Question

please could someone describe the hypothised mechanisim of asbestose to cause cancer?

Answer 1

There are 3 mechanisms that are hypothesized in the onset of cancer by asbestos.

1. direct interaction of asbestos with the molecules of the cell which leads to cancer. Asbestos fibres are known to interact directly with DNA in the chromosomes causing deletions in the DNA sequence. These deletions can lead to mutations which leads to cancer.

2. Asbestos can cause cancer by stimulating the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. When macrophages fail to lyse asbestos fibres, they release lysosomal enzymes into the cytoplasm. This process can lead to generation of ROS which in turn triggers the activation of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) which is potent inducer of carcinogenesis.

3. activation of multiple cell pathways which are involved in carcinogenesis like apoptosis, inflammation etc.