Topic: Carcinogenisis, inflammation
Question: Discuss chemical carcinogenesis with examples
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Chemical carcinogenesis refers to the process by which chemical agents induce cancer formation. Some key points about chemical carcinogenesis:
– Caused by exposure to or ingestion of carcinogenic chemicals that damage DNA and cause mutations.
– Genetic mutations lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor formation over time.
– Initiators – chemicals that cause initial DNA damage and mutations (e.g. tobacco smoke, asbestos).
– Promoters – compounds that facilitate proliferation of mutated cells into tumors (e.g. hormones, some pesticides).
– Complete carcinogens do both initiation and promotion (e.g. aflatoxin, mustard gas).
Examples:
– Tobacco smoke – contains initiators like benzene, nitrosoamines. Leads to lung cancer.
– Asbestos – causes DNA damage and mesothelioma.
– Aflatoxin – potent liver carcinogen found in contaminated foods.
– Vinyl chloride – causes liver angiosarcoma in factory workers.
– Benzene – chemical initiator, causes leukemia.
– Pesticides – some act as tumor promoters, increase cancer risk.
– Radiation – UV, nuclear radiation causes DNA damage.
Prevention involves limiting exposure to industrial and environmental carcinogens. Understanding mechanisms helps develop chemopreventive agents.
