We aimed to explore how selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels affect the survival of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. In a study conducted in Poland from 2009 to 2015, we enrolled 338 prostate cancer patients and measured their serum levels of these micronutrients before they started any treatment.
By categorizing participants into quartiles based on their Se and Zn levels, we utilized Cox regression to evaluate the relationship between these levels and patient survival. Our findings revealed a notable interaction between selenium and zinc, suggesting that higher combined levels of these micronutrients correlate with increased survival rates in prostate cancer patients.
Specifically, patients in the highest quartile of both Se and Zn showed a remarkably high hazard ratio (HR = 20.9) compared to those in the lowest quartile. However, it’s important to note that while the interaction is significant, our study does not isolate the effects of selenium from zinc alone. Therefore, further research is warranted to better understand optimal selenium and zinc levels for different populations and how they might contribute to prostate cancer outcomes.
Read More
We explored the potential of beta-glucan, a polysaccharide derived from the Maitake mushroom, as a treatment option for hormone-refractory prostate cancer. By treating human prostate cancer PC-3 cells with various concentrations of a highly purified beta-glucan preparation known as Grifron-D (GD), we aimed to understand its antitumor effects.
Our findings were compelling. Within just 24 hours, we observed that concentrations of 480 micrograms/mL of GD led to over 95% cell death. Interestingly, even lower doses, when combined with vitamin C, achieved similar results, effectively inducing over 90% cell death.
We also examined how GD interacted with other anticancer drugs and found a notable synergy with carmustine, which resulted in an approximately 90% reduction in cell survival. The mechanism behind these effects appeared to involve oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and positive staining in our hybridization tests, implying that GD damages cancer cell membranes and triggers apoptosis.
This study suggests that beta-glucan from Maitake mushrooms has significant cytotoxic properties against prostate cancer cells. Its ability to enhance the effects of vitamin C and other treatments offers promising implications for alternative therapeutic strategies in cancer care.
Read More
Selenium's potential in prostate cancerEnhancing Radiotherapy Sensitivity in Prostate Cancer with Lentinan-Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential.
Moderate impact on treatment assessment
We sought to understand how selenium, specifically in the form of lentinan-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (LET-SeNPs), can improve radiotherapy outcomes for prostate cancer. Our investigation showed that when these nanoparticles were combined with X-ray therapy, they significantly hampered the growth of prostate cancer cells and their ability to form colonies. This effect was greater than either treatment alone.
The mechanism behind this enhanced sensitivity involved a complex interplay of cellular pathways. We observed that LET-SeNPs helped induce more robust apoptosis, or programmed cell death, by targeting various signaling routes in the cancer cells, such as the p53, MAPK, and AKT pathways. Moreover, they elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to promote apoptosis, while also decreasing the expression of Thioredoxin reductase, an enzyme that aids in DNA repair.
In animal models, the combination therapy proved effective in slowing down tumor growth, reinforcing our findings from the lab. These results suggest that using LET-SeNPs alongside X-ray therapy could potentially transform prostate cancer treatment, enhancing its effectiveness while possibly reducing side effects. Overall, we believe that selenium-modified nanoparticles hold significant promise for advancing cancer therapies.
Read More
Prodrug enhances prostate cancer therapyA novel selenium analog of HDACi-based twin drug induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via CDC25A to improve prostate cancer therapy.
Highly relevant to prostate cancer research
We explored an innovative approach to treating prostate cancer by developing a unique prodrug that combines a potent HDAC inhibitor with selenium. This new compound, known as SeSA-DCA, was designed to effectively target cancer cells while minimizing side effects.
The study assessed how SeSA-DCA works in the body and its impact on various prostate cancer cell lines. We observed that this compound not only inhibited cancer cell growth but also prompted cell death and reduced metastasis significantly. Our animal studies revealed that SeSA-DCA led to notable tumor shrinkage without causing serious toxicity, outperforming even the standard treatment of docetaxel.
Additionally, we found that SeSA-DCA was stable in the body's environment and broke down rapidly in the tumor area, releasing its active components. This dual-action mechanism makes SeSA-DCA a promising candidate for prostate cancer therapy, potentially improving outcomes for patients while offering a safer alternative to traditional treatments. Overall, our findings suggest that selenium combined with HDAC inhibition can play a crucial role in advancing prostate cancer treatment strategies.
Read More
Selenium's role in prostate cancerEffects of natural extract interventions in prostate cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Effectiveness tied to silybin
We conducted a systematic exploration of natural extracts, with a particular focus on selenium, and its role in managing prostate cancer. The available evidence includes findings from various studies, including our analysis, which assessed the effectiveness of selenium alone and in combination with other extracts, such as silybin.
While selenium was noted in our findings, we found that its effectiveness is not straightforward. Specifically, the interaction between selenium and silybin complicated our ability to isolate the impact of selenium on its own. Thus, it became clear that, although some benefits arise from its combined use, we couldn’t definitively conclude that selenium alone delivers significant advantages for prostate cancer treatment.
Overall, the insights from our network meta-analysis suggest that while silybin and selenium together show promise, we need more studies to establish the detailed benefits and safety of selenium as a standalone treatment for prostate cancer. Those considering natural extract options should proceed with caution, keeping in mind the current limitations in evidence.
Read More