6533b82bfe1ef96bd128cd7a

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Depleted uranium induces human carcinogenesis involving the immune and chaperoning systems: Realities and working hypotheses

Alberto J. L. MacarioFrancesco CappelloFrancesco Cappello

subject

0301 basic medicineNeoplasms Radiation-InducedCarcinogenesisNatural killer cellPreventive measureWorking hypothesisBioinformaticsmedicine.disease_causeRisk AssessmentEpigenesis Genetic03 medical and health sciences0302 clinical medicineImmune systemOccupational ExposureGenetic predispositionmedicineHumansBone marrowDepleted uraniumSkinAir PollutantsChaperoning systemCarcinogenic cofactorbusiness.industryGenetic predispositionMicrobiotaMedicine (all)CancerEnvironmental ExposureGeneral MedicineArmed ConflictsModels Theoreticalmedicine.diseaseEnvironmental pollutantMilitary PersonnelImmune system030104 developmental biologyCarcinogensMolecular chaperoneUraniumEnvironmental PollutantsCancer developmentCarcinogenesisbusiness030217 neurology & neurosurgeryMolecular Chaperones

description

Abstract Cancer is caused by a combination of factors, genetic, epigenetics and environmental. Among the latter, environmental pollutants absorbed by contact, inhalation, or ingestion are major proven or suspected culprits. Depleted uranium (DU) is one of them directly pertinent to the military and civilians working in militarized areas. It is considered a weak carcinogen but its implication in cancer development in exposed individuals is supported by various data. Since not all subjects exposed to DU develop cancer, it is likely that DU-dependent carcinogenesis requires cofactors, such as genetic predisposition and deficiencies of the chaperoning and immune systems. It is of the essence to adopt every possible protective measure as well as performing careful screening for early diagnosis to protect the military that work in war areas in which weapons with DU are, or have been, used. These topics are discussed here, along with a proposed working hypothesis for investigating the pathophysiology of DU-related carcinogenesis, including the possible role of the chaperoning system.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2019-03-01Medical Hypotheses
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2019.01.018