How do polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons cause cancer?

Question

Ivy Acosta · Accepted Answer

Usually, their metabolic products cause mutations of DNA.

A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) is an organic compound that is composed of several aromatic rings.

A common example is benzo[a]pyrene (BaP).

Many PAHs have much more potent metabolic products.

For example, BaP is metabolized to benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE).

An #"NH"_2"# group in the guanine and adenine units of DNA attacks the highly strained epoxide unit in BPDE binds.

The BPDE becomes covalently bonded to the DNA.

(From Burning Issues)

If the body's DNA repair enzymes cannot remove the adduct, there will be an accumulation of changes during DNA replication.

These accumulated changes can lead to mutations, tumors, and cancers.

Clara Atchley · Answer

undefined Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can cause cancer by binding to DNA, forming DNA adducts, and inducing mutations. This leads to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. PAHs also activate enzymes that produce reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative damage to DNA and promoting carcinogenesis. Additionally, they interfere with cellular signaling pathways, disrupting normal cell function and contributing to cancer development.