Selenium (Se) is placed in Group VIA of the Periodic Table. Its chemistry is similar to sulfur (S). Practically all small organic selenium compounds are isologues of corresponding sulfur compounds. With a few exceptions, they are also isologues of sulfur amino acids or derivatives thereof. Selenium plays an indispensable role for humans, animals and microorganisms. It is beneficial for the meta...

The aim of the study was to determine the activity of antioxidative enzymes GPH-Px and SOD as well as selenium concentration and distribution in mice treated with selenium compounds. Organic selenium compounds obtained in our laboratory: 4-(o-tolyl-) selenosemicarbazide of p-chlorobenzoicacid and 3-(p-chlorobenzoylamino-)-2-(o-tolylimino-) 4-phenyl-4-selenazoline were administrated to mice in a...

Blood selenium and trace minerals play an important role in animal's health and production. The aims of this study were to determine selenium effect on blood glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, trace minerals and weight gain in lambs. Twelve female Makuei breed were studied for 63 days in groups of control, nanoselenium (NanoSe) and sodium selenite (NaSe). Mean concentrations of GPX, Cu and ...

Selenium is an important trace element with anti-cancer properties. In the present study, the apoptosis-inducing effects of organic selenium derivatives, namely methyl-L-selenocysteine and selenomethionine, were evaluated in vitro on human tumour-derived cell lines from breast, liver, colon, brain, skin and a non-tumorigenic line of epithelial origin. Apoptosis was assessed by cell-death detect...

Organic selenium compounds possess numerous biological properties, including antioxidant activity. Yet, the high toxicity of some of them, such as diphenyl diselenide (DPDS), is a limiting factor in their current usage. Accordingly, we tested four novel organic selenium compounds in the non-parasite nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and compared their efficacy to DPDS. The novel organic selenium ...

The article reviews the progress in basic research of selenium and cancer prevention during the past decade. Special emphasis is placed on the following four major areas of discussion: 1) chemical forms of selenium and anticarcinogenic activity; 2) selenium-enriched food; 3) in vitro effects of selenite vs. monomethylated selenium; and 4) aromatic selenium compounds. It is clear that basic rese...

Oxidative DNA damage occurs in vivo by hydroxyl radical generated in metal-mediated Fenton-type reactions. Cell death and mutation caused by this DNA damage are implicated in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and aging. Treating these conditions with antioxidants, including highly potent selenium antioxidants, is of growing interest. Gel electrophoresis was used to directly...

The article reviews the progress in basic research of selenium and cancer prevention during the past decade. Special emphasis is placed on the following four major areas of discussion: 1) chemical forms of selenium and anticarcinogenic activity; 2) selenium-enriched food; 3) in vitro effects of selenite vs. monomethylated selenium; and 4) aromatic selenium compounds. It is clear that basic rese...

Research interests in studying the biochemical nature of selenium have increased and the importance of this element as an essential micronutrient in many organisms has been well recognized. Selenium occurs in proteins in the form of the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (SeCys or Sec). In this review, we describe the speciation analysis of the fish-specific selenoproteins and non-proteinous selen...

The anticarcinogenic activity of selenium in animal models is well established. The active forms of selenium involved have not been identi fied to date, but conversion of selenium via hydrogen selenide ( 11.So) to methylated forms such as dimethylselenide and trimethylselenonium ion is an important metabolic fate. By controlling the entry of selenium into various points within this pathway thro...