Chemical carcinogenesis: A brief review on mechanism & metabolism

Abstract

Chemical carcinogens are supposedly considered to be the key etiological factor of malignancy. The covalent or non-covalent bonds between these chemical and the DNA, RNA, and proteins of human tissue help in the initiation of carcinogenesis wherein, genetic mutation and alteration in the genome transcription supervenes. These carcinogens behave as initiators or promoters of cancer cell growth. Alkylation of DNA, RNA, or proteins and the formation of covalent bonds with them begins initially followed by the promoting effect. Numerous molecular and cellular events causing the transformation of normal cells into neoplastic cells occur in the process. It is assumed though that endogenous molecular pathways could instigate mutations in respective genes with the support of reactive oxygen species thus leading to DNA damage. Thus, this review deals with the basic mechanism and metabolism of chemical carcinogenesis.

Codelivery of Phytochemicals with Conventional Anticancer Drugs in Form of Nanocarriers

“…Development of a normal, healthy cell into a tumour cell is known as carcinogenesis, which involves numerous genes and genetic changes. Carcinogenesis is a multiplex process encompassing origination, promotion and progression [ 21 ]. The first step involves the beginning of a permanently altered cell and is frequently linked to a mutation and several start pathways.…”

Role of Phytochemicals in Cancer Chemoprevention: Insights

“…Stem cells play a vital role in the initiation of carcinogenesis through various factors such as physical, chemical, or biological, including viruses. Such initiated cells will then be exposed to a promoting factor to stimulate the full neoplastic cell formation, and the sequential steps are important in the malignant transformation of preneoplastic cells [12,13]. The carcinogenesis process in a multicellular animal is the consequence of various chemical, physical, biological, or genomic changes in the cells.…”