High and Low Selenium Exposure and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Selenium was discovered in the first quarter of the 19th century and classified as a chalcogen belonging to the 16th group, along with oxygen, sulfur, tellurium, and polonium. Selenium plays a crucial role in the activation of antioxidant enzymes in the body and helps to reduce oxidative stress by preventing cell damage. It is believed to have cancer-protective effects, including mechanisms such as reducing DNA damage, regulating cell growth, supporting the immune system, and engaging in epigenetic interactions. These are attributed to the antioxidant properties of selenium. The purpose of this paper was to elucidate the effects of selenium exposure on the incidence and mortality of various cancer types using the meta-meta-analysis method.

Keywords

• selenium
• cancer
• DNA damage
• meta-analysis
• exposure