Un estudio de la Universidad de Navarra demuestra el efecto antitumoral del selenio frente a la leucemia y los cánceres de próstata y mama
A study by the University of Navarra demonstrates the antitumor effect of selenium against leukemia, prostate and breast cancers.
This chemical element, present in broccoli, Brazil nuts, mushrooms or seafood, could be a new component of drugs to treat cancer.
A research, developed at the University of Navarra by graduate at Chemistry Daniel Plano, has demonstrated the antitumor effect of new compounds containing an atom of selenium, a chemical element found in foods such as broccoli, brazil nuts, mushrooms or seafood.
The Navarre chemist's work started with 72 synthesized compounds, from which they chose the eight with the greatest action and selective capacity against five types of cancer in vitro. "In particular, these compounds showed their action in leukemia, prostate cancer and breast cancer cell lines," explains the scientist.
The researcher, who has received the School of Science doctorate award doctorate award , adds that many of the synthesized compounds “have shown very promising results against leishmaniasis, a disease caused by various protozoa and transmitted by the bite of sandflies.”
Regarding selenium’s antitumor activity, the chemist from the University of School of Science cites a study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona Cancer Center: “At this center, they carried out a study that began in 1983 with 1,312 participants divided into two groups. While the first group received 200 micrograms of selenium daily, in the form of a yeast supplement, the rest took a placebo. The results confirmed that the group with selenium developed nearly 66% fewer cases of prostate cancer, 50% fewer cases of colorectal and lung cancer, and about 40% fewer cases of lung cancer, compared to the group ." Furthermore, the same essay that subjects who had taken the selenium supplement experienced a 50% reduction in total cancer deaths.
Selenium-rich fertilizers
Furthermore, the expert notes that the University of Arizona study, along with many other studies, "confirms the influence of soils with high selenium levels, and the consumption of foods containing selenium, on a lower incidence of various types of cancer." In this regard, although there is no record of the geographical distribution of this element in soils, Daniel Plano clarifies that its presence can be increased through the use of fertilizers containing selenium.
His work has led to collaborations with several groups of international centers and has resulted in 12 publications in prestigious scientific journals.
