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Arsenic Carcinogenesis

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Essential and Non-essential Metals

Part of the book series: Molecular and Integrative Toxicology ((MOLECUL))

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Abstract

Arsenic is a Class I carcinogen causing cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder, liver, kidney, and probably prostate and ovary. Exposure can be by ingestion of contaminated drinking water or food, or by inhalation of fumes from burning coal. Arsenic does not induce point mutations like a classic DNA-damaging mutagen. The carcinogenic mechanism is unclear, but evidence exists supporting DNA repair inhibition, stem cell expansion, reactive oxygen generation, aneuploidy, and epigenetic dysregulation. The lack of UV signature mutation spectra in arsenic-induced skin cancers argues against DNA repair inhibition as a mechanism. Recent studies on epigenetic dysregulation point toward differential gene expression consistent with a role in arsenic carcinogenesis. Limited animal models for arsenic carcinogenesis and limited studies conducted in human cancers caused by arsenic exposure limit the ability to elucidate mechanisms. Research focused on tumors from people suffering from arsenicosis is needed for a clearer understanding of molecular events underlying arsenic-induced carcinogenesis.

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  1. University of Louisville, 505 S. Hancock St., Rm 304, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA

    J. Christopher States

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  1. Natl Ctr Envtl Assessment Office of Res and Devt, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA

    Anuradha Mudipalli

  2. Professor of Environmental Medicine, New York University, Tuxedo, New York, USA

    Judith T. Zelikoff

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Christopher States, J. (2017). Arsenic Carcinogenesis. In: Mudipalli, A., Zelikoff, J. (eds) Essential and Non-essential Metals. Molecular and Integrative Toxicology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55448-8_5

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