Induction of apoptosis and autophagy by sodium selenite in A549 human lung carcinoma cells through generation of reactive oxygen species

► Sodium selenite induces both apoptosis and autophagy in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. ► Sodium selenite treatment resulted in generation of ROS and ROS-dependent translocation of pNrf2 to the nucleus. ► Sodium selenite-induced autophagy and Nrf2 activation might function as a resistance mechanism against apoptotic cell death.