Objective: Our objective is to examine how selenium (Se) supplementation influences oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and the glutathione peroxidase system in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Material: The study group included 31 patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy receiving the drug Protecton Zellactiv (Smith Kline Beecham, Fink Naturarznei GmbH, Germany), two capsules, four times daily (200 microg).
Results: Following the Se supplementation in a daily dose of 200 microg, the concentration of this microelement in serum (P < 0.05) and hair (P < 0.05) was significantly higher than in the control group. It has also been found that Se concentration in serum was significantly increased after 2 (P < 0.0000) and 3-months' (P < 0.0000) length of supplementation, as compared to the values after 1 month. In the hair of patients receiving this supplementation, an insignificantly higher concentration of this microelement was found after 2 (NS) and 3 months (NS) in comparison to the concentration after 1 month. The patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy and receiving Se showed a significant increase in the activity of GSH-P(x) in erythrocytes after 2 months' (P < 0.0015) and 3 months' (P < 0.0038) supplementation. An increase of the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) following the administration of Se after 2 months (P < 0.0363) and 3 months (P < 0.0489) was found to be significant. The increase of MDA calculated into platelet count was found to be significant after 3 months (P 0.0477) of Se supplementation. Se administration for 3 months resulted in the significant increase of white blood cells (WBC) (P < 0.0001). After 2 and 3 months of Se administration, a significant decrease of hair loss (P < 0.0000; P < 0.0392, respectively), flatulence (P < 0.0000; P< 0.0000), abdominal pain (P < 0.0006; P < 0.0202), weakness (P < 0.0001; P < 0.0000), malaise (P < 0.0017; P < 0.0000), loss of appetite (P < 0.0000; P < 0.0000) was stated.
Conclusion: As a result of this clinical trial, we conclude that there are beneficial effects caused by ingesting selenium, as a supportive element in chemotherapy.