Antioxidative and antiproliferative evaluation of 2-(phenylselenomethyl)tetrahydrofuran and 2-(phenylselenomethyl)tetrahydropyran

Purpose: To determine the antioxidant and antiproliferative influence of 2-(phenylselenomethyl)tetrahydrofuran (la) and 2-(phenylselenomethyl)tetrahydropyran (2a) on colon cancer cell line HCT-116 and breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Methods: Cell viability was monitored in a dose-dependent manner using MTT assay. The concentration of superoxide anion radical (O-2(-)) was determined spectro photometrically. Spectro photometric determination of nitrites (NO2-) was performed by using the Griess method. Determination of total glutathione (GSH) was also performed spectrophotometrically. Results: HCT-116 cell line was more sensitive to the effects of the investigated substances than MDA-MB-231 cell line. Also, it was noticed that la produced greater effect compared to 2a. Moreover, both investigated compounds decreased to a certain degree the oxidative stress by decreasing the O-2(-) and thus the peroxynitrite concentration. At the same time, la and 2a acted more efficiently in promoting the endogenous antioxidative capacities (increased GSH concentration) providing better self-defence capabilities for cells. Conclusion: Our findings showed that the investigated selenium compounds play an important role in reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS); therefore, we believe that, as antioxidants, they could prevent the processes arising as a consequence of oxidative stress, including cancer.