Effect of Selol on Tumor Morphology and Biochemical Parameters Associated with Oxidative Stress in a Prostate Tumor-Bearing Mice Model

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men. Some studies suggest that selenium Se (+4) may help prevent prostate cancer. Certain forms of Se (+4), such as Selol, have shown anticancer activity with demonstrated pro-oxidative effects, which can lead to cellular damage and cell death, making them potential candidates for cancer therapy. Our recent study in healthy mice found that Selol changes the oxidative–antioxidative status in blood and tissue. However, there are no data on the effect of Selol in mice with tumors, considering that the tumor itself influences this balance. This research investigated the impact of Selol on tumor morphology and oxidative–antioxidative status in blood and tumors, which may be crucial for the formulation’s effectiveness. Our study was conducted on healthy and tumor-bearing animal models, which were either administered Selol or not. We determined antioxidant enzyme activities (Se-GPx, GPx, GST, and TrxR) spectrophotometrically in blood and the tumor. Furthermore, we measured plasma prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, plasma and tumor malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a biomarker of oxidative stress, selenium (Se) concentrations and the tumor ORAC value. Additionally, we assessed the impact of Selol on tumor morphology and the expression of p53, BCL2, and Ki-67. The results indicate that treatment with Selol influences the morphology of tumor cells, indicating a potential role in inducing cell death through necrosis. Long-term supplementation with Selol increased antioxidant enzyme activity in healthy animals and triggered oxidative stress in cancer cells, activating their antioxidant defense mechanisms. This research pathway shows promise in understanding the anticancer effects of Selol. Selol appears to increase the breakdown of cancer cells more effectively in small tumors than in larger ones. In advanced tumors, it may accelerate tumor growth if used as monotherapy. Therefore, further studies are necessary to evaluate its efficacy either in combination therapy or for the prevention of recurrence.