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Molecular epidemiology of cancer

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Abstract

In this review the role of molecular markers for the assessment of individual exposure to carcinogenic agents was analyzed. Examples of the studies describing mutation patterns related to specific carcinogenic exposures are presented. The results of epidemiological studies of gene polymorphism and its role in the interaction between inheritance, environmental factors, and lifestyles are analyzed in detail. Adequate planning and performance of the epidemiological component of a study is a requirement for obtaining reproducible results reflecting molecular mechanisms of interest. Individual information on lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition, physical activity, reproductive anamnesis) and environmental factors (occupational activity and carcinogen load at workplace), which influence not only the risk of developing cancer, but also the molecular features of a tumor, is crucial for adequate analysis and proper assessment of the results.

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Abbreviations

CI:

confidence interval

GST:

glutathione S-transferase

NAT:

N-acetyl transferase

PAH:

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

RR:

relative risk

TSN:

tobacco specific nitrosamines

UADO:

upper aerodigestive organs

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  1. Research Institute of Carcinogenesis, Blokhin Cancer Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kashirskoe Shosse 24, 115478, Moscow, Russia

    D. G. Zaridze

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Correspondence to D. G. Zaridze.

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Original Russian Text © D. G. Zaridze, 2008, published in Biokhimiya, 2008, Vol. 73, No. 5, pp. 661–674.

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Zaridze, D.G. Molecular epidemiology of cancer. Biochemistry Moscow 73, 532–542 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297908050064

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