A Review on Selenium Compounds Role in Chemotherapy

The use of selenium compounds as a cancer treatment predates most conventional treatments currently in use. In spite of this, comparatively little is known regarding the use of selenium as cancer therapy in living systems. Selenium normally acts in concert with a class of enzymes and transporters called Selenoproteins (proteins with selenium in them), many of which are intrinsic anti-oxidant enzymes. In these selenoproteins, selenium acts as a prosthetic group or active site. Distinctly, Selenoprotein S is involved in protection against endoplasmic reticulum stress and regulation of proinflammatory cytokine release. In epidemiological studies of populations exposed to high levels of selenium in food and water, discoloration of the skin, pathological deformation and loss of nails, loss of hair, excessive tooth decay and discoloration, garlic odor in breath and urine, lack of mental alertness, and listlessness were reported. Taking antioxidants, including selenium, along with these drugs may reduce their effectiveness. Theoretically, selenium may also reduce the effectiveness of other statins, including atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin and pravastatin.