The Effect of Zinc, Selenium, and Their Combined Supplementation on Androgen Receptor Protein Expression in the Prostate Lobes and Serum Steroid Hormone Concentrations of Wistar Rats

An efficient methodological approach for synthesis of selenopyridines: generation, reactions, anticancer activity, EGFR inhibitory activity and molecular docking studies

In the present work, we successfully synthesized Se-alkyl selenopyridines 1 and 3, selenopheno[2,3-b]pyridine 2, and bis-selenopyridine 4 derivatives using an eco-friendly method by utilizing NaHSe instead of toxic hydrogen selenide. The effect of the temperature on the reaction was screening at various temperatures. The regiospecific reaction of selenopyridine 1 with bromine afforded an unexpected product 4,6-diamino-5-bromo-2-[(cyanomethyl)selenyl]-pyridine-3-carbonitrile (5), which was cyclized to selenopheno[2,3-b]pyridine (7) by refluxing in the presence of TEA. While its treatment with thiophenol and/or p-chlorothiophenol gave 8a, b. On the other hand, its reaction with aminothiophenol afforded 2-(benzo[d]-thiazol-2-yl)-5-bromoselenopheno[2,3-b]pyridine-3,4,6-triamine (9). Also, N-(2-cyano-4-methyl-5H-1-seleno-3,5,8-triazaacenaphthylen-7-yl)acetamide (11) and a novel series of selenoazo dyes 12a-d were synthesized by treatment of selenopheno[2,3-b]pyridine 2 with acetic anhydride and/or diazonium chlorides of aromatic amines, respectively. Then, we ascertained the potential activity of synthesized compounds against highly metastatic prostate cancer cells (PC-3) and osteosarcoma cells (MG-63) and found that 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d were more cytotoxic than doxorubicin in both tested cell lines, showing nearly the same anticancer activity with IC50 values ranging from 2.59 ± 0.02 µM to 3.93 ± 0.23 µM. Mechanistically, the most potent compounds 12a and 12b proved to be potent EGFR inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.301 and 0.123 µM, respectively, compared to lapatinib as a positive reference (IC50 = 0.049 µM). Moreover, the docking results are in good agreement with the anticancer activity as well as the EGFR inhibitory activity, suggesting these two compounds as promising EGFR anticancer candidates.

The role of different dietary Zn sources in modulating heat stress-related effects on some thermoregulatory parameters of New Zealand white rabbit bucks

The present work was conducted to assess the effect of diets supplementation to heat-stressed buck rabbits with different zinc (Zn) sources on the thermoregulatory and hematobiochemical parameters, and antioxidant status. A total of 24 mature buck rabbits (32-36 weeks of age) were randomly distributed into four groups (6 each). Group 1, non-heat-stressed control (NHSC), was reared in the absence of heat stress (HS) conditions and received the basal diet only. The other three groups (groups 2, 3 and 4) were kept in HS conditions. Group 2, heat-stressed control (HSC), received the basal diet only. The diet supplemented with 75 mg Zn/kg diet either in the inorganic form (Zn sulfate) or in the organic form (Zn picolinate) for groups 3 and 4, respectively. Zn supplementation to rabbits' diets lowered the heat stress-related increase of serum urea, alanine transaminase and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. These supplementations also increased the concentration of testosterone under HS conditions. Zn picolinate was more effective than Zn sulfate in restoring serum concentrations of urea, testosterone, and MDA. In conclusion, Zn addition to rabbits' diets from different sources, especially Zn picolinate, exhibits an ameliorative effect against the harmful impact of HS on hematobiochemical parameters and antioxidant status.

Selenium in Prostate Cancer: Prevention, Progression, and Treatment

Selenium, a trace mineral with various biological functions, has become a focal point in prostate cancer research. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of selenium's involvement in prostate cancer, covering its impact on prevention, development, treatment, and underlying mechanisms. Observational studies have revealed a link between selenium levels and selenoproteins with prostate cancer progression. However, randomized controlled studies have shown that selenium supplementation does not prevent prostate cancer (HR: 0.95; 95% CI 0.80-1.13). This discrepancy might be attributed to selenoprotein single nucleotide polymorphisms. In the context of combinatorial therapy, selenium has demonstrated promising synergistic potential in the treatment of prostate cancer. Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of selenium and selenoproteins in prostate cancer, encompassing AR signaling, antioxidative properties, cell death, cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, epigenetic regulation, immunoregulation, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, and redox signal. In conclusion, selenium's diverse properties make it a promising trace mineral in prostate cancer prevention, development, and treatment and as a platform for exploring novel agents.

Role of nutrition in patients with coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sarcopenia

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in the elderly population and is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction. During COPD progression, a variety of pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications develop, with sarcopenia being one of the most common extrapulmonary complications. Factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of coexisting COPD and sarcopenia include systemic inflammation, hypoxia, hypercapnia, oxidative stress, protein metabolic imbalance, and myocyte mitochondrial dysfunction. These factors, individually or in concert, affect muscle function, resulting in decreased muscle mass and strength. The occurrence of sarcopenia severely affects the quality of life of patients with COPD, resulting in increased readmission rates, longer hospital admission, and higher mortality. In recent years, studies have found that oral supplementation with protein, micronutrients, fat, or a combination of nutritional supplements can improve the muscle strength and physical performance of these patients; some studies have also elucidated the possible underlying mechanisms. This review aimed to elucidate the role of nutrition among patients with coexisting COPD and sarcopenia.

Correlation between serum zinc and testosterone: A systematic review

Zinc is a vital trace element for normal function of the living system. In male, zinc is involved in various biological processes, an important function of which is as a balancer of hormones such as testosterone. For this purpose, studies related to the influence of zinc on serum testosterone were selected and summarized, including the effect of dietary zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation on testosterone concentrations. After preliminary searching of papers on databases, 38 papers including 8 clinical and 30 animal studies were included in this review. We concluded that zinc deficiency reduces testosterone levels and zinc supplementation improves testosterone levels. Furthermore, the effect degree of zinc on serum testosterone may vary depending on basal zinc and testosterone levels, zinc dosage form, elementary zinc dose, and duration. In conclusion, serum zinc was positively correlated with total testosterone, and moderate supplementation plays an important role in improving androgen.

Dietary Factors and Prostate Cancer Development, Progression, and Reduction

Due to the constantly increasing number of cases, prostate cancer has become one of the most important health problems of modern societies. This review presents the current knowledge regarding the role of nutrients and foodstuff consumption in the etiology and development of prostate malignancies, including the potential mechanisms of action. The results of several in vivo and in vitro laboratory experiments as well as those reported by the clinical and epidemiological research studies carried out around the world were analyzed. The outcomes of these studies clearly show the influence of both nutrients and food products on the etiology and prevention of prostate cancer. Consumption of certain nutrients (saturated and trans fatty acids) and food products (e.g., processed meat products) leads to the disruption of prostate hormonal regulation, induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and alteration of growth factor signaling and lipid metabolism, which all contribute to prostate carcinogenesis. On the other hand, a high consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grain products exerts protective and/or therapeutic effects. Special bioactive functions are assigned to compounds such as flavonoids, stilbenes, and lycopene. Since the influence of nutrients and dietary pattern is a modifiable risk factor in the development and prevention of prostate cancer, awareness of the beneficial and harmful effects of individual food ingredients is of great importance in the global strategy against prostate cancer.

Effects of Dietary or Supplementary Micronutrients on Sex Hormones and IGF-1 in Middle and Older Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Observational research suggests that micronutrients may be protective for sarcopenia, a key health issue during ageing, potentially via effects on hormone synthesis and metabolism. We aimed to carry out a systematic review of RCTs investigating effects of increasing dietary or supplemental micronutrient intake on sex hormones and IGF-1 in individuals aged 45 years or older. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for RCTs reporting the effects of different micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, or E; carotenoids; iron; copper; zinc; magnesium; selenium; and potassium) on sex hormones or IGF-1. Of the 26 RCTs identified, nine examined effects of vitamin D, nine of multi-nutrients, four of carotenoids, two of selenium, one of zinc, and one of vitamin E. For IGF-1 increasing vitamin D (MD: −0.53 nmol/L, 95% CI: −1.58, 0.52), multi-nutrients (MD: 0.60 nmol/L, 95% CI −1.12 to 2.33) and carotenoids (MD −1.32 nmol/L; 95% CI −2.76 to 0.11) had no significant effect on circulating concentrations. No significant effects on sex hormones of other micronutrients were found, but data were very limited. All trials had significant methodological limitations making effects of micronutrient supplementation on sex hormones unclear. Further high quality RCTs with physiological doses of micronutrients in people with low baseline intakes or circulating concentrations, using robust methodology, are required to assess effects of supplementation adequately.