Reduction of liver glutathione peroxidase activity and deficiency of serum selenium in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Twelve adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 8 individuals with histologically normal liver, were measured for serum selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of liver tissue. It was found a reduced serum selenium and liver GSH-Px in patients with HCC. Serum selenium concentration and the enzyme activity were positively correlated (p less than 0.01). The increased risk of carcinoma in selenium deficiency may be partially due to a reduced activity of GSH-Px, one of the most important scavenger enzymes of oxygen toxic radicals.