Journal article
Understanding the Redox Biology of Selenium in the Search of Targeted Cancer Therapies
Antioxidants, Vol.9(5), p.420
05/01/2020
DOI: 10.3390/antiox9050420
PMCID: PMC7278812
PMID: 32414091
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace nutrient required for optimal human health. It has long been suggested that selenium has anti-cancer properties. However, clinical trials have shown inconclusive results on the potential of Se to prevent cancer. The suggested role of Se in the prevention of cancer is centered around its role as an antioxidant. Recently, the potential of selenium as a drug rather than a supplement has been uncovered. Selenium compounds can generate reactive oxygen species that could enhance the treatment of cancer. Transformed cells have high oxidative distress. As normal cells have a greater capacity to meet oxidative challenges than tumor cells, increasing the flux of oxidants with high dose selenium treatment could result in cancer-specific cell killing. If the availability of Se is limited, supplementation of Se can increase the expression and activities of Se-dependent proteins and enzymes. In cell culture, selenium deficiency is often overlooked. We review the importance of achieving normal selenium biology and how Se deficiency can lead to adverse effects. We examine the vital role of selenium in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Finally, we examine the properties of Se-compounds to better understand how each can be used to address different research questions.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Understanding the Redox Biology of Selenium in the Search of Targeted Cancer Therapies
- Creators
- Jeffrey M. Stolwijk - University of IowaRohan Garje - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsJessica C. Sieren - University of IowaGarry R. Buettner - University of IowaYousef Zakharia - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Antioxidants, Vol.9(5), p.420
- DOI
- 10.3390/antiox9050420
- PMID
- 32414091
- PMCID
- PMC7278812
- NLM abbreviation
- Antioxidants (Basel)
- ISSN
- 2076-3921
- eISSN
- 2076-3921
- Publisher
- Mdpi
- Number of pages
- 25
- Grant note
- Pfizer Rock 'N' Ride Foundation R01 CA169046; P01 CA217797; P42 ES013661; P30 CA086862 / NIH; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA Sabinsa Pharmaceutical; Johnson & Johnson Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/01/2020
- Academic Unit
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Radiology; Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation; Radiation Oncology; Radiation Research Laboratory; Iowa Superfund Research Program; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984285612102771
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