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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
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Environmental toxicants, epigenetics, and cancer
1Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA. igor.pogribny@fda.hhs.gov
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 8, 2012
Summary
Environmental exposures can trigger cancer through genetic and epigenetic changes. This review details how carcinogens induce epigenetic alterations, which may serve as cancer risk markers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Tumorigenesis involves genetic and epigenetic alterations in normal cells.
- Environmental and occupational exposures are linked to human cancer development.
- Carcinogenesis can occur via genotoxic or non-genotoxic pathways, often involving epigenetic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on epigenetic alterations induced by chemical carcinogens.
- To highlight the role of epigenetic changes in carcinogen exposure and cancer risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on chemical carcinogens and epigenetic alterations.
- Analysis of evidence linking specific agents (e.g., arsenic, 1,3-butadiene) to epigenetic changes.
- Evaluation of epigenetic modifications as potential biomarkers for exposure and risk.
Main Results:
- Various chemical carcinogens induce significant epigenetic alterations.
- Both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens contribute to epigenetic changes.
- Epigenetic modifications show promise as markers for carcinogen exposure and cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic alterations are a key mechanism in carcinogenesis induced by environmental exposures.
- Epigenetic markers can aid in assessing carcinogen exposure and cancer risk.
- Further research into carcinogen-induced epigenetics is crucial for cancer prevention and management.
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