Radical causes of cancer.
Free radicals are ubiquitous in our body and are generated by normal physiological processes, including aerobic metabolism and inflammatory responses, to eliminate invading pathogenic microorganisms. Because free radicals can also inflict cellular damage, several defences have evolved both to protect our cells from radicals--such as antioxidant scavengers and enzymes--and to repair DNA damage. Understanding the association between chronic inflammation and cancer provides insights into the molecular mechanisms involved. In particular, we highlight the interaction between nitric oxide and p53 as a crucial pathway in inflammatory-mediated carcinogenesis.
Hussain
S Perwez
SP
Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4255, USA.
Hofseth
Lorne J
LJ
Harris
Curtis C
CC
D000818:Animals; D018890:Chemoprevention; D004249:DNA Damage; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism*; D016158:Genes, p53; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D023421:Models, Animal; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D005609:Free Radicals; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase