However, the mechanisms, by which Se exerts those beneficial effects are largely unknown, but include their anti-oxidative properties, the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. There exist two key metabolites of Se, which are critical for chemoprevention/ chemotherapy.…”

“…3,4 The functional activity of selenoproteins might be due to their anti-oxidative effects or to an altered expression pattern of genes involved in cancer initiation and progression. 5,6 This was further strengthened by epidemiologic studies revealing an inverse correlation of the Se status and cancer incidence as well as cancer mortality.…”

Vitamin A in prevention and treatment of cancer

“…In order to improve the prognosis, the dietary balance is fundamental (Bozzetti 2015). However, the incorporation of mineral micronutrients, zinc and selenium; and especially the vitamin supplements as well as their derivatives, and analogues have been found to bring some fruitful outcomes in cancer (Chen et al 2013;Cook-Mills et al 2013;Oliveira 2015). Being micronutrients and complexity in actions, the use of vitamins in cancer is not common (Barber et al 2014;Clamon 2015).…”