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Selenium and its relationship to cancer: an update†

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

P. D. Whanger
P. D. Whanger*
Affiliation:
Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
*
*Corresponding author: Professor P. D. Whanger, fax +1 541 737 0497, email phil.whanger@orst.edu
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Abstract

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Selenomethionine (Semet) is the major seleno-compound in cereal grains and enriched yeast whereas Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMCYS) is the major seleno-compound in Se-accumulator plants and some plants of economic importance such as garlic and broccoli exposed to excess Se. Animals can metabolize both Semet and SeMCYS. Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse relationship between Se intake and the incidence of certain cancers. Blood or plasma levels of Se are usually lower in patients with cancer than those without this disorder, but inconsistent results have been found with toenail-Se values and the incidence of cancer. There have been eight trials with human subjects conducted on the influence of Se on cancer incidence or biomarkers, and except for one, all have shown a positive benefit of Se on cancer reduction or biomarkers of this disorder. This is consistent with about 100 small-animal studies where Se has been shown to reduce the incidence of tumours in most of these trials. Se-enriched yeast is the major form of Se used in trials with human subjects. In the mammary-tumour model, SeMCYS has been shown to be the most effective seleno-compound identified so far in reduction of tumours. Several mechanisms have been proposed on the mechanism whereby Se reduces tumours. Even though SeMCYS was shown to be the most effective seleno-compound in the reduction of mammary tumours, it may not be the most effective seleno-compound for reduction of colon tumours.

Keywords

SeleniumCancer
Type
Review article
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 91 , Issue 1 , January 2004 , pp. 11 - 28
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2004

Footnotes

†

Published with the approval of Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station as paper number 11944.

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