Zinc selenite

Exposure related observations in humans: other data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

exposure-related observations in humans: other data

Type of information:

other: case-control study of the risk of cutaneous melanoma associated with three selenium exposure indicators

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: well documented case-control study of the risk of cutaneous melanoma

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

A case-control study of the risk of cutaneous melanoma associated with three selenium exposure indicators

Author:

Vinceti et al.

Year:

2012

Bibliographic source:

Tumori Journal, 98(3), 287-295

Materials and methods

Type of study / information:

Community based case-control series analysing the relation between selenium exposure with risk of cutanous melanoma using two different biomarkers (plasma and toenail selenium concentration) considering estimated dietary selenium intake.

Endpoint addressed:

carcinogenicity

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Statistical analysis of the relation of selenium exposure with risk of cutaneous melanoma using two different biomarkers, plasma and toenail selenium concentration, and estimated dietary selenium intake in a community-based case-control series (54 cases, 56 controls) from an Italian community.

GLP compliance:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

selenium (unspecified)

IUPAC Name:

selenium (unspecified)

Details on test material:

No further information on substance stated.

Method

Ethical approval:

other: Obtaining written consent from each participant

Details on study design:

59 individuals (Modena, Italy), with diagnosis of cutanous melanoma between 1999 to 2002 where recruited. For each case participant a population control match on sex and age was searched as referent participant. Demographic characteristics, family history of melanoma, lifestyle factors and a dietary assessment, along with a dermatological examination were performed on each participant. Blood and toenail specimens were provided and analysed on their selenium concentration. The relative risk of cutanous melanoma associated with each indicator of selenium exposure was assessed by computing odds ratios in conditional and unconditional logistic regression models.
For more details please refer to 'Any other information'

Exposure assessment:

measured

Remarks:

The dietary intake of selenium was assessed using semiquantitative food frequence questionnaires. In addition the toenail selenium concentration and plasma selenium concentration was analysed.

Details on exposure:

TYPE OF EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT: Biomonitoring blood / Biomonitoring other: toenail /Questionarie on diet

EXPOSURE LEVELS:
Median plasma selenium concentration (case group): 99 µg/l
Median plasma selenium concentration (control group): 89 µg/l
Median toenail selenium concentration (case group): 0.64 µg/g
Median toenail selenium concentration (control group): 0.65 µg/g
Median dietary selenium intake (case group): 54 µg/day
Median dietary selenium intake (control group): 57 µg/d

Results and discussion

Results:

Plasma concentrations of selenium were tending to be higher in the case group than in the control group. Logistic regression models showed higher selenium levels being associated with excess disease risk. There was no significant difference regarding toenail selenium concentration and dietary selenium intake between the two groups. No association between melanoma risk and toenail selenium concentration as well as dietary selenium intake were observed.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

No association between dietary selenium intake or toenail selenium concentration and melanoma risk were observed. However, the case group had significantly higher selenium plasma concentrations, suggesting a positive association between circulating selenium levels and melanoma risk.

Executive summary:

A community based case-control study to assess the relation between 3 selenium exposure indicators and melanoma risk was conducted on 54 cases and 56 controls.Selenium toenail and plasma concentrations as well as the dietary daily selenium intake (estimated by using a questionair on dietary habits) were statistically evaluated as predictors for melanoma risk in logistic modelling. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the selenium toenail concentration or the dietary intake of selenium between the groups. However, the case group had significantly higher selenium plasma concentrations.