Understanding the Redox Biology of Selenium in the Search of Targeted Cancer Therapies.

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 availab

SUBMITTER: Stolwijk JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7278812 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature