title: Integrated etiopathogenesis of cancer of mucosal surfaces with emphasis on the digestive tract: an appraisal.
abstract: The concept of hydrogen ion concentration [H+] may become the cornerstone of an integrated understanding of the mechanisms leading to cancer of the mucous membranes, mainly of the digestive tract. From basic research to the different situations preceding mucosal malignancies, there is considerable evidence to propose that chronic and deep-seated abnormalities in local pH may have both a direct and an indirect role in the etiology of epithelial human cancer. A high microenvironmental pH also appears to act as a universal mediator and activating factor of many different chemical and biological carcinogens.
authors.affiliation: Clínica La Esperanza, Vitoria, Spain.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harguindey
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Anton Aparicio
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Martin Algarra
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004067:Digestive System Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism