Organoselenium Compound Targets Aggressive Breast Cancer
Recent research by Indian scientists has introduced a novel nitro-substituted organoselenium compound that shows promise against aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. This compound modulates key cancer cell signalling pathways to reduce tumour growth and spread. The study demonstrates the potential of multitargeting agents in cancer therapy.
Organoselenium Compounds
Organoselenium compounds are chemical entities containing selenium bonded to organic groups. They occur naturally in some plants and can be synthesised in laboratories. These compounds have attracted attention for their diverse biological activities, including anticancer effects. However, their ability to influence multiple cancer-related signalling networks simultaneously remains underexplored.
Synthesis of the Nitro-Substituted Compound
The compound, known as 4-nitro-substituted benzylic diselenide (diselenide 7), was synthesised through nucleophilic substitution reactions. Researchers used benzylic halides and selenium derivatives like sodium diselenide (Na₂Se₂) and sodium hydroselenide (NaHSe). These selenium reagents were prepared by reducing elemental selenium with sodium borohydride under inert conditions. The controlled synthesis ensured the formation of the targeted nitro-substituted organoselenium compound.
Mechanism of Action Against Cancer Cells
Diselenide 7 acts by targeting multiple survival pathways within cancer cells. It blocks the Akt/mTOR and ERK signalling pathways, both crucial for cell proliferation and survival. The compound also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) which induce oxidative stress. This oxidative damage impairs cancer cell DNA and promotes apoptosis. Additionally, it reduces inflammation which often supports tumour progression. These combined effects decrease the invasiveness and metastatic potential of triple-negative breast cancer cells.
In Vivo Efficacy and Impact
In experiments with Swiss albino mice bearing breast adenocarcinoma, treatment with diselenide 7 reduced tumour volume. It also inhibited angiogenesis, the process by which tumours develop new blood vessels to sustain growth. The compound lowered metastasis and extended the lifespan of treated animals. These results validate its potential as an effective multitarget anticancer agent.
Significance
Triple-negative breast cancer is aggressive and lacks targeted therapies due to absence of hormone receptors. The novel nitro-substituted organoselenium compound offers a new approach by simultaneously modulating several oncogenic pathways. This multitarget strategy may overcome resistance mechanisms common in cancer treatment. The study encourages further development and clinical evaluation of organoselenium-based drugs for aggressive cancers.
| Related | |
|---|---|
