Hexachlorobenzene as a persistent organic pollutant: Toxicity and molecular mechanism of action

Abstract

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is an organochlorine pesticide widely distributed in the environment. Chronic exposure of humans to HCB leads to a number of effects, such as triggering of porphyria, microsomal enzyme induction, thyroid dysfunctions, neurological symptoms, and immunological disorders. In animals, HCB induced hepatic porphyria, neurotoxic effects, and toxic effects on the thyroid function, reproductive system, and immune system. HCB as a dioxin-like compound and a weak ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a hormonal disruptor. HCB is also known to cause tumors of the liver, thyroid and mammary gland in laboratory animals. This review presents HCB toxicity in humans and laboratory animals. The main attention was focused on the mechanisms of HCB toxicity, especially at the molecular level.

Extramedullary nasal plasmacytoma arising after polyp excision and the role of the inflammation in tumor development: A case report

“…As support of 'the inflammatory theory' as cause of ENP, we had the 1 year follow-up of our patient without disease recurrence, despite he did not receive radio-chemotherapy as usual in cases of ENP (24)(25)(26). We speculate that the absence of tumor recurrence was due to the absence of additional inflammatory process that could potentially stimulate a new aberrant immune response.…”

“…The aging process impacts the immune system by reducing the number of hematopoietic cells (22) and by increasing the risk of DNA mutation during an active immune response that, furthermore, may contribute to the development of hematopoietic cancer (23). Smog and pesticides as Hexachlorobenzene that are normally present in the air can affect the efficiency of the immune-response and increasing the risk of DNA damage (24).…”

Organochlorine pesticides, brominated flame retardants, synthetic musks and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in shrimps. An overview of occurrence and its implication on human exposure

“…These compounds have clearly demonstrated to induce metabolic alterations in human cell lines and be harmful to humans. In fact, continuous exposure to them can cause several adverse health effects, such as, endocrine disrupting effects, cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory disorders, reproductive disorders [13], thyroid dysfunction, immunological disorders [14], increase risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes [15].…”

Hexachlorobenzene exerts genotoxic effects in a humpback whale cell line under stable exposure conditions

“…This is in line with the fact that HCB is not generally classied as an acutely toxic chemical. 56 3.2.2. Genotoxic effects of HCB.…”