Selenium levels in colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of serum, plasma, and colorectal specimens

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#selenium #colorectal-neoplasms #humans

Selenium levels in colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of serum, plasma, and colorectal specimens

Pal et al., 2024 | J Trace Elem Med Biol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Pal Amit, Dhar Aninda, ... Squitti Rosanna. Selenium levels in colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of serum, plasma, and colorectal specimens. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2024-Jul;84:127429. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127429

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health problem. Several clinical studies have shown a potentially protective effect of selenium (Se), but the reports are inconsistent. The objective of the study was to examine the evidence for relation between serum/tissue Se status and CRC. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In this Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, we searched Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, EMBASE, ProQuest, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies reporting serum/plasma/whole blood/tissue Se concentrations in CRC patients and controls for articles published till August 2023. Meta-analysis was performed, and study quality, heterogeneity, and small study effects were assessed. Based on a random effects model, summary mean differences in serum levels of Se between CRC patients and healthy controls, and Se levels between malignant and matched non-malignant tissue specimens were assessed. RESULTS: After initial screening, a total of 24 studies (18 serum and 6 tissue studies) with a pooled total of 2640 participants were included in the meta-analysis. CRC patients had significantly lower serum Se levels than healthy controls, being the difference between the two equal to 3.73 µg/dl (95% CI: 6.85-0.61). However, the heterogeneity was very high, I2= 99% (p < 0.01). Our meta-analysis showed higher Se levels in CRC cancerous specimens than in matched healthy colon tissue: the increase was equal to 0.07 µg/g wet tissue weight (95% CI: 0.06-0.09; p= 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: CRC patients have lower serum and higher colon cancerous tissue Se levels. Some factors, such as Se levels in different tumor grades of CRC need to be further considered for a more conclusive association between Se levels and risk of CRC.

Key Findings

After initial screening, a total of 24 studies (18 serum and 6 tissue studies) with a pooled total of 2640 participants were included in the meta-analysis. CRC patients had significantly lower serum Se levels than healthy controls, being the difference between the two equal to 3.73 µg/dl (95% CI: 6.85-0.61). However, the heterogeneity was very high, I2= 99% (p < 0.01). Our meta-analysis showed higher Se levels in CRC cancerous specimens than in matched healthy colon tissue: the increase was equa

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 2640
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Selenium
  • Colorectal Neoplasms
  • Humans

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: selenium-cancer

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09