Study: Asbestos Is Primary Contributing Cause of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma incidence has steadily increased in the United States since the first case was reported in 1947. Every year approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases are reported in the United States. Primarily linked to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma cases typically take 20 to 50 years to develop. "Mesothelioma Epidemiology, Carcinogenesis and Pathogenesis" is a 2008 study where researchers tracked the causes and history of mesothelioma. The study found that asbestos was the main contributing cause in the development of mesothelioma. Three mineral fibers in general were found to be primary causes of mesothelioma, chrysotile, amphibole and erionite. Amphibole represents the five different types of curly fibers that are recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as asbestos. Of the three, erionite was found to be the most potent mineral fiber for inducing pleural mesothelioma in tests on rats. One main reason why study researchers believe asbestos is a primary cause of mesothelioma is the deadly biological processes it produces within mesothelial cells. Asbestos fibers have been linked to the induction of a cytokine that does not promote mesothelial cell survival. The lack of this antigen in cells causes the DNA of mesothelial cells to mutate and develop into cancerous cells. According to the study, mesothelioma cases are expected to peak in the United States and around the world in the next 20 years. Researchers contributed that genetic predisposition has a significant im...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Research & Clinical Trials Source Type: news