Mechanisms of inhibitors of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.
For a rational implementation of chemoprevention strategies it is essential not only to assess the efficacy and safety of putative inhibitors by using a variety of test systems but also to understand the mechanisms involved. This article proposes a detailed classification of mechanisms along with pertinent examples of agents which may be potentially exploited in the host-addressed prevention of cancer and other mutation-related diseases. The classification, presented in tabulated form, covers a variety of mechanisms interfering with different phases of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. However, the reported sequence of events is not meant to follow a rigid scheme, and several mechanisms are reiterated throughout evolution of these processes. Similarly, a number of protective agents are shown to work through multiple and often interconnected mechanisms.
Institute of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Genoa, via A. Pastore 1, I-16132 Genoa, Italy. sdf@unige.it
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D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016587:Antimutagenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D016587:Antimutagenic Agents