Organic Selenium induces ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells

Selenium Nanoparticles vs Selenite Fertilizers: Implications for Toxicological Profiles, Antioxidant Defense, and Ferroptosis Pathways

Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensively assessed the toxicity and function of novel selenium nanoparticles and traditional sodium selenite fertilizers across cell, zebrafish, and murine models. Both fertilizers enhanced antioxidant pathways at low doses, but selenium nanoparticles exhibited stronger antioxidant and ferroptosis-modulating effects with lower toxicity at a high dose. Sodium selenite increased total and lipid ROS production, leading to decreased viability of cells and increased distortion and mortality of zebrafish. In mice, sodium selenite induced hepatic toxicity and decreased GPX4. Transcriptome analysis revealed that sodium selenite downregulated c-JUN and APOA4, weakening the antioxidant defense, whereas selenium nanoparticles promoted ferroptosis resistance through FGF21. These findings suggest selenium nanoparticles as a safer alternative for Se biofortification, mitigating health risks while supporting food security and environmental sustainability.

Design, Synthesis, and Antibacterial Activities of Multi-Functional C2-Functionalized 1,4-Naphthoquinonyl Organoseleniums

A practical and efficient reaction for C2-selenylation of 1,4-naphthoquinones has been explored. This coupling reaction of two redox structural motifs, such as 2-bromo-1,4-naphthoquinone with diaryldiselenide/ebselen has been achieved by using sodium borohydride reducing agent at room temperature. Using this approach, several 2-selenylated-1,4-naphthoquinones were obtained in moderate to good yields and thoroughly characterized by multinuclear (1H, 13C, and 77Se) NMR, cyclic voltammetry, and mass spectrometry. Further, light-irradiated thiolation of the synthesized selenazinone was also performed to show the utility of the synthesized compound for post-functionalization. Several 2-selenylated-1,4-naphthoquinones were studied by SC-XRD in which intramolecular Se⋅⋅⋅N (from quinolinyl ligand) non-bonded interactions were observed. Photophysical studies (UV-visible, emission, solvatochromism, and quantum yield) were also performed on selected C2-selenylated naphthoquinones. The naphthoquinonyl organoseleniums were also screened for their antibacterial properties and quinonyl organoselenium 5 d shows good antibacterial potential against S. aureus ATCC 29213 with MIC 0.5 μg/mL and a Selectivity Index of >200. Moreover, it also exhibited equipotent activity against various strains of S. aureus and Enterococcus faecium, including strains resistant to vancomycin and meropenem. From structure-activity correlation, it seems that nice blend of oxidant properties from quinone and antioxidant properties from selenium moiety makes it better candidate for antibacterial activity.

Mitochondrial Regulation of Ferroptosis in Cancer Cells

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent nonapoptotic regulated cell death modality characterized by lethal levels of lipid peroxide accumulation and disrupted antioxidant systems. An increasing number of studies have revealed correlations between ferroptosis and the pathophysiology and treatment of cancer. Given the intricate involvement of mitochondria in ferroptosis, as suggested by previous studies, here, we review advances in understanding the roles of mitochondrial quality control and mitochondrial metabolism (including the roles of the TCA cycle, reactive oxygen species, iron metabolism, and lipid metabolism) in cancer-related ferroptosis and outline the molecular mechanism and clinical translation of mitochondria-related ferroptosis in cancer treatment. with the aim of promoting the precise utilization and prevention of ferroptosis in cancer therapeutics.

Synthesis and Application of New Selanylfullerene Derivatives as Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy

This study aims to describe the synthesis of a new class of selanylfullerene derivatives in a convergent strategy route, affording the desired products in a few steps and in good yields. C60 compounds were evaluated as photosensitizers to be used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) via the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), using the chemical trapping method. The photooxidation of the chemical probe1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) sensitized by selanylfullerenes followed a first-order kinetic and the values of singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) are appropriate for its use in PDT. The electronic absorption spectra, and the intersystem crossing tax rates for the most prominent synthesized compounds were calculated using the density functional theory and the Marcus electron transfer theory, with the theoretical results confirming the experimental findings.

Ferroptosis: Potential therapeutic targets and prognostic predictions for acute myeloid leukemia (Review)

Ferroptosis is a relatively recently discovered type of regulated cell death that is induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. The key contributing factors to ferroptosis are the loss of glutathione peroxidase 4 which is required for reversing lipid peroxidation, the buildup of redox-active iron and the oxidation of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. Ferroptosis has been associated with a number of diseases, including cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, acute renal damage and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease, and there may be an association between ferroptosis and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The present review aims to describe the primary regulatory pathways of ferroptosis, and the relationship between ferroptosis and the occurrence and development of AML. Furthermore, the present review comprehensively summarizes the latest advances in the treatment and prognosis of ferroptosis in AML.

Construction and anti-pancreatic cancer activity of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), as a potential cancer therapeutic agent, have attracted extensive attention due to their high anticancer activity and low toxicity. Polysaccharides could be the modifiers and stabilizers to improve the stability and dispersibility of SeNPs in aqueous solution. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical characterization, stability, and anti-pancreatic cancer cell activities of SeNPs stabilized by a heteroxylan PVP3-1 extracted from the clusters of Prunella vulgaris Linn. Our results showed that PVP3-1 with Mw of 154 kDa was composed of →4)-β-D-Xylp(1→, →2, 4)-β-D-Xylp(1→, t-α-L-Araf(1→ and 4-MeO-α-D-GlcpA(1→. Red, zero-valent, and uniform spherical SeNPs with an average diameter of about 60 nm and high stability in aqueous solution were constructed successfully by polysaccharide PVP3-1. Anti-pancreatic cancer cell activity assays showed that PVP3-1-SeNPs could inhibit the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, PVP3-1-SeNPs induced apoptosis and autophagy of pancreatic cancer cells through inhibiting mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results indicated that PVP3-1-SeNPs could be potential anti-tumor nanoparticles for treating pancreatic cancer.

Emerging mechanisms and promising approaches in pancreatic cancer metabolism

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Metabolic abnormalities are one of the hallmarks of pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic cancer cells can adapt to biosynthesis, energy intake, and redox needs through metabolic reprogramming to tolerate nutrient deficiency and hypoxic microenvironments. Pancreatic cancer cells can use glucose, amino acids, and lipids as energy to maintain malignant growth. Moreover, they also metabolically interact with cells in the tumour microenvironment to change cell fate, promote tumour progression, and even affect immune responses. Importantly, metabolic changes at the body level deserve more attention. Basic research and clinical trials based on targeted metabolic therapy or in combination with other treatments are in full swing. A more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the metabolic regulation of pancreatic cancer cells will not only enrich the understanding of the mechanisms of disease progression but also provide inspiration for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Trace elements in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PCA) is an extremely aggressive malignant cancer with an increasing incidence and a low five-year survival rate. The main reason for this high mortality is that most patients are diagnosed with PCA at an advanced stage, missing early treatment options and opportunities. As important nutrients of the human body, trace elements play an important role in maintaining normal physiological functions. Moreover, trace elements are closely related to many diseases, including PCA.

REVIEW

This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress on selenium, copper, arsenic, and manganese in PCA, elucidates their application in PCA, and provides a new reference for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of PCA.

CONCLUSION

Trace elements such as selenium, copper, arsenic and manganese are playing an important role in the risk, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of PCA. Meanwhile, they have a certain inhibitory effect on PCA, the mechanism mainly includes: promoting ferroptosis, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and inhibiting excessive proliferation.

Mitochondrial respiratory chain component NDUFA4: a promising therapeutic target for gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer, one of the most common cancers, continues to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Accumulating evidence has shown that alterations in mitochondrial energy metabolism are involved in developing various clinical diseases. NADH dehydrogenase 1 alpha subcomplex 4 (NDUFA4), encoded by the NDUFA4 gene located on human chromosome 7p21.3, is a component of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV and integral to mitochondrial energy metabolism. Recent researchers have disclosed that NDUFA4 is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including gastrointestinal cancer. Aberrant expression of NDUFA4 leads to the alteration in mitochondrial energy metabolism, thereby regulating the growth and metastasis of cancer cells, indicating that it might be a new promising target for cancer intervention. This article comprehensively reviews the structure, regulatory mechanism, and biological function of NDUFA4. Of note, the expression and roles of NDUFA4 in gastrointestinal cancer including colorectal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, and so on were discussed. Finally, the existing problems of NDUFA4-based intervention on gastrointestinal cancer are discussed to provide help to strengthen the understanding of the carcinogenesis of gastrointestinal cancer, as well as the development of new strategies for clinical intervention.

Selenium Compounds Affect Differently the Cytoplasmic Thiol/Disulfide State in Dermic Fibroblasts and Improve Cell Migration by Interacting with the Extracellular Matrix

Deficient wound healing is frequently observed in patients diagnosed with diabetes, a clinical complication that compromises mobility and leads to limb amputation, decreasing patient autonomy and family lifestyle. Fibroblasts are crucial for secreting the extracellular matrix (ECM) to pave the wound site for endothelial and keratinocyte regeneration. The biosynthetic pathways involved in collagen production and crosslinking are intimately related to fibroblast redox homeostasis. In this study, two sets of human dermic fibroblasts were cultured in normal (5 mM) and high (25 mM)-glucose conditions in the presence of 1 µM selenium, as sodium selenite (inorganic) and the two selenium amino acids (organic), Se-cysteine and Se-methionine, for ten days. We investigated the ultrastructural changes in the secreted ECM induced by these conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, we evaluated the redox impact of these three compounds by measuring the basal state and real-time responses of the thiol-based HyPer biosensor expressed in the cytoplasm of these fibroblasts. Our results indicate that selenium compound supplementation pushed the redox equilibrium towards a more oxidative tone in both sets of fibroblasts, and this effect was independent of the type of selenium. The kinetic analysis of biosensor responses allowed us to identify Se-cysteine as the only compound that simultaneously improved the sensitivity to oxidative stimuli and augmented the disulfide bond reduction rate in high-glucose-cultured fibroblasts. The redox response profiles showed no clear association with the ultrastructural changes observed in matrix fibers secreted by selenium-treated fibroblasts. However, we found that selenium supplementation improved the ECM secreted by high-glucose-cultured fibroblasts according to endothelial migration assessed with a wound healing assay. Direct application of sodium selenite and Se-cysteine on purified collagen fibers subjected to glycation also improved cellular migration, suggesting that these selenium compounds avoid the undesired effect of glycation.