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Emerging avenues linking inflammation and cancer
Joydeb Kumar Kundu1, Young-Joon Surh
1College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, South Korea.
Free Radical Biology & Medicine
|March 7, 2012
Summary
Chronic inflammation drives cancer by altering cellular processes like DNA damage and cell proliferation. Key molecular events involve gene transcription, signaling pathways, and microRNAs, particularly concerning oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Inflammation's role in cancer (carcinogenesis) is well-established.
- Chronic inflammation alters biochemical processes linked to tumor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of inflammation in carcinogenesis.
- To highlight the connection between inflammation and cancer, focusing on altered cellular redox signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biochemical processes and molecular events.
- Analysis of signaling pathways, gene transcription, and microRNA regulation.
Main Results:
- Chronic inflammation promotes tumorigenesis via oxidative stress, genomic instability, and altered cell signaling.
- Proinflammatory mediators, cytokines, and aberrant gene expression are key links.
- MicroRNAs contribute to the molecular basis connecting inflammation and cancer.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation is a critical factor in cancer development.
- Altered cellular redox signaling and aberrant molecular pathways are central to inflammation-driven carcinogenesis.
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