Assessment of Environmental Exposure to Benzene: Traditional and New Biomarkers of Internal Dose

Validity of new biomarkers of internal dose for use in the biological monitoring of occupational and environmental exposure to low concentrations of benzene and toluene

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health ◽

10.1007/s00420-009-0469-7 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 83 (3) ◽

pp. 341-356 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Piero Lovreglio ◽

Anna Barbieri ◽

Mariella Carrieri ◽

Laura Sabatini ◽

Maria Enrica Fracasso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Monitoring ◽

Environmental Exposure ◽

Internal Dose ◽

Low Concentrations ◽

Occupational And Environmental Exposure ◽

New Biomarkers

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Artificial light at night: melatonin as a mediator between the environment and epigenome

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rstb.2014.0121 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 370 (1667) ◽

pp. 20140121 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Abraham Haim ◽

Abed E. Zubidat

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Environmental Exposure ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Epigenetic Modifications ◽

Tumour Suppressor Genes ◽

Artificial Light ◽

Cancer Risks ◽

Light At Night ◽

New Biomarkers ◽

The Relationship

The adverse effects of excessive use of artificial light at night (ALAN) are becoming increasingly evident and associated with several health problems including cancer. Results of epidemiological studies revealed that the increase in breast cancer incidents co-distribute with ALAN worldwide. There is compiling evidence that suggests that melatonin suppression is linked to ALAN-induced cancer risks, but the specific genetic mechanism linking environmental exposure and the development of disease is not well known. Here we propose a possible genetic link between environmental exposure and tumorigenesis processes. We discuss evidence related to the relationship between epigenetic remodelling and oncogene expression. In breast cancer, enhanced global hypomethylation is expected in oncogenes, whereas in tumour suppressor genes local hypermethylation is recognized in the promoter CpG chains. A putative mechanism of action involving epigenetic modifications mediated by pineal melatonin is discussed in relation to cancer prevalence. Taking into account that ALAN-induced epigenetic modifications are reversible, early detection of cancer development is of great significance in the treatment of the disease. Therefore, new biomarkers for circadian disruption need to be developed to prevent ALAN damage.

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