Carcinogenic Agents Research Articles

Analysis of the acrylamide in breads and evaluation of mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents to reduce its toxicity in vitro model

Acrylamide, as a carcinogenic agent, is formed during food processing. Because of the high number of gastrointestinal cancers in Ardabil City, we hypothesized that probably the amount of acrylamide is high in the traditional breads. Also, due to the human are inevitably subjected to acrylamide, we searched strategies for reducing its toxicity in cellular level. The concentration of acrylamide in Barbari, Taftoon, Sangak, and Lavash breads were 143.5 ± 2.5, 129.4 ± 1.7, 95.2 ± 1.3, and 17.5 ± 2.5 μg/kg, respectively. Mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents decreased acrylamide-induced oxidative damages. Results indicated acrylamide is high in these breads and mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents could be a strategy for reduction of its toxicity.

Flexible isoporous air filters for high-efficiency particle capture

Air pollution with a high concentration level of particulate matter (PM) holds responsibility for an increasing number of fatalities worldwide. Inhalable and harmful airborne PM, generated by anthropogenic and natural sources, can act as carcinogenic agents and can also absorb and transfer with them viruses and bacteria. Stationary and automove filters, masks are part of our routine life. However, traditional fibrous air filters and improved high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) suffer from several inevitable drawbacks, justifying the search for better alternatives. Herein, we present nanofabricated isoporous polymeric membranes with of PM2.5 and PM10 capture efficiency as high as 99.9%. The membranes were transparent and flexible with pore sizes of 0.7, 2 and 5 μm. Those with 2 μm had a density of 4.13 × 106 pores per cm2. Moreover, membranes coated with silver nanoparticles showed excellent biocidal effect against Acinetobacter baylyi bacteria. The membrane can be used in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems of buildings and car cabins, and can be incorporated in personal masking.

Reduction of Management Costs and Avoidance of Air Release of Carcinogens Through a Waste Segregation Program in a Brazilian Medical Institution.

Hospital waste management is a current sustainability challenge. Although not always performed, the most applied approach in current protocols is the proper segregation of waste. The incineration of hospital waste is an significant source of emission of specific toxic particles and gases. We highlighted dioxins, whose representatives have been considered carcinogenic agents since 1994. Several experimental and epidemiologic studies have shown greater cancer morbidity and mortality associated with dioxin exposure. In the present study, we presented the impact of a hospital waste management program implemented in an oncology institution based on proper segregation and consequent reduction of incinerated mass. Data were collected for 8 years and the waste was separated into five categories: infectious (A4), chemical (B), recyclable (DR), non-recyclable (DNR), and sharps (E). The classes addressed to incineration were A4, B, and E. A team education starting from the admission process and with a continued education program was essential for a successfully implemented program. We achieved a 66% saving of waste from incineration, equivalent to 76 tons, of which 71.9 tons corresponded to recyclable waste. If the waste separation protocol was not implemented, the biohazardous and chemical material would contaminate the rest of the residues, making incineration as a final destination mandatory for all the waste. This scenario would result in significantly more dioxins release and a 64% higher cost of waste management. This low-cost implementation measure was effective in the cost reduction of waste management and minimization of air release of human carcinogens.

Root canal medicaments

The ultimate goals of endodontic treatment are complete removal of bacteria, their byproducts and pulpal remnants from infected root canals and the complete seal of disinfected root canals. Intracanal medicaments have been thought an essential step in killing the bacteria in root canals; however, in modern endodontics, shaping and cleaning may be assuming greater importance than intracanal medicaments as a means of disinfecting root canals. Until recently, formocresol and its relatives were frequently used as intracanal medicaments, but it was pointed out that such bactericidal chemicals dressed in the canal distributed to the whole body from the root apex and so might induce various harmful effects including allergies. Furthermore, as these medicaments are potent carcinogenic agents, there is no indication for these chemicals in modern endodontic treatment. Today, biocompatibility and stability are essential properties for intracanal medicaments. The more modern meaning of intracanal dressing is for a blockade against coronal leakage from the gap between filling materials and cavity wall. Calcium hydroxide has been determined as suitable for use as an intracanal medicament as it is stable for long periods, harmless to the body, and bactericidal in a limited area. It also induces hard tissue formation and is effective for stopping inflammatory exudates. Single-visit endodontics, where intracanal medicaments are not used, is generally not now contraindicated and various reports have shown that the clinical outcomes between single- and multiple- visit endodontics are similar. There is no reason to counsel against single-visit endodontics: however, if multiple-visit endodontics is chosen, calcium hydroxide is recommended to be used as an intracanal medicament.

Curcumin protects against Aflatoxin B1-induced liver injury in broilers via the modulation of long non-coding RNA expression

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent hepatotoxic and carcinogenic agent. Curcumin possesses potential anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and hepatoprotective effects. However, the role of LncRNAs in the protective mechanisms of curcumin against AFB1-induced liver damage is still elusive. Experimental broilers were randomly divided into 1) control group, 2) AFB1 group (1 mg/kg feed), 3) cur + AFB1 group (1 mg/kg AFB1 plus 300 mg/kg curcumin diet) and 4) curcumin group (300 mg/kg curcumin diet). Liver transcriptome analyses and qPCR were performed to identify shifts in genes expression. In addition, histopathological assessment and oxidant status were determined. Dietary AFB1 caused hepatic morphological injury, significantly increased the production of ROS, decreased liver antioxidant enzymes activities and induced inflammation and apoptosis. However, dietary curcumin partially attenuated the abnormal morphological changes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in liver tissues. Transcriptional profiling results showed that 34 LncRNAs and 717 mRNAs were differentially expressed with AFB1 and curcumin co-treatment in livers of broilers. Analysis of the LncRNA-mRNA network, GO and KEGG enrichment data suggested that oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis pathway were crucial in curcumin’s alleviating AFB1-induced liver damage. In conclusion, curcumin prevented AFB1-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis through LncRNAs. These results provide new insights for unveiling the protective mechanisms of curcumin against AFB1-induced liver damage.

Abstract PO-025: The Durham Initiative for Stomach Health (DISH): A pilot community-based Helicobacter pylori education and screening study

Abstract Background: Approximately 15% of all cancers are due to infection. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori is the single leading carcinogenic infectious agent and the main cause of stomach cancer. Prevalence of H. pylori, and, correspondingly, stomach cancer incidence and mortality, is significantly greater among African Americans than whites in the United States. In the present study, we conducted a pilot community- engaged H. pylori education and screening study in partnership with a predominantly African American church in Durham, North Carolina. Methods: Initially, we consulted with community advisory boards and convened stakeholder meetings with local community members and primary care physicians. We then developed this pilot study through an iterative collaboration with church partners. Our main outcomes were feasibility and acceptability as measured by participation in a one-day H. pylori screening initiative, and participation in follow-up for those who tested positive. We also sought to determine prevalence and determinants of active H. pylori infection in this population. Results: Community engagement informed the event logistics, messaging, educational materials provided, and follow-up plans. A total of 92 individuals participated in the primary study event, 25% of whom had a current H. pylori infection. Of those, 87% returned for the follow-up events, among whom 70% had successfully cleared their infection. Conclusions: Through community engagement, community-based H. pylori screening and stomach cancer prevention is feasible and acceptable. This is a necessary step in order to move stomach cancer prevention forward to population-based precision H. pylori screening and eradication. Citation Format: Sydnee Crankshaw, Julia Butt, Jennifer Gierisch, Nadine Barrett, Sabrena Mervin-Blake, Kevin Oeffinger, Steven Patierno, Valarie Worthy, Ronald Godbee, Meira Epplein. The Durham Initiative for Stomach Health (DISH): A pilot community-based Helicobacter pylori education and screening study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-025.

Induction of liver fibrosis by CCl4 mediates pathological alterations in the spleen and lymph nodes: The potential therapeutic role of propolis.

In an animal models, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a carcinogenic agent that causes liver fibrosis. The current study aims to investigate whether induction in liver-fibrosis by CCl4 in the mouse model could promote the initiation of fibrosis in lymph node and spleen due to sustained increase of inflammatory signals and also aimed to clarify the protective therapeutic effects of propolis. The male mice (BALB/c) were categorized into three experimental sets and each group involved 15 mice. Control group falls into first group; group-II and group-III were injected with CCl4 to induce liver-fibrosis and oral supplementation with propolis was provided in group-III for 4-weeks. A major improvement with hepatic collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) production was aligned with the activation of liver fibrosis from CCl4. Mice treated with CCl4 exhibited collagen deposition towards liver sections, pathological alterations in spleen and lymph node architectures, and a significantly increase the circulation of both T&B cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Mechanically, the secondary lymphoid organs treated with CCl4 in mice exposed a positive growth in α-SMA and collagen expression, increased in proinflammatory cytokine levels and a significant increase in TGF-β, NO and ROS levels. A manifest intensification in the expression of Nrf2, COX-2, and eNOS and upregulation of ASK1 and P38 phosphorylation. Interestingly, addition of propolis-treated CCl4 mice, substantially suppressed deposition of liver collagen, repealed inflammatory signals and resorted CCl4-mediated alterations in signaling cascades, thereby repairing the architectures of the secondary lymphoid organs. Our findings revealed benefits of propolis against fibrotic complications and enhancing secondary lymphoid organ architecture.

Estimates of Cancer Mortality Attributable to Carcinogenic Infections in Italy.

Several infectious agents are ascertained causes of cancer, but the burden of cancer mortality attributable to carcinogenic infections in Italy is still unknown. To tackle this issue, we calculated the rate and regional distribution of cancer deaths due to infections sustained by seven pathogens ranked as group 1 carcinogenic agents in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Population attributable fractions related to these agents were applied to annual statistics of cancer deaths coded according to the 10th International Classification of Diseases. The estimated burden of cancer mortality attributable to carcinogenic infections in Italy during the period 2011–2015 was 8.7% of all cancer deaths registered yearly, on average. Approximately 60% of deaths occurred in men, and almost the whole burden was due to four infectious agents (Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C virus, high-risk human papillomavirus, and hepatitis B virus). The analysis of regional distribution showed a higher number of infection-related cancer deaths in the northern regions, where the estimates reached 30 (Liguria) and 28 (Friuli Venezia Giulia) deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015. Since one-twelfth of cancer deaths were attributable to these modifiable risk factors, the implementation of appropriate prevention and treatment interventions may help to reduce the impact of these infections on cancer mortality.

An innovative method to estimate lifetime prevalence of carcinogenic occupational circumstances: the example of painters and workers of the rubber manufacturing industry in France.

Existing methods to estimate lifetime exposure to occupational carcinogenic agents could be improved. We propose a new method to estimate the lifetime prevalence of exposure to occupational carcinogens using the example of painters and workers of the rubber industry in France. From census, we calculated the proportion of painters and rubber industry workers using predefined occupational codes related to each occupation by sex and 10-year age group in 1982, 1990, 1999, 2007, and 2013. Using a beta-regression model, we obtained the yearly prevalence of exposure by 10-year age group over the period 1967-2007. We estimated the age- and sex-specific lifetime prevalence of exposure of the population in 2017 over 1967-2007, summing up the estimated prevalence of exposure for years 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, and 2007 combined with a sex- and age-specific turnover factor. Corresponding population-attributable fractions were estimated for lung and bladder cancers in 2017. In 2017, we estimated that 5.6 and 0.2% of men in France had ever worked as a painter or in the rubber industry, respectively, during their working time. The lifetime prevalence of ever having worked as a painter or in the rubber industry was much lower in women: 1.8% and 0.1%, respectively. We estimated that 950 lung cancer and 40 bladder cancer cases were attributable to these occupations in 2017. Based on accurate data and taking into account evolution of specific jobs over time, the proposed method provides good estimates of lifetime prevalence of exposure to occupational carcinogens. It could be applied in any other country with similar data.

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on Awareness and Belief of People About Cancer in Southern Ethiopia: Special Focus on Breast and Cervical Cancers.

BackgroundThe general population’s lack of awareness, limited knowledge, myths and misconceptions about breast and cervical cancers (CCs) is considered as a serious public health problem.ObjectiveThis study was intended to assess the status of awareness and beliefs of people about cancer and breast and CCs in particular.MethodsA descriptive community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 345 study participants in Southern Ethiopia. A pretested, structured questionnaire that contained demographics and questions on the variables of exposure to biological and chemical carcinogenic agents, lifestyle and personal behavior was administered. Frequency distribution and proportions were used to describe the study population in relation to major variables.ResultsThe mean age of study participants was 25.19 (Range 15–58). More than a third of the study participants heard about cancer from Mass Media followed by schools (28.5%) and treating physicians (6.7%). The proportion of study participants that knew about the association between smoking, alcohol intake and cancer development was 38.6% and 51.5%, respectively. Only 48% and 24.2% of the study participants heard about breast and CCs, respectively. The fact that 69.4% of the study participants had limited knowledge about the mode of transmission of the causative agents of CCs indicates that the study groups are at risk of acquiring the agent. Additionally, only 4.7% of the study participants were screened for CC and have poor breast self-examination experiences, indicating poor awareness and knowledge about the importance of screening programs.ConclusionComprehensive awareness and knowledge about cancer in general and breast and CCs in particular is lacking in southern Ethiopia. Early sexual debut, limited knowledge about the diseases and unfavorable lifestyle are the risk factors to be addressed in public health education.

Radon concentration and radiation exposure levels in workplace buildings of downtown Rio de Janeiro City, SE, Brazil

Radon, a noble radioactive gas, can reach levels that pose a risk to public health in poorly ventilated environments such as residences and buildings. It is a known carcinogenic agent, responsible for the incidence of about 14% of lung cancer in the world. In this work an evaluation of indoor radon, that downtown Rio de Janeiro workers are exposed in working daily life was carried out using an alpha detector (RAD7). The indoor radon concentration and effective dose are below the limits recommended by international standards.

Prevalence of genital HPV infection in STI and healthy populations and risk factors for viral persistence.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-established carcinogenic agent. This study aimed to assess prevalence and persistence rate of genital HPV infection in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) patients and healthy subjects. The risk factors influencing the persistence of genital HPV infection were also investigated. The samples were collected with the ThinPrep liquid-based cytology system. Among the HPV-positive patients, those consenting were retested after 12months. Overall, 145/292 subjects proved HPV positive with a higher prevalence (51%) in STI than in healthy population (43%). The persistence of genital HPV infection was statistically associated with female gender, HR-HPV infection, smoking, and Ureaplasma parvum infection.

Occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals and agents among healthcare workers in Bhutan

Occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals among healthcare workers can result in long-term adverse health outcomes. Research on such exposures from low- and middle-income countries is limited. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of exposures to a range of chemicals used in healthcare settings among Bhutanese healthcare workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers (n = 370) working in three hospitals in the western region of Bhutan. Demographic and occupational information was collected, and exposures to asthmagens, carcinogens, ototoxic and other agents were assessed using a web-based tool. The prevalence of exposure to these chemicals was calculated and the circumstances resulting in such exposures were examined. The prevalence of exposure to one or more asthmagen, carcinogen, and ototoxic agent was 98.7%, 28.1%, and 7.6%, respectively; and was 6.2% for anesthetic gases and 2.2% for antineoplastic drugs. The most common exposures were to latex, and cleaning and disinfecting agents in the asthmagens group; formaldehyde in the carcinogens group; and p-xylene among ototoxic agents. The circumstances resulting in exposures were using latex gloves, using bleach and chlorhexidine for cleaning, using formaldehyde as a disinfectant and in the laboratory, and using p-xylene in the laboratory. The results indicate that a large proportion of Bhutanese healthcare workers are occupationally exposed to chemicals linked to chronic diseases, with exposure prevalence higher than in high-income countries. The study provides information that can be used to formulate policies and to implement control measures to protect healthcare workers.

Toxicological assessment of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) as a main contaminant of foodstuff in three different in vitro models: Involvement of oxidative stress and cell death signaling pathway.

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) as a main source of food contamination has always been known as a carcinogenic agent. Kidney, liver, testis, and heart seem to be the main target organs for 3-MCPD. Because oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been realized to be involved in 3-MCPD-induced cytotoxicity, the present study aimed to investigate the probable toxicity mechanisms of 3-MCPD in isolated mitochondria, HEK-293 cell line, and cell isolated from the rats' liver and kidney through measuring multiparametric oxidative stress assay. Based on the data indicating no significant difference between 3-MCPD-treated groups and control group, metabolites of 3-MCPD have a key role in organ toxicity caused by them. To further investigating the suggested hypothesis, the effect of 3-MCPD toxicity on HEK-293 cell line was examined. Although the proliferation declined after exposure to a low dose of 3-MCPD (10 to 200µM), controversial responses in higher concentration (2 to 10mM) have led to studies on the effect of oxidative stress and cell death signaling on isolated kidney and liver cells. Treatment of the isolated kidney and liver cells with 3-MCPD resulted in an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and activation of cell death signaling without creating any significant difference in the amount of reduced glutathione. In fact, 3-MCPD can disrupt the mitochondrial electron transfer in isolated cells, which is correlated with the impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system, the rise of ROS level, and the failure of MMP, leading to the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol and finally the activation of cell death signaling.

S1914 A Case of Two Cancers: Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Meets Lung Adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EC) associated with a primary lung adenocarcinoma is a rare phenomenon. The incidence of synchronous second primary cancer (SPC) in patients with EC makes up 5–10% of cases. The association between these two cancers is explained by “field cancerization,” which occurs with exposure to carcinogenic agents such as tobacco and alcohol. The early detection of synchronous SPC is important for patients with EC because it affects prognosis and influences treatment modality selection. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 66-year-old woman with history of right lower lobe lung adenocarcinoma s/p robotic lobectomy, smoking and alcohol abuse was admitted for progressively worsening dysphagia. She had oropharyngeal dysphagia that was worse with solids than liquids, significant weight loss, anemia and changes in speech. Video swallow completed two months prior to admission was normal. She never had an EGD or colonoscopy previously. She underwent EGD which showed a malignant lower esophageal mass in the distal esophagus and GE junction extending into the cardia and biopsy results showed squamous cell carcinoma. Eight months prior to admission the patient was found to have a 2.2 cm hypermetabolic lung nodule that was suspected to be malignant. She underwent lobectomy with lymph node sampling which was negative for metastasis and therefore did not require chemoradiation. Pathology revealed adenocarcinoma. Chest CT was repeated to evaluate for esophageal metastasis which showed two nodules in the right upper lung and left lung base concerning for reoccurrence of lung cancer however PET scan was negative. Patient refused surgical intervention for esophageal cancer and opted for chemoradiation. DISCUSSION: Pathology reports confirming adenocarcinoma of the lung and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus supports the finding of synchronous primary tumors, a rare phenomenon. Also, the presence of squamous cell carcinoma in the distal esophagus and GE junction without presence in the proximal portion is highly unusual as these areas are more commonly associated with adenocarcinoma. This patient had an aggressive form of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma reflected by rapid progression of dysphagia and excavating nature of the mass seen on EGD in the setting of previous negative imaging reinforcing the need for timely diagnosis. Lastly, this case highlights the importance of avoidance of carcinogenic toxins such as alcohol and tobacco in reducing the risk of SPC in patients with lung cancer.Figure 1.: PET Scan image after diagnosis on EGD.Figure 2.: EGD images of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma pre and post 6 cycles of chemo radiation.

A Review on the Removal of Dye, Pesticide and Pathogens from Waste Water Using Quantum Dots

The industrial pollutants in water bodies tend to unsuitable for living organisms and irrigation uses. Water contamination is exaggerating at regular pace and the universe is holding carcinogenic agents. Therefore, there is a necessity of immediate action to generate a potential and efficient technology for water management. By means of this, quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as an effective probe for the removal process. This review discusses the methods for removing and degrading the coloured components, pesticides, pathogens from waste water and contaminants removal ability of QDs.

Prevalence of exposure to multiple occupational carcinogens among exposed workers in Australia

ObjectivesWorkers can be exposed to a range of different carcinogenic agents in the workplace. However, previous studies have often focused on prevalence of exposure to a single carcinogen, resulting in...

Removal of herbicide 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) from aqueous solutions by electrochemical oxidation using boron-doped diamond (BDD) and PbO2 electrodes

The electrochemical removal of the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) herbicide, a potentially carcinogenic agent from aqueous solutions, was performed at PbO2 and BDD electrodes by bulk electrolysis under galvanostatic control (300 and 400 A m−2) and under two pH conditions (3 and 9). Results clearly indicated that a 62 % of mineralization was achieved with BDD anode at pH 3, while only a 46 % of electrochemical oxidation (EO) was achieved at PbO2 electrode. The mineralization current efficiency (MCE) depended on the electrode material, current density, and pH conditions; but, for both PbO2 and BDD, high MCE was achieved at pH 3 and 300 A m−2, obtaining 2.54 % and 1.99 % for BDD and PbO2, respectively. The EO pathway depended on the electrocatalytic properties of each one of the anodes to produce hydroxyl radicals which attacked the DNCB molecule as well as the deactivating effects of the chlorine and nitro groups attached to the aromatic ring on the DNCB structure. Finally, HPLC analyses also showed that phenolic intermediates as well as carboxylic acids were formed, at a different extent, during the electrolysis process on both electrodes.

An exploration of cancer-related mortality attributable to infections in Italy

Abstract Background Previous attempts estimated the impact of infectious agents on cancer incidence in Italy, but the burden of carcinogenic infections on cancer mortality remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a preliminary analysis in order to estimate this burden at country level. Methods We applied the global, regional, or national population attributable fractions for Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8), and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) - all microorganisms ranked as group 1 carcinogenic agents in human beings by the International Agency for Research on Cancer - to 2015 cancer-related deaths recorded according to the 10th International Classification of Diseases coding system in Italy. Results We estimated a total of 14,120 deaths attributable to carcinogenic infections, being 8.3% of the total of cancer-related deaths (n = 170,339). 58.8% of those occurred in men. H. pylori, HCV, HBC, and HPV accounted for 96.4% of the whole mortality burden attributable to carcinogenic infections in both sexes. H. pylori was responsible for 8,116 (57.5%) deaths due to gastric carcinoma (non-cardia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma). Hepatitis-related liver cancer accounted for a total 4,372 deaths: 3,812 due to HCV infection and 560 to HBV. Cancers related to HPV infection represented the third most frequent cause of deaths due to carcinogenic infections in women. Conclusions We estimated that one out of 12 cancer deaths in Italy was attributable to an infection sustained by carcinogenic agents. Such mortality burden is potentially avoidable, given that these infections are both potentially preventable and treatable. Thus, these estimates provide actionable metric of the burden for the implementation of specific public health measures. Further analyses will provide more accurate estimates of this disease burden. Key messages In Italy, one out of 12 cancer-related deaths is attributable to infections sustained by preventable or treatable carcinogenic agents. These estimates provide metric of carcinogenic infections for the implementation of specific public health measures to avert the related mortality burden.

Immunomodulatory role of black tea in the mitigation of cancer induced by inorganic arsenic

We present a model analysis of the tumor and normal cell growth under the influence of a carcinogenic agent, an immunomdulator (IM) and variable influx of immune cells including relevant interactions. The tumor growth is facilitated by carcinogens such as inorganic arsenic while the IM considered here is black tea (Camellia sinesnsis). The model with variable influx of immune cells is observed to have considerable advantage over the constant influx model, and while the tumor cell population is greatly mitigated, normal cell population remains above healthy levels. The evolution of normal and tumor cells are computed from the proposed model and their local stabilities are investigated analytically. Numerical simulations are performed to study the long term dynamics and an estimation of the effects of various factors is made. This helps in developing a balanced strategy for tumor mitigation without the use of chemotherapeutic drugs that usually have strong side-effects.