The dilemma of selenium in chemoprevention and chemotherapy of cancer and the promising nano red elemental selenium (Nano-Se)

    University of Science and Technology of China Jinsong Zhang

    Selenium is a promising agent for chemoprevention and chemotherapy of cancer. However, present research data indicate the supranutritional dose and even higher level are necessary for better efficacy. These doses approaches toxic dose. The dilemma in selenium argues the exploration of novel selenium form with lower toxicity and higher biological functions is urgent. The long-held opinion is elemental selenium is biological inert. We show that elemental in nano particles has high bioavailability and substantial low toxicity, indicating its promising application in chemoprevention and chemotherapy.

    硒在癌症的化学预防和治疗方面有明确的作用。然而，目前的研究资料显示硒在超营养水平和大剂量时才有明显效果，这些剂量接近硒毒性水平。这种困境强调研究低毒高效硒的紧迫性。长期持有的教条是零价元素硒无生物利用价值 ......