Potential Chemotherapeutic Effect of Selenium for Improved Canceration of Esophageal Cancer

Selenium suppressed growth of Ehrlich solid tumor and improved health of tumor-bearing mice

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutritional biomolecule in cancer therapy. The current work evaluated the anticancer effect of Se and its ability to improve health of mice with solid Ehrlich carcinoma implanted subcutaneously. Four groups of five female BALB/c mice each were assembled. Ehrlich tumor cells were engrafted into two of them, either with or without Se therapy. The other groups served as control groups, either with or without Se treatment. Se treatment resulted in a notable decrease in both tumor volume and animal body mass in tumor-bearing mice. Treatment with Se markedly increased oxidative stress in tumor while ameliorating oxidative stress in sera of tumors-bearing mice. Similarly, treatment with Se resulted in downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) while increasing IL-10 in serum of tumor-bearing mice. Conversely, selenium increased TNF- α and IL-6 and decreased IL-10 in tumor suggesting disruption of tumor immunity. The increased oxidative stress and inflammation in tumor tissue dysregulated cell cycle phases with increase apoptotic tumor cells population in G0/G1 phase. This is supported by the increased levels apoptotic regulating proteins (Bax and caspase-3 and P-53) while decreasing Bcl-2 in the tumor tissue. Treatment with Se also resulted in increased comet parameters indicating DNA damage of tumor cells. Histopathological examination revealed a significant decrease in a number of neoplastic cells within tumor of mice that treated with Se. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Se therapy significantly suppressed solid tumor proliferation and growth while mitigating the health status of tumor-bearing mice.

Selenium May Be Involved in Esophageal Squamous Cancer Prevention by Affecting GPx3 and FABP1 Expression: A Case-Control Study Based on Bioinformatic Analysis

The role of selenium in the developmental process of esophageal cancer (EC) requires further investigation. To explore the relationship between selenium-related factors and EC through bioinformatic analysis, a case-control study was conducted to verify the results. Utilizing the GEPIA and TCGA databases, we delineated the differential expression of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) in EC and normal tissues, identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and a performed visualization analysis. Additionally, 100 pairs of dietary and plasma samples from esophageal precancerous lesions (EPLs) of esophageal squamous cancer (ESCC) cases and healthy controls from Huai'an district, Jiangsu, were screened. The levels of dietary selenium, plasma selenium, and related enzymes were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or ELISA kits. The results showed lower GPx3 expression in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Further analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in the fat digestion and absorption pathway, and the core protein fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) was significantly upregulated and negatively correlated with GPx3 expression. Our case-control study found that selenium itself was not associated with EPLs risk. However, both the decreased concentration of GPx3 and the increase in FABP1 were positively correlated with the EPLs risk (p for trend = 0.035 and 0.046, respectively). The different expressions of GPx3 and FABP1 reflect the potential of selenium for preventing ESCC at the EPLs stage. GPx3 may affect myocardial infarction through FABP1, which remains to be further studied.

Squamous Neoplastic Precursor Lesions of the Esophagus

Clinicopathological and molecular studies have demonstrated that dysplasia is a precancerous and/or neoplastic lesion with malignant potential. Further, it is subclassified into two grades: high-grade and low-grade dysplasia. High-grade dysplasia is a clinically significant lesion requiring resection or ablation. Low-grade dysplasia has a much lower risk of carcinoma; thus, it should be followed by endoscopic surveillance. Because squamous dysplasia may progress to squamous cell carcinoma, periodic endoscopy is useful to detect the lesion in patients with risk factors. Squamous dysplasia is diagnosed histopathologically by evaluating both cytologic and structural changes.

Design, synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of selenium-containing PI3Kδ inhibitors

PI3Kδ inhibitors play an important role in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma and autoimmune diseases. Herein, using our reported compounds as the lead compound, we designed and synthesized a series of selenium-containing PI3Kδ inhibitors based on quinazoline and pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine skeletons. Among them, compound Se15 showed sub-nanomolar inhibition against PI3Kδ and strong δ-selectivity. Moreover, Se15 showed potent anti-proliferative effect on SU-DHL-6 cells with an IC50 value of 0.16 μM. Molecular docking study showed that Se15 was able to form multiple hydrogen bonds with PI3Kδ and was close proximity and stacking with PI3Kδ selective region. In conclusion, the Se-containing compound Se15 bearing pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine scaffold is a novel potent and selective PI3Kδ inhibitor. The introduction of selenium can enrich the structure of PI3Kδ inhibitors and provide a new idea for design of novel PI3Kδ inhibitors.

Therapeutic effect of trace elements on multiple myeloma and mechanisms of cancer process

In the human body, trace elements and other micronutrients play a vital role in growth, health and immune system function. The trace elements are Iron, Manganese, Copper, Iodine, Zinc, Cobalt, Fluoride, and Selenium. Estimating the serum levels of trace elements in hematologic malignancy patients can determine the severity of the tumor. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematopoietic malignancy and is characterized by plasma cell clonal expansion in bone marrow. Despite the advances in treatment methods, myeloma remains largely incurable. In addition to conventional medicine, treatment is moving toward less expensive noninvasive alternatives. One of the alternative treatments is the use of dietary supplements. In this review, we focused on the effect of three trace elements including iron, zinc and selenium on important mechanisms such as the immune system, oxidative and antioxidant factors and cell cycle. Using some trace minerals in combination with approved drugs can increase patients' recovery speed. Trace elements can be used as not only a preventive but also a therapeutic tool, especially in reducing inflammation in hematological cancers such as multiple myeloma. We hope that the prospect of the correct use of trace element supplements in the future could be promising for the treatment of diseases.

Current Status and Future Prospects for Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are the two main histological subtypes with distinct epidemiological and clinical features. While the global incidence of ESCC is declining, the incidence of EAC is increasing in many countries. Decades of epidemiologic research have identified distinct environmental exposures for ESCC and EAC subtypes. Recent advances in understanding the genomic aspects of EC have advanced our understanding of EC causes and led to using specific genomic alterations in EC tumors as biomarkers for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this cancer. Nevertheless, the prognosis of EC is still poor, with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Currently, there are significant challenges for early detection and secondary prevention for both ESCC and EAC subtypes, but Cytosponge™ is shifting this position for EAC. Primary prevention remains the preferred strategy for reducing the global burden of EC. In this review, we will summarize recent advances, current status, and future prospects of the studies related to epidemiology, time trends, environmental risk factors, prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment for both EC subtypes.

Selenium-Containing Agents Acting on Cancer-A New Hope?

Selenium-containing agents are more and more considered as an innovative potential treatment option for cancer. Light is shed not only on the considerable advancements made in understanding the complex biology and chemistry related to selenium-containing small molecules but also on Se-nanoparticles. Numerous Se-containing agents have been widely investigated in recent years in cancer therapy in relation to tumour development and dissemination, drug delivery, multidrug resistance (MDR) and immune system-related (anti)cancer effects. Despite numerous efforts, Se-agents apart from selenocysteine and selenomethionine have not yet reached clinical trials for cancer therapy. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise critical overview of the current state of the art in the development of highly potent target-specific Se-containing agents.

Esophageal Squamous Cancer from 4NQO-Induced Mice Model: CNV Alterations

Squamous esophageal carcinoma is a common pathological type of esophageal carcinoma around the world. The prognosis of esophageal carcinoma is usually poor and diagnosed at late stages. Recently, research suggested that genomic instability occurred in esophageal cells during the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Identifying prognostic and specific genomic characteristics, especially at the early hyperplasia stage, is critical. Mice were given 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) with drinking water to induce esophageal cancer. The immortalized human esophageal epithelial cell line (NE2) was also treated with 4NQO. We performed histologic analyses, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining to detect DNA damage at different time points. Whole-exome sequencing was accomplished on the esophagus tissues at different pathological stages to detect single-nucleotide variants and copy number variation (CNV) in the genome. Our findings indicate that all mice were tumor-forming, and a series of changes from simple hyperplasia (ESSH) to intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was seen at different times. The expression of γ-H2AX increased from ESSH to ESCC. In addition, mutations of the Muc4 gene were detected throughout the pathological stages. Furthermore, CNV burden appeared in the esophageal tissues from the beginning of ESSH and accumulated more in cancer with the deepening of the lesions. This study demonstrates that mutations caused by the early appearance of DNA damage may appear in the early stage of malignant tissue before the emergence of atypia. The detection of CNV and mutations of the Muc4 gene may be used as an ultra-early screening indicator for esophageal cancer.

Esophagus cancer and essential trace elements

Numerous epidemiological and laboratory studies on essential trace elements have reported protective associations in developing various cancer types, including esophagus cancer (EC). However, the results are not always consistent. Some essential trace elements could play a vital role in preventing esophagus cancer. Some showed no association with esophageal cancer risk, while others harmed individuals. This article reviews the association between the intake or supplementation of essential trace elements (especially zinc, copper, iron, and selenium) and the risk of esophageal cancer. Generally, zinc intake may decrease the risk of esophageal cancer (EC), especially in high esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prevalence regions. The association between copper supplementation and EC remains uncertain. Total iron consumption is thought to be associated with lower EC risk, while heme iron intake may be associated with higher EC risk. Selenium intake showed a protective effect against EC, especially for those individuals with a low baseline selenium level. This review also prospects the research direction of the association between EC and essential trace elements.

Metabolism and Anticancer Mechanisms of Selocompounds: Comprehensive Review

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient with several functions in cellular and molecular anticancer processes. There is evidence that Se depending on its chemical form and the dosage use could act as a modulator in some anticancer mechanisms. However, the metabolism of organic and inorganic forms of dietary selenium converges on the main pathways. Different selenocompounds have been reported to have crucial roles as chemopreventive agents, such as antioxidant activity, activation of apoptotic pathways, selective cytotoxicity, antiangiogenic effect, and cell cycle modulation. Nowadays, great interest has arisen to find therapies that could enhance the antitumor effects of different Se sources. Herein, different studies are reported related to the effects of combinatorial therapies, where Se is used in combination with proteins, polysaccharides, chemotherapeutic agents or as nanoparticles. Another important factor is the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes related to Se metabolism or selenoprotein synthesis which could prevent cancer. These studies and mechanisms show promising results in cancer therapies. This review aims to compile studies that have demonstrated the anticancer effects of Se at molecular levels and its potential to be used as chemopreventive and in cancer treatment.