Selenium and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- Author:
Nasar Alwahaibi
;
Jamaludin Mohamed
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Selenium, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Deficiency, Toxicity, Alpha Fetoprotein, Tumour Markers
- From:Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences
2008;6(2):1-14
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
While cancer is considered to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, there is a growing scientific and public interests on selenium as a dietary and
antioxidant of many diseases, in particular, cancer. Despite advanced technology and significant improvement of surgical, chemical, hormonal and
radio therapies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still common in Asia and Africa and is increasing in the developed countries. Prognosis of HCC at an
early stage is still challenging. At the moment, combination of Alpha feto protein (AFP) and ultrasonography tests offers more accurate and sensitive
results for the diagnosis of HCC. Selenium (also known as the moon element) has been recognized for almost 49 years as an antioxidant and anti cancer agent. The weight of evidence supports the position of selenium as an anti
cancer agent for HCC but the molecular mechanism of how selenium inhibits HCC is still unknown. Numerous theories have been proposed and selenium induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest is the predominant one so far.
- Full text:W020150619354121330300.pdf
