Bile acids as possible human carcinogens: new tricks from an old dog.
Bile first attracted man's interest long ago. The actual tumour-promoting effects of a bile acid were reported in 1939 for deoxycholic acid. Ever since, much evidence has accumulated that supports an important role for bile acids as cancer promoters in humans through DNA damage and selection for apoptosis-resistant cells, both of which can lead to increased mutation rates. The evidence reviewed here indicates that, in humans, bile acids are likely to be implicated in the aetiology of a number of different important cancers in terms of morbidity and mortality, such as cancer of the colon, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, gall bladder and cancer of the breast.
Costarelli
Vassiliki
V
Human Ecology Laboratory, Department of Home Economic and Ecology, Harokopio University, Kallithea, Athens, Greece. costarv@hua.gr
D000818:Animals; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D003043:Cocarcinogenesis; D004249:DNA Damage; D004067:Digestive System Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D004764:Enterohepatic Circulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000378:metabolism
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D002273:Carcinogens