Role of Emerging Environmental Risk Factors in Thyroid Cancer: A Brief Review

Abstract

Environmental factors are recognized as risk factors of thyroid cancer in humans. Exposure to radiation, both from nuclear weapon or fallout or medical radiation, and to some organic and inorganic chemical toxicants represent a worldwide public health issue for their proven carcinogenicity. Halogenated compounds, such as organochlorines and pesticides, are able to disrupt thyroid function. Polychlorinated biphenyls and their metabolites and polybrominated diethyl ethers bind to thyroid, transport proteins, replace thyroxin, and disrupt thyroid function as phthalates and bisphenolates do, highly mimicking thyroid hormones. A better knowledge of environmental risks represents a very important tool for cancer prevention through true risks prevention and management. This approach is very important because of the epigenetic origin’s theory of cancer. Therefore, the aim of this review was study the association between environmental agents and thyroid cancer promotion.

Non-Coding RNAs: Uncharted Mediators of Thyroid Cancer Pathogenesis

“…As reviewed in the introduction section, molecular tests for oncogene mutations such as BRAF, NRAS, KRAS, HRAS, Pax8-PPARG, re-arrangement of RET and TERT have been used to improve benign/malignant differentiation (6,148). However, they have not increased the specificity of such diagnostic methods (149,150).…”

“…The well-described risk factors of thyroid cancer are exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly in childhood, and family history of thyroid cancer. The potential role of other factors such as smoking, obesity, hormonal exposures, and environmental toxins/ endocrinedisrupting chemicals have been implicated (6). Their mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer has not been well-elucidated.…”

Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

“…While the specific cause of thyroid cancer remains unknown, there are many risk factors associated with the development of thyroid cancer. Risk factors, such as a family history of goiter, genetic predisposition, exposure to ionizing radiation from medical intervention or the environment, have all been linked to increased risk of thyroid cancer, according to the American Thyroid Association [4,5].…”

“…A thyroid nodule is usually the first tell-tale sign of thyroid neoplasia. In the clinical setting, thyroid nodules are being detected with a higher frequency than in previous years due, in large part, to the growing use of diagnostic imaging [2,5,7,10]. While some patients have non-palpable or palpable lesions that are malignant, over 90% of thyroid nodules are small, benign lesions that will not develop into a clinically significant tumor [11].…”

Cell Death Effects of the Phthalate 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol on Human Linfoblast Cells

“…Since the 1920s with the introduction of Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) phtalate ester, compounds have been used extensively in different types of products such as building materials, flooring, piping, food packaging, and medical devices, among others [1] [2] [3]. Exposure to phthalates can occur from food, water air, fabrics, dust, medications, cosmetics, and any plastic-made products.…”