Can selenium levels act as a marker of colorectal cancer risk?

Abstract

BackgroundSelenium has attracted attention because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protects cells from damage. Certain breakdown products of selenium are believed to prevent tumor growth by enhancing the immune cell activity and suppressing the development of tumor blood vessels. In this observational study, selenium level was measured in a series of patients from Poland and Estonia to determine a correlation between levels of this microelement and colorectal cancer risk.MethodsA total of 169 colorectal cancer patients and 169 healthy controls were enrolled in the study after obtaining their informed consent. Selenium level in the blood serum was measured using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS). The statistical analysis was performed by Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThe threshold point of selenium level was 55 μg/l and 65 μg/l for Poland and Estonia respectively, for an increase in cancer risk. The lower levels of selenium were associated with greater risk of colorectal cancer.ConclusionsThe result reveals a significant strong association between low selenium level and the colorectal cancer risk in both Estonian and Polish populations.

Analysis of serum levels of 15 trace elements in breast cancer patients in Shandong, China

“…In contrast, manganese divalent cations are required for colon cancer cells to bind to extracellular matrix proteins during migration and metastasis. Either too low or too high level of selenium is associated with increased risk of malignancies (Fritz et al 2011;Jaworska et al 2013;Lener et al 2013). Selenium supplementation was reported to be associated with decreased risk of prostate, colon, and lung cancers, but increased risk for breast cancer (Duffield-Lillico et al 2002).…”

Analysis of Selenium Levels in Osteosarcoma Patients and the Effects of Se-Methylselenocysteine on Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro

“…One study found a strong correlation between low serum Se levels and the risk of colorectal cancer. The authors identified 55 and 65 mg/L Se in serum as the threshold for an increased risk of colorectal cancer in Estonian and Polish populations, respectively (27). Associations between low serum Se levels and leukemia, oral cancer, and bladder cancer have been reported previously (28)(29)(30).…”

Selenium‐Enriched Breads and Their Benefits in Human Nutrition and Health as Affected by Agronomic, Milling, and Baking Factors

“…The production and consumption of Se‐enriched breads could be used as a tool to increase serum values that in turn will improve the general health of the average population. For example, these breads could be used to reduce colorectal cancer in Estonian and Polish populations, where epidemiological studies recommended raising blood Se levels (Lener et al 2013). Moreover, Wada et al (2011) suggested that Se supplementation through regular foods has a great advantage over oral administration, especially in terms of safety.…”

“…Generally speaking, Europeans are considered to have deficient Se intake, although consumption varies from country to country (Lener et al 2013). A previous European nutritional and health report conducted by Elmadfa et al (2009) concluded that Se intake in children and teenagers was not within the recommendation in all participating countries except for Finnish females, in whom the intake was slightly above the recommended daily intake range of 30-70 µg.…”