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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

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Published on: March 11, 2017
The role of epigenomic alterations in furan-induced hepatobiliary pathologies
Aline de Conti1, Frederick A Beland1, Igor P Pogribny1
1Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
Abstract:
Furan, a volatile heterocyclic organic chemical found in a wide spectrum of common human foods, is a liver toxicant and carcinogen in mice and rats. The carcinogenic effects of furan have been attributed to genotoxic and non-genotoxic mechanisms. Among the broad range of non-genotoxic alterations induced by furan, epigenetic alterations are of special interest because of their connection to all other non-genotoxic events. This review summarizes current evidence of alterations for epigenetic mechanisms, including cytosine DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression, caused by furan exposure and highlights the role of these aberrations in furan-associated hepatobiliary pathologies. It also illustrates the potential role of epigenetic alterations as indicators for carcinogen exposure and for identification of carcinogens, especially those with non-genotoxic mechanisms of action.
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