Expression of selenoprotein-coding genes SEPP1, SEP15 and hGPX1 in non-small cell lung cancer

Aim of the study was to investigate the mRNA expression level of selenoprotein P (SEPP1), 15-kDa selenoprotein (SEP15) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (hGPX1) in paired malignant and non-malignant tissue. To achieve this goal, the quantitative real-time PCR technique was utilized in paired tissue samples from 33 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Simultaneously, the activity of glutathione peroxidases (GPX) and the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) in paired tissue specimens and the blood plasma selenium level was measured. We found significant down-regulation of SEPP1 expression level in tumorous lung tissue (2.732-fold; p < 0.001). The expression of hGPX1 and SEP15 in tumorous tissue remained unchanged compared to healthy tissue. The level of TBARS in malignant tissue was significantly increased (p < 0.005) and negatively correlated with SEPP1 expression level (RS = −0.3238; p < 0.05). The activity of GPX in malignant tissue was significantly increased compared to the non-malignant one (p < 0.005) and negatively correlated with the expression level of SEPP1. It seems possible, that the down-regulation of SEPP1 expression may lead to an increased oxidative stress possibly resulting in lung carcinogenesis. Increased activity of GPX in tumorous lung tissue seems to be a feedback mechanism.