The decrement of carcinogenesis by dietary selenium and expression of placental form of glutathione-S-transferase in rat glioma.

Supranutrition dietary levels of the element selenium (Se) that have been shown to reduce or retard tumor development resulting from transplantation. The rat placental form of glutathione-S-transferase (GST-p) has been reported to be a good marker for pre-neoplastic or neoplastic lesions. Four groups of rats with glioma were exposed to Se-free, 0.05, 2.0, and 4.0 ppm sodium selenite GST-p was investigated. Normal brain tissue did not differ significantly in all groups. In contrast, GST-p in tumor was significantly higher in Se-free and 4.0-ppm groups compared to 0.5- and 2.0-ppm groups. The concentration of Se in normal brain tissue did not differ significantly in Se-supplement groups. By contrast, Se in tumors was significantly higher in the 0.5- and 2.0-ppm groups compared to the Se-free and 4.0-ppm groups. Mean group survival at 30 d after treatment was determined and compared with previous dietary Se. Survival was significantly longer in the 0.5- and 2.0-ppm groups than in the Se-free and 4.0-ppm groups. The 2.0-ppm group had enhanced survival, similar to the 0.5-ppm group. The Se-free and 4.0-ppm groups might have no protection against carcinogenesis.