The AhR pathway regulation in phthalates-induced cancer promotion, progression and metastasis: a scoping review
Abstract Background Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Environmental factors, specifically endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), like phthalates, are increasingly being linked to cancer development. Phthalates, widely used in consumer products, can activate the aryl hydrocarbon rece...
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Cancer Cell International |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-024-03622-9 |
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| author | Mostafa Akbariani Mahmoud Omidi Zohreh Shahabi Hamed Haghi-Aminjan Amir Shadboorestan |
| author_facet | Mostafa Akbariani Mahmoud Omidi Zohreh Shahabi Hamed Haghi-Aminjan Amir Shadboorestan |
| author_sort | Mostafa Akbariani |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Environmental factors, specifically endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), like phthalates, are increasingly being linked to cancer development. Phthalates, widely used in consumer products, can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This scoping review investigates how phthalate exposure influences cancer-related molecular pathways through the regulation of the AhR pathway to uncover the underlying mechanisms. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (ISI) database up to November 2023. Studies were selected based on peer-reviewed status, focus on phthalates’ effects on cancer through the AhR pathway and the availability of full texts. Data extraction emphasized study models, types of phthalates, exposure protocols, and cancer-related signaling pathway outcomes. Results Out of 108 initial articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its metabolite Mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) were found to promote cancer cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance through the AhR pathway. Specifically, DEHP activated AhR, leading to elevated expression of EMT markers, increased cancer stem cell populations, and enhanced drug metabolism and resistance. Other phthalates, such as Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP), also activated AhR-mediated pathways, promoting angiogenesis and metastasis. Conclusion Phthalates activate the AhR pathway, contributing to cancer progression underscoring the need for developing effective interventions against phthalate-induced carcinogenesis. Regulatory measures to minimize phthalate exposure are crucial to preventing harmful health effects and improving cancer treatment outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-794d26a521264f0fa8800f9df5bde393 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1475-2867 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cancer Cell International |
| spelling | doaj-art-794d26a521264f0fa8800f9df5bde3932025-02-02T12:43:22ZengBMCCancer Cell International1475-28672025-01-0125111110.1186/s12935-024-03622-9The AhR pathway regulation in phthalates-induced cancer promotion, progression and metastasis: a scoping reviewMostafa Akbariani0Mahmoud Omidi1Zohreh Shahabi2Hamed Haghi-Aminjan3Amir Shadboorestan4Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical SciencesFood Health Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical SciencesNanotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical SciencesPharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares UniversityAbstract Background Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Environmental factors, specifically endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), like phthalates, are increasingly being linked to cancer development. Phthalates, widely used in consumer products, can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This scoping review investigates how phthalate exposure influences cancer-related molecular pathways through the regulation of the AhR pathway to uncover the underlying mechanisms. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (ISI) database up to November 2023. Studies were selected based on peer-reviewed status, focus on phthalates’ effects on cancer through the AhR pathway and the availability of full texts. Data extraction emphasized study models, types of phthalates, exposure protocols, and cancer-related signaling pathway outcomes. Results Out of 108 initial articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its metabolite Mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) were found to promote cancer cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance through the AhR pathway. Specifically, DEHP activated AhR, leading to elevated expression of EMT markers, increased cancer stem cell populations, and enhanced drug metabolism and resistance. Other phthalates, such as Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP), also activated AhR-mediated pathways, promoting angiogenesis and metastasis. Conclusion Phthalates activate the AhR pathway, contributing to cancer progression underscoring the need for developing effective interventions against phthalate-induced carcinogenesis. Regulatory measures to minimize phthalate exposure are crucial to preventing harmful health effects and improving cancer treatment outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-024-03622-9PhthalatesAhR pathwayMetastasisEMTMetabolic dysregulation |
| spellingShingle | Mostafa Akbariani Mahmoud Omidi Zohreh Shahabi Hamed Haghi-Aminjan Amir Shadboorestan The AhR pathway regulation in phthalates-induced cancer promotion, progression and metastasis: a scoping review Cancer Cell International Phthalates AhR pathway Metastasis EMT Metabolic dysregulation |
| title | The AhR pathway regulation in phthalates-induced cancer promotion, progression and metastasis: a scoping review |
| title_full | The AhR pathway regulation in phthalates-induced cancer promotion, progression and metastasis: a scoping review |
| title_fullStr | The AhR pathway regulation in phthalates-induced cancer promotion, progression and metastasis: a scoping review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The AhR pathway regulation in phthalates-induced cancer promotion, progression and metastasis: a scoping review |
| title_short | The AhR pathway regulation in phthalates-induced cancer promotion, progression and metastasis: a scoping review |
| title_sort | ahr pathway regulation in phthalates induced cancer promotion progression and metastasis a scoping review |
| topic | Phthalates AhR pathway Metastasis EMT Metabolic dysregulation |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-024-03622-9 |
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