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Published on: March 20, 2018
Arsenic carcinogenesis in the skin
Hsin-Su Yu1, Wei-Ting Liao, Chee-Yin Chai
1Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. dermyu@ha.mc.ntu.edu.tw
Journal of Biomedical Science
|June 30, 2006
Summary
Chronic arsenic poisoning from drinking water causes skin cancer, including Bowen's disease, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Arsenic exposure also impairs immune function, contributing to multiple and recurrent skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chronic arsenic poisoning is a global health concern linked to various cancers.
- Inorganic arsenic exposure from drinking water is a known carcinogen.
- Arsenic accumulation in skin causes hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis, hallmarks of exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathomechanisms of arsenic-induced skin cancer.
- To discuss the relationship between arsenic exposure and characteristic skin cancer figures.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms of arsenic carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on arsenic poisoning and skin cancer.
- Analysis of cellular abnormalities like G2/M cell cycle arrest and DNA aneuploidy.
- Investigation of the interaction between arsenic, UVB, and cellular pathways.
Main Results:
- Arsenic exposure leads to skin cancers such as Bowen's disease, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Arsenic induces p53 dysfunction, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and DNA aneuploidy.
- Combined arsenic and UVB exposure shows complex effects on keratinocytes, influencing apoptosis and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Arsenic-induced skin cancers exhibit unique characteristics, including occurrence in sun-protected areas and multiple, recurrent lesions.
- Cellular immune dysfunction, particularly involving CD4+ cells and Langerhans cells, plays a role in the pathogenesis of multiple arsenic-induced skin cancers.
- Understanding arsenic's molecular mechanisms is crucial for preventing and treating arsenic-related cancers in skin and internal organs.
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