Investigations on the impact of cadmium on sodium selenite-induced cellular effects

The essential trace element selenium is marketed as a dietary supplement for optimal health. However, increased consumption of selenium-containing dietary supplements could pose a potential risk of oversupply. Concurrent exposure to the heavy metal and environmental pollutant cadmium and selenium raises the question of how different selenocompounds interact with cadmium within the cell. This in vitro study suggests that cadmium inhibits sodium selenite-induced, p53-mediated cellular responses.