Epidemiology of Primary Liver Cancer in Serbia and Possible Connection With Cyanobacterial Blooms
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2013
Authors
Svirčev, Zorica
Drobac, Damjana
Tokodi, Nada
Vidović, Milka
Simeunovic, Jelica
Miladinov-Mikov, Marica
Baltic, Vladimir
Article (Published version)

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Today, the occurrence of harmful cyanobacterial blooms is a common phenomenon and a potential global health problem. Cyanobacteria can produce metabolites highly toxic to humans. More than 80% of reservoirs used for water supply in Central Serbia have bloomed over the past 80years. A 10-year epidemiological study showed a significant increase in the incidence of primary liver cancer (PLC) in the regions where water from the blooming reservoirs was used for human consumption. At the same time, no correlation was found between the incidence of PLC and other risk factors, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis viruses. Given the strong association with PLC induction and various known possible mechanisms of carcinogenic action, it is highly possible that, cyanotoxinsacting as initiator and promotermay be the major risk factor that acts synergistically with other risk factors to cause increased incidence of PLC. However, at present, it is still not certain whether cyanotoxins alone were sufficient... to induce PLC. Therefore, additional assessment of the health risks that may arise from human exposure to cyanotoxins is advisable.
Keywords:
cyanotoxins / epidemiology / primary liver cancer (PLC) / cirrhosis / Hepatistis C virus (HCV) / Hepatitis B virus (HBV) / SerbiaSource:
Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part C Environmental Carcinogenesis and Ecotoxicology, 2013, 31, 3, 181-200Publisher:
- Taylor & Francis Inc, Philadelphia
Projects:
- Transformation of Serbian Geospace - lessons from the past, contemporary problems and possible solutions (RS-176020)
- COST Action - ES1105
DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2013.824187
ISSN: 1059-0501
PubMed: 24024518