Mutagenic, carcinogenic, and chemopreventive effects of phenols and catechols: the underlying mechanisms
1992
Weisburger, J.H.
In the context of health effects with emphasis on cancer, phenols are generally not genotoxic, that is, they cannot modify the gene and therefore, they are not considered to be direct cancer risks. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that while not genotoxic, phenols as a class can be co-carcinogens or promoters, increasing the effects of environmental genotoxic carcinogens. The promoting effect is, however, highly dependent on the dosage and chronicity of exposure. These basic mechanistic concepts may account for the fact that critical reviews of occupational health data have revealed no cancer risk in the production and use of phenolic compounds. Recent studies have actually demonstrated that some of the phenols found in fruits and vegetables, as well as synthetic phenolic antioxidants, exert protective effects against cancer. These chemicals are antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, including against carcinogens present in tobacco smoke, and can antagonize the effect of promoters. High doses of several of these compounds, however, can cause cancer in animals through mechanisms like cytotoxicity, regenerative cell duplication and hydroxy radical generation. Therefore, the public needs to be much more aware of the importance of dosage and extent of exposure rather than be told that a chemical is a "carcinogen" with the resulting concern and sometimes expensive, indeed unwarranted, actions. Insight into mechanisms of action is a sound basis for risk evaluation. Naturally occurring and synthetic phenols illustrate the value of judging the benefits and risks as a function of dosage and chronicity of exposure through laboratory and epidemiologic approaches.
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