The Biological Role of Selenium (Literature Review)

Abstract

Micro- and macroelements play a significant role in the unimpaired functioning of all organs and systems. Important essential trace elements include selenium, which plays a crucial role in many physiological processes, including immune responses. The purpose is to generalize available data on the effect of selenium on the functioning of various organs and systems of the human body. Materials and methods. This literature review presents data on the effect of selenium on the body, published in domestic and foreign literature sources. Results. Selenium belongs to essential trace elements; it is a part of various proteins and enzymes that have cytoprotective, antitumor, antimutagenic effects. In addition, selenium participates in the functioning of the body's endocrine, reproductive, immune and antioxidant systems, although it was previously considered one of the most toxic trace elements. Many studies have been devoted to the analysis of selenium's effect on the processes of carcinogenesis and prevention of the development of tumor processes of various localization. Selenium-containing enzymes play one of the leading roles in anti-carcinogenic action, as they take part in the antioxidant defense of the body, regulate apoptosis and cell proliferation, protect desoxyribonucleic acid from damage, affect the metabolism and detoxification of carcinogens. Conclusions. The study of selenium's antitumor effect is of the greatest interest at present, since the number of patients with oncopathology is increasing every year.