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Detection of Extravascular Trypanosoma Parasites by Fine Needle Aspiration
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Published on: August 7, 2019

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Non-Viral Parasites Associated with Carcinogenesis

Sidhant Jain1, Madhumita Sengupta1, Pooja Jain2

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus , New Delhi , India.

Cancer Investigation
|August 31, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Parasitic infections, beyond viruses, can cause cancer by altering host genetics and producing proteins. This review explores these understudied cancer-inducing mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cancer is a leading cause of death, often linked to genetic mutations, viruses, radiation, or carcinogens.
  • While viral infections are known carcinogens, parasitic organisms also contribute significantly to cancer development.
  • The mechanisms by which parasites induce cancer remain less understood compared to other causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the less-studied mechanisms of cancer induction and progression by parasitic organisms.
  • To enumerate genetic alterations caused by parasitic infections relevant to cancer.
  • To examine the impact of parasite-synthesized proteins on cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on parasitic infections and cancer.
  • Analysis of genetic changes induced by parasites.
  • Evaluation of the role of parasite-derived proteins in oncogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Parasites can induce cancer through genetic modifications in host cells.
  • Specific proteins produced by parasites contribute to cancer initiation and progression.
  • These parasitic mechanisms represent a significant, yet under-recognized, factor in cancer etiology.

Conclusions:

  • Parasitic infections represent an important, often overlooked, cause of cancer.
  • Understanding parasite-induced oncogenesis is crucial for developing new cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
  • Further research into parasite-host genetic interactions and protein functions is warranted.
Keywords:
CancerChlamydiaCryptosporidiumHelicobacterOpisthorchisSchistosomainflammation

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