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Research: KARUNASINGHE and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 104
Abstract
KARUNASINGHE and colleagues, Discipline of Nutrition, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, have studied DNA stability and serum selenium levels in men at high risk of prostate cancer.
Background
A typical New Zealand diet is low in the essential micronutrient selenium. Selenium is a component of a number of enzymes involved in maintaining DNA stability. Recommended Daily Allowances are set at saturation level for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, with the unproven assumption that these levels will be sufficient for other selenium-requiring enzymes. This study was part of a lager study involving men in New Zealand who are a high risk for prostate cancer who are supplemented with a yeast-based tablet with or without selenium over an extended time. Access to these patients provides the opportunity to ask the question as to whether selenium levels in these patients are sufficient to maintain genomic stability.
Methodology
DNA damage in the blood of patients was monitored by single cell gel electrophoresis.
Results
Average selenium levels were 97.8 +/- 16.6 nanograms of selenium per millilitre of blood, low by international standards. For the half of the study population below this value, there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between selenium levels and accumulated DNA damage.
Conclusion
Although other interpretations could be made of this result, it suggests that half of the men at risk of prostate cancer are having selenium intake levels that are barely sufficient to maintain adequate DNA repair. They could be at increased risk of cancers and other degenerative diseases. The study also raises the question whether gultathione peroxidase saturation levels are appropriate indicators of optimal selenium levels for this population.
References
Karunasinghe N, Ryan J, Tuckey J, Masters J, Jamieson M, Clarke LC, Marshall JR, Ferguson LR. DNA stability and serum selenium levels in a high-risk group for prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 13 (3): 391-397, Mar 2004.
