Selenium, Selenoprotein coding genes and CHEK2-dependent cancers

In our study we have investigated whether selenium concentration can be used as valuable marker for early detection of cancers in a group of individuals with CHEK2 mutations and in unselected patients. We found very significant association of higher selenium concentration with lower probability of cancer detection in tested groups. This observation is particularly valuable for individuals carrying CHEK2 mutation, who have increased risk of cancer. We also found some evidences for association of rs1139793 in TXNDR2 and rs5845 in SEP15 with cancer risk in CHEK2 carriers, what might be useful for determination of personal risk assessment. To summarize, serum selenium concentration seems to be valuable marker for selection of individuals for surveillance examinations such as computerized tomography or colonoscopy for detection of the earliest stages of the bronchial cancers and colorectal cancer. It should be also considered in surveillance program of individuals with detected CHEK2 mutation carriers. Further analyses are necessary to elucidate the role of variations in selenoprotein genes on cancer risk in CHEK2 carriers.