Abstract
The term dioxins usually refers to polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). As 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has the highest toxic potential, the toxic potentials of other PCDDs and PCDFs are defined in comparison with it. Human exposure to dioxins can be environmental (background), occupational, or accidental pollution. In the human body, dioxins are in part metabolised and eliminated, and the rest is stored in body fat. People vary in their capacity to eliminate TCDD, but it is also dose-dependent; the elimination rate is much faster at higher than lower levels. The liver microsomal P4501A1 enzyme oxygenates lipophilic chemicals such as dioxins. It is encoded by the CYP1A1 gene. Cytosolic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediates their carcinogenic action. It binds to dioxin, translocates to nucleus and together with hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (ARNT) and xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) increases the expression of CYP1A1.Dioxins are classified as known human carcinogens, but they also cause noncancerous effects like atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. Long-term exposures to dioxins cause disruption of the nervous, immune, reproductive, and endocrine system. Short-term exposure to high levels impairs the liver function and causes chloracne. The most sensitive population to dioxin exposure are the foetuses and infants.A large number of health effects have been documented in the scientific literature, and they all place dioxins among the most toxic chemicals known to man.
Highlights
The term dioxins usually refers to polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)
It has the highest toxic potential, the toxic potentials of other 16 PCDDs and PCDFs are defined in comparison to it [2]
After TCDD exposure, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) binds to a ligand, translocates into the nucleus, where it forms an active heterodimer with aromatic hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (ARNT)
Summary
Natalija MARINKOVIĆ1, Daria PAŠALIĆ1, Goran FERENČAK2, Branka GRŠKOVIĆ3, and Ana STAVLJENIĆ RUKAVINA1. Dioxins are a group of chlorinated organic chemicals, and the term usually includes polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs). A study which included 51 countries and their national dioxin emission inventories showed that the TEQ of dioxins released into the environment from 2000 to 2007 was about 36 kg per year [6] It identified ferrous and non-ferrous metal production, power generation and heating and waste incineration as the main emission sources of dioxins, which contribute to 45 % of total emissions, while about 40 % is released by uncontrolled combustion. Many products manufactured by Monsanto were contaminated with dioxins, including the widely used household disinfectant Lysol, and the known defoliant Agent Orange, used in the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was not produced exclusively by Monsanto Company, its products contained the highest levels of dioxins. Mr Yuschenko suffered severe health consequences and disfiguration of the face typical for the chloracne [19,20,21]
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