Selenium modulates AR/IGF-1R/EGFR and TROP2 signaling pathways and improves anticancer efficacy in murine mammary carcinoma 4T1.

The micronutrient selenium (Se) has been shown to exert potential anticancer properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Se (in Se yeast form) on the selenoproteins (SELENO), AR/IGF-1R/EGFR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Ras/Raf/ERK cascades, and immune checkpoint blockade in TNBC murine 4T1 cells. We also assessed the effects of combination treatment with chemotherapeutic doxorubicin and Se on trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) levels.

Targeting EGFR in Combination with Nutritional Supplements on Antitumor Efficacy in a Lung Cancer Mouse Model.

Selenium (Se) and fish oil (FO) exert anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) action on tumors. This study aimed to compare the anti-cancer efficacy of EGFR inhibitors (gefitinib and erlotinib) alone and in combination with nutritional supplements of Se/FO in treating lung cancer. Lewis LLC1 tumor-bearing mice were treated with a vehicle or Se/FO, gefitinib or gefitinib plus Se/FO, and erlotinib or erlotinib plus Se/FO.

Fish Oil and Selenium with Doxorubicin Modulates Expression of Fatty Acid Receptors and Selenoproteins, and Targets Multiple Anti-Cancer Signaling in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Tumors.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (FO) and selenium (Se) potentiate some conventional therapies and have anticancer immune potential. This study aims to determine whether FO/Se modulates G-protein-coupled polyunsaturated fatty acid receptors (GPR-40 and GPR-120) and selenoproteins (Sel-H, Sel-W, and GPx4), and increases the therapeutic effect of doxorubicin in a dose-dependent manner on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) mouse. Mice were randomized into 5 groups (n = 7/group) and treated with physiological saline (control), low-dose doxorubicin, and doxorubicin in combination with low, medium, or high doses of FO/Se.

Combination of Fish Oil and Selenium Enhances Anticancer Efficacy and Targets Multiple Signaling Pathways in Anti-VEGF Agent Treated-TNBC Tumor-Bearing Mice.

Fish oil (FO) and selenium (Se) possess antiangiogenic potential in malignant tumors. This study aimed to determine whether combination of FO and Se enhanced treatment efficacy of low-dose antiangiogenic agent Avastin (bevacizumab) in a dose-dependent manner and targeted multiple signaling pathways in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-bearing mice. Randomized into five groups, mice received treatment with either physiological saline (control), Avastin alone, or Avastin in combination with low, medium, and high doses of FO/Se.

Nutritional supplements in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy reduces tumor progression in mice bearing triple-negative breast cancer.

The potential anti-cancer properties of selenium (Se) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been documented. However, few studies have been conducted examining anti-tumor effects of nutritional supplements (NS) containing Se and EPA/DHA in combination with anti-cancer agents, such as taxol (Tax), adriamycin (Adr), and avastin (Ava). Compared with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-bearing positive control (TB) mice, a low dose of Tax, Adr, and Ava decreased tumor size and the incidence of metastasis in TB-Tax, TB-Adr, and TB-Ava groups.

Altered Mineral Metabolism and Disequilibrium Between Calcification Promoters and Inhibitors in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients.

Patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis (HD) are known to have abnormal blood concentrations of antioxidant minerals; concurrent oxidative stress can contribute to increased vascular calcification. This study aims to evaluate the associations between circulating antioxidant minerals and clinical biomarkers of vascular calcification in HD patients. Blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant minerals (selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg)), and several promoters and inhibitors of calcification (matrix Gla protein (MGP), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1 and -2)) were determined in HD patients (n = 62) and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (n = 30).

Effects of Chinese Medicinal Formula BNG-1 on Phosphodiesterase 3B Expression, Hepatic Steatosis, and Insulin Resistance in High Fat Diet-induced NAFLD Mice.

Chinese medicinal formula BNG-1, a non-specific inhibitor of phospho-diesterases (PDEs), can be considered as a potential anti-inflammatory agent. The present study was aimed at determining the effects of BNG-1 on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. Male CD1 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, the control Con (4) and Con (8)+saline groups were fed a standard control diet for four or eight weeks; the experimental HFD (4) and HFD (8)+saline groups were fed a high fat diet for four or eight weeks; the HFD (8)+LBNG, HFD (8)+MBNG, and HFD (8)+HBNG groups received a high fat diet along with low, moderate or high doses of BNG-1 (0.

Effects of Selenium Yeast on Oxidative Stress, Growth Inhibition, and Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Recent evidence suggests that selenium (Se) yeast may exhibit potential anti-cancer properties; whereas the precise mechanisms remain unknown. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Se yeast on oxidative stress, growth inhibition, and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. Treatments of ER-positive MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells with Se yeast (100, 750, and 1500 ng Se/mL), methylseleninic acid (MSA, 1500 ng Se/mL), or methylselenocysteine (MSC, 1500 ng Se/mL) at a time course experiment (at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h) were analyzed.

Supplementation with Selenium yeast on the prooxidant-antioxidant activities and anti-tumor effects in breast tumor xenograft-bearing mice.

Selenium (Se) is essential for antioxidant activity involved in immune function and anti-carcinogenic action, whereas at higher concentrations, Se may have pro-oxidant properties. The present study was aimed at determining the effects of Se supplementation, as Se yeast, on oxidative stress in non-tumor/tumor tissues, as well as regulation of the apoptotic process, and immune responses in mice-bearing breast tumor xenografts. Female BALB/cByJNarl mice were divided into control (CNL and CNL-con), Se-supplemented control (CNL-HS, given as a single oral dose of 912 ng Se daily), breast tumor-bearing (TB and TB-con), TB-LS (228 ng Se), TB-MS (456 ng Se) and TB-HS (912 ng Se) groups.

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and aluminium concentrations in human milk at early stages of lactation.

Background: Human milk is considered to be the best nutrition for all infants because it provides the optimal source of nutritional, immunological, developmental, psychological, economic, practical, and environmental benefits in both the short and long terms. To the best of our knowledge, few studies in Taiwan have examined the toxicant levels in breast milk and associated factors.

Methods: The research was carried out over a 6-month period.

Status of essential trace minerals and oxidative stress in viral hepatitis C patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be an important factor leading to altered trace mineral homeostasis, thereby accelerating the progression of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Our aim was to determine whether NAFLD influenced the status of certain essential trace minerals and oxidative stress in chronic HCV-infected patients.

Design And Methods: Blood biochemical parameters were determined in a group of 30 healthy, non-obese, non-diabetic participants (CNL group), and hepatitis C patients without NAFLD (HCV group, n = 30) and with NAFLD (HCV-NAFLD group, n = 32).

Zinc supplementation alters plasma aluminum and selenium status of patients undergoing dialysis: a pilot study.

End stage renal disease patients undergoing long-term dialysis are at risk for abnormal concentrations of certain essential and non-essential trace metals and high oxidative stress. We evaluated the effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation on plasma aluminum (Al) and selenium (Se) concentrations and oxidative stress in chronic dialysis patients. Zn-deficient patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis were divided into two groups according to plasma Al concentrations (HA group, Al > 50 g/L; and MA group, Al > 30 to ≤ 50 g/L).

Distribution of selenium and oxidative stress in breast tumor-bearing mice.

The present study investigated the effects of breast tumors on the blood and tissue distribution of essential trace mineral selenium (Se), and oxidative stress status of mice. Female 10-week-old BALB/cByJNarl mice were randomly assigned into control (CNL) and breast tumor-bearing (TB) groups. TB mice were injected subcutaneously into the right hind thigh with 5 × 10(6) EMT6 mouse mammary tumor cells.

Effects of zinc supplementation on plasma copper/zinc ratios, oxidative stress, and immunological status in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have low plasma levels of zinc (Zn), high plasma levels of copper (Cu), and exhibit increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune abnormalities. We evaluated the effects of Zn supplementation on abnormal plasma Cu/Zn ratios and clinical outcomes in HD patients.

Design And Methods: Patients on long-term HD with lower than normal plasma concentrations of Zn (< 80 mg/dL) were randomized to receive daily oral Zn supplements (n = 40) or no supplements (n = 25) for eight weeks.

The relationship of plasma aluminum to oxidant-antioxidant and inflammation status in asthma patients.

Aluminum (Al) is a non-essential mineral which human beings are exposed to on day-to-day life. The purpose of this study was to assess the concentrations of plasma Al and the relationship of those levels with risk factors for asthma. In total, 27 allergic asthmatics and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled.

Nutritional supplement therapy improves oxidative stress, immune response, pulmonary function, and quality of life in allergic asthma patients: an open-label pilot study.

Objective: To examine the effects of nutritional supplement therapy on oxidant-antioxidant status, inflammation and immune system responses, pulmonary function, and health-related quality of life in patients with mild to moderate allergic asthma.

Methods: Adult asthma patients (n=30) received daily multiple nutrient supplements for two months. Age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=30) did not receive any supplements.

Trace metal imbalance associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory status in anti-hepatitis C virus antibody positive subjects.

Toxic and essential trace metals, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status were evaluated in anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody-positive subjects. Blood biochemical parameters were determined in anti-HCV antibody-positive (n=17) and -negative controls (n=46). Compared with controls, anti-HCV antibody-positive individuals had significantly lower concentrations of plasma zinc (Zn); higher copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and aluminum (Al); and lower activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and catalase, and elevated superoxide dismutase.

Plasma aluminum is a risk factor for oxidative stress and inflammation status in hemodialysis patients.

Objectives: The association between aluminum (Al), essential trace metals, oxidative stress, and inflammation status was evaluated in hemodialysis patients.

Design And Methods: Biochemical parameters in blood were determined in long-term hemodialysis patients (n=69) and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (n=30).

Results: Compared with healthy subjects, patients had significantly higher concentrations of plasma Al.

Identification and cloning of a selenophosphate synthetase (SPS) from tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon, and its transcription in relation to molt stages and following pathogen infection.

Complementary (c)DNA encoding selenophosphate synthetase (SPS) messenger (m)RNA of the tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon, designated PmSPS, was obtained from the hepatopancreas by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The 1582-bp cDNA contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1248 bp, a 103-bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR), and a 231-bp 3'-UTR, which contained a conserved selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) element, a conventional polyadenylation signal, and a poly A tail. The molecular mass of the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence (416 aa) was 45.

Role of certain trace minerals in oxidative stress, inflammation, CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratios and lung function in asthmatic patients.

Background: Asthma is associated with increased inflammation, oxidative stress and abnormal immune system function. We determined the distributions of several essential trace minerals and assessed their relationships to factors that are associated with the pathophysiological status of patients with mild/moderate asthma.

Methods: We enrolled 25 asthmatic patients and 25 healthy subjects.

Cu/Zn ratios are associated with nutritional status, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune abnormalities in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Objectives: We evaluated the relationship of the plasma copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio with nutritional status, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune function in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Design And Methods: Clinical and laboratory parameters were measured in patients (n=45) and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (n=30).

Results: There were significant negative correlations of the Cu/Zn ratio with nutrition-related parameters (body mass index [BMI], creatinine, hemoglobin, and albumin) and antioxidant (vitamin C and E) levels and positive correlations of the Cu/Zn ratio with the levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and oxidation products (malondialdehyde [MDA] and protein carbonyl).

Linkage of some trace elements, peripheral blood lymphocytes, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients undergoing either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Background: Changes in essential trace elements may affect the inflammatory and immunological state of patients on hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Therefore, we aimed to determine trace element content and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune status in HD and PD patients and to assess the relationships among these parameters.

Methods: Patients on either HD (n = 20) or PD (n = 20) and age-, sex-, body mass index-matched healthy individuals (n = 20) were enrolled in the study.

Aluminum accumulation induced testicular oxidative stress and altered selenium metabolism in mice.

Present work was carried out to investigate how testicular selenium (Se) metabolisms respond to oxidative stress induced by aluminum (Al). Mice were intraperitoneally exposed to 0, 7, or 35mg Al/kg/d for 14 days (CNL, LAL and HAL groups). Al administration significantly increased Al, reactive oxygen radical and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in serum and testes.

Alterations in trace elements and oxidative stress in uremic patients with dementia.

The present study was conducted to compare the trace elements and oxidative status between uremic patients with and without dementia. Chronic hemodialysis patients with dementia (n = 20) and without dementia (n = 25), and age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 20) were enrolled. The nutritional status, blood levels of trace elements aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl production, antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were measured.

Effects of peritoneal aluminum overload on polyamines and nitric oxide contents of testes and epididymis in the mice.

Polyamines are involved in cellular growth, differentiation and regulation of oxidative stress. The present investigation was to determine the effect of aluminum (Al) toxicity on the nitric oxide products (NO(x)) and metabolism of polyamines in mouse testes and epididymis. Aluminum chloride, AlCl(3,) was administered intraperitoneally to CD-1 adult male mice at dosages of 0, 7 or 35mg Al/kg body weight/day for 14 days (C, LAL and HAL groups).