Recent Research

Health Effects of Selenium

L. Letavayova, V. Vlckova, and J Brozmanova, Selenium: From cancer prevention to DNA damage, Toxicology, volume 227 (2006), Issue 1-2, pages 1-14.

Selenium (Se) is a dietary essential trace element with important biological roles. Accumulating evidence indicates that Se compounds possess anticancer properties. Se is specifically incorporated into proteins in the form of selenocysteine and non-specifically incorporated as selenomethionine in place of methionine. The effects of Se compounds on cells are strictly compositional and concentration-dependent. At supranutritional dietary levels, Se can prevent the development of many types of cancer. At higher concentrations, Se compounds can be either cytotoxic or possibly carcinogenic. The cytotoxicity of Se is suggested to be associated with oxidative stress. Accordingly, sodium selenite, an inorganic Se compound, was reported to induce DNA damage, particularly DNA strand breaks and base damage. In this review we summarize the various activities of Se compounds and focus on their relation to DNA damage and repair. We discuss the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for identification of the genes involved in Se toxicity and resistance.

The journal is available at libraries and the article may be purchased on-line at: http://www.aapspharmaceutica.com/search/...

Public Health Statement for Selenium, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR), September 2003.

This is the summary chapter for ASTDR's Toxicological Profile for Selenium (see below). It is one in a series of Public Health Statements about hazardous substances and their health effects. A shorter version, the ToxFAQTM, is also available. In the words of ASTDR, "this information is important because this substance may harm you."

Toxicological Profile for Selenium, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR), September 2003.

The ASTDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicological and adverse health effects information for the hazardous substance stated in the title. Each peer-reviewed profile identifies and reviews the key scientific literature that describes a hazardous substance's health and toxicological properties.

ToxFAQTM for Selenium, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR), September 2003.

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about selenium. It is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects prepared by ASTDR.