Insights into cancer and neurodegenerative diseases through selenoproteins and the connection with gut microbiota – current analytical methodologies

Abstract

Plays many key roles in health especially in connection with cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. However, it needs to be appreciated that the essentiality or toxicity action of selenium depends on both, a narrow range of concentration and the chemical specie involved. In this context, human selenoproteins are essential biomolecules against these disorders, mainly due to its antioxidant action. To this end, analytical methodologies may allow identifying and quantifying individual selenospecies in human biofluids and tissues. Areas covered: This review explores the role of selenoproteins in medicine, with special emphasis in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, considering the possible link with gut microbiota, and analytical techniques and procedures recently developed for the absolute quantification of selenoproteins and selenometabolites in human biofluids and tissues