Serum Selenium Concentration in Cervical Cancer Patients: Preliminary Study and Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the role of selenium and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in cervical cancer. Methods: Serum selenium concentrations and GPx activities of 19 women with cervical cancer along with their healthy counterparts (control group) were obtained. Selenium concentration were measured fluorometrically and GPx activities were measured spectrophotometrically based on the quantity of NADPH used in the reduction of glutathione. Results: The mean of serum selenium concentrations in cervical cancer group was significantly lower than that in the control group, 67.24±15 ng/mL and 77.05±12 ng/mL (p=0.03), respectively. The mean GPx activity in the cervical cancer group was also significantly lower than that in the control group, 128.18±38 ∆mmol NADPH/min/L and 148.9±23 ∆mmol NADPH/min/L (p=0.04), respectively. Multivariate analysis in the cervical cancer patients showed that the Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO) staging score (early vs. advanced) was inversely correlated with serum selenium concentration (p=0.027). Conclusions: Serum selenium concentration and GPx activity was significantly lower in the cervical cancer patients. Our results demonstrate that selenium and GPx activity may have an important role in the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer.

Human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and the less explored role of trace elements

“…Results showed that the activity of Se and GPx would play an important role in carcinogenesis of cervical cancer. [ 34 ] Case-control study Dr.V.M. Govt Medical College, Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj General Hospital and Shree Siddheswar cancer hospital, Solapur, Maharashtra, India.…”

“…These elements act as co-factors for antioxidant enzymes [ 33 ]. The essential trace elements have anti-cancer properties, and they exert their chemopreventive effect by aiding in the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes and removing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) [ 34 ]. Though indicated, a comprehensive report on the role of trace minerals in the pathophysiology of cancer is yet to be fully elucidated.…”

Dietary intake of antioxidants in the elderly people under nursing care: A case–control study

“…Additionally, selenium plays an important role in thyroid function, immune system, and cardiovascular function[9] and acts as a cofactor of the glutathione reductase enzyme. [10] Also, vitamin E can also reduce oxidative stress by taking electrons and directly neutralizing oxidants. [11]…”