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World Journal of Surgical Oncology
Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Review

Secondary bile acids: an underrecognized cause of colon cancer

Authors: Hana Ajouz, Deborah Mukherji, Ali Shamseddine

Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Bile acids were first proposed as carcinogens in 1939. Since then, accumulated evidence has linked exposure of cells of the gastrointestinal tract to repeated high physiologic levels of bile acids as an important risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers. High exposure to bile acids may occur in a number of settings, but most importantly, is prevalent among individuals who have a high dietary fat intake.
A rapid effect on cells of high bile acid exposure is the generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, disruption of the cell membrane and mitochondria, induction of DNA damage, mutation and apoptosis, and development of reduced apoptosis capability upon chronic exposure. Here, we review the substantial evidence of the mechanism of secondary bile acids and their role in colon cancer.
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Metadata
Title
Secondary bile acids: an underrecognized cause of colon cancer
Authors
Hana Ajouz
Deborah Mukherji
Ali Shamseddine
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
World Journal of Surgical Oncology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7819
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7819-12-164

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