Detection of human carcinogens

Article Abstract:

Compounds are tested to determine if they are carcinogenic (cancer causing) to humans by exposing rodents to the maximum dose tolerated, and observing if cancer develops in the rodents' lifetime. These tests are slow and expensive. Compounds exist that directly cause changes, or mutations, in the DNA, the genetic information of cells, leading to cancer development. Other compounds directly cause mutations, but also cause more frequent cell division, which increases the chance that a mutation will occur. Some compounds do not directly cause mutations, but at the maximum tolerated dose, increase the frequency of cell division, which may lead to cancer development; these compounds may not be harmful at lower doses. Some compounds cause mutations in rodent DNA, but not in human DNA. Therefore, testing the maximum tolerated dose in rodents is not an effective way to determine carcinogenicity. Another strategy for testing is presented. Rodents can be used for short-term testing of the possible carcinogenic effects of compounds, but other tests should be done in tissue culture (outside of the body) to further examine the effects. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Innovations, Mutation (Biology), Mutation, Carcinogenicity testing, Ames test, editorial

---

Choosing the limits to life

Article Abstract:

Worldwide data on life-expectancy and causes of death indicate that public health campaigns succeed only in changing the relative importance of different diseases in causing death once a population comes near its greatest average lifespan, which is believed to be approximately 95 years. Consequently, efforts to further prolong lifespans will only slightly improve such a population's health. These findings should persuade health researchers to concentrate on discovering the defined sources of such hazards as carcinogens.

Research, Causes of, Environmental aspects, Death, World health, Carcinogens, Age factors in disease, Disease age factors, Life expectancy

---

Synergy between synthetic oestrogens?

Article Abstract:

S.F. Arnold et al. erroneously assumed that dieldrin and endosulfan promote cancer and a synergism exists between the oestrogens which enhance their carcinogenic activity. Analysis of environmental oestrogens via yeasts oestrogen receptor transactivation assay and uterotrophic assay indicated the absence of synergism between oestrogens contrary to Arnold et al.'s findings. Furthermore, dieldrin and endosulfan exhibited submaximal oestrogenic response in each of the assays.

Analysis, Insecticides, Dieldrin, Organochlorine compounds, Organic chlorine compounds

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Variation and vaccination. Getting into the liver
• Abstracts: Cystic fibrosis: acidification indication. Processing of mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator is temperature-sensitive

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.