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Inflammation-induced DNA damage, mutations and cancer

Jennifer Kay1, Elina Thadhani1, Leona Samson2

  • 1Department of Biological Engineering, United States.

DNA Repair
|August 8, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Inflammation causes DNA damage through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), promoting cancer mutations. DNA repair can be hindered, creating a feedback loop that drives carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Inflammation and cancer are complexly linked, with DNA damage as a key mediator.
  • Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generated during inflammation can damage DNA, initiating cancer.
  • DNA repair mechanisms are crucial for preventing mutations but can be impaired by RONS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the DNA damage-mediated associations between inflammation, mutagenesis, and cancer.
  • To discuss how inflammation promotes DNA damage and subsequent carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on inflammation, DNA damage, and cancer.
  • Analysis of the interplay between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and DNA repair pathways.
  • Examination of cellular responses to DNA damage and their role in inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Inflammation generates RONS that cause DNA damage, leading to mutations that drive cancer initiation and progression.
  • RONS can interfere with DNA repair pathways, reducing their effectiveness and increasing mutation risk.
  • Cellular responses to DNA damage can amplify inflammation, creating a pro-carcinogenic feedback loop.

Conclusions:

  • DNA damage is a critical link between inflammation and cancer development.
  • Impaired DNA repair and inflammation-induced mutagenesis contribute significantly to carcinogenesis.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Keywords:
CancerDNA damageDNA repairInflammationMutation

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