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Fig. 6 | Genes and Environment

Fig. 6

From: o-Aminoazotoluene, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, which are mutagenic but not carcinogenic in the colon, rapidly induce colonic tumors in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

Fig. 6

Hypothesis for possible mechanisms underlying the induction of colonic tumor formation after combined treatment with colonic mutagens and DSS. Colon epithelial cells are mutated by colonic mutagens, probably in stem or progenitor cells. Mutated epithelial cells develop tumors via non-genotoxic effects when mice are treated with DSS. When DSS is not treated, mutated epithelial cells do not develop tumors. Non-genotoxic effects of DSS include enhanced cell proliferation and inflammation in response to cell injury or microenvironment disruption, and thereby alterations in signal transduction or epigenetics. These effects are affected by intestinal bacteria. Colonic mutagens are not necessarily colonic carcinogens

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