In this review, we summarized the potential role of synthetic organoseleno compounds as therapeutic or toxic agents, giving emphasis almost exclusively to diphenyl diselenide, the simplest of the diaryl diselenides, and some of its analogs. We presented the main molecular aspects related to the in vitro toxicity and pharmacology of diphenyl diselenide and also provided in vivo data indicating that the interaction of diphenyl diselenide with thiols can dictate either its toxicological or pharmacological property. The papers covered in this review indicate that a limited activation of the "toxic pathway", i.e., a controlled oxidation of specific high molecular weight thiol-containing molecules could contribute to the pharmacological effects of diphenyl diselenide. In conclusion, this review reinforces the necessity of developing new diorganoyl diselenides that could interact with specific molecular targets.
selenium; toxicity; pharmacology; thiol; diphenyl diselenide
