Chua AC, Klopcic B, Lawrance IC, Olynyk JK, Trinder D. Iron: An emerging factor in colorectal carcinogenesis. World J Gastroenterol 2010; 16(6): 663-672 [PMID: 20135713 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i6.663]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Debbie Trinder, Professor, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, PO Box 480, Fremantle 6160, Western Australia, Australia. debbie.trinder@uwa.edu.au
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Feb 14, 2010; 16(6): 663-672 Published online Feb 14, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i6.663
Iron: An emerging factor in colorectal carcinogenesis
Anita CG Chua, Borut Klopcic, Ian C Lawrance, John K Olynyk, Debbie Trinder
Anita CG Chua, Borut Klopcic, Ian C Lawrance, John K Olynyk, Debbie Trinder, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle 6160, Western Australia, Australia
Anita CG Chua, John K Olynyk, Debbie Trinder, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle 6160, Western Australia, Australia
Borut Klopcic, Ian C Lawrance, The Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle 6160, Western Australia, Australia
Author contributions: Chua ACG and Klopcic B contributed equally to this work; Chua ACG, Klopcic B and Trinder D organised the Editorial; Chua ACG and Klopcic B wrote the Editorial; Trinder D, Lawrance IC and Olynyk JK revised the article.
Supported by Grants from the Cancer Council of Western Australia and Fremantle Hospital Medical Research Foundation
Correspondence to: Debbie Trinder, Professor, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, PO Box 480, Fremantle 6160, Western Australia, Australia. debbie.trinder@uwa.edu.au
Telephone: +61-8-94313640 Fax: +61-8-94312977
Received: November 2, 2009 Revised: November 26, 2009 Accepted: December 3, 2009 Published online: February 14, 2010
Abstract
The carcinogenic potential of iron in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not fully understood. Iron is able to undergo reduction and oxidation, making it important in many physiological processes. This inherent redox property of iron, however, also renders it toxic when it is present in excess. Iron-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species via the Fenton reaction, if uncontrolled, may lead to cell damage as a result of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA and protein damage. This may promote carcinogenesis through increased genomic instability, chromosomal rearrangements as well as mutations of proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Carcinogenesis is also affected by inflammation which is exacerbated by iron. Population studies indicate an association between high dietary iron intake and CRC risk. In this editorial, we examine the link between iron-induced oxidative stress and inflammation on the pathogenesis of CRC.
