DNA repair systems as targets of cadmium toxicity.
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a potent carcinogen implicated in tumor development through occupational and environmental exposure. Recent evidence suggests that proteins participating in the DNA repair systems, especially in excision and mismatch repair, are sensitive targets of Cd toxicity. Cd by interfering and inhibiting these DNA repair processes might contribute to increased risk for tumor formation in humans. In the present review, the information available on the interference of Cd with DNA repair systems and their inhibition is summarized. These actions could possibly explain the indirect contribution of Cd to mutagenic effects and/or carcinogenicity.
Giaginis
Constantinos
C
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Athens, Medical School, 75 M. Asias str., Goudi, GR11527 Athens, Greece.
Gatzidou
Elisavet
E
Theocharis
Stamatios
S