Translational Medicine
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1025
+44 1223 790975
ISSN: 2161-1025
+44 1223 790975
Bernard Friedenson
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Transl Med
Inheritance of a BRCA1/2 gene defect predicts such high breast and ovarian cancer risks that prevention has not been widely studied. Hereditary BRCA1/2 gene mutations can cause cancer by impairing protective responses to radiation and to endogenous and exogenous carcinogens. Despite the mutation, there is strong evidence that hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risks are not fixed. Dedicated enzymes and repair systems to correct most DNA damage generated by endogenous metabolism are intact. Literature searches identified formaldehyde and acetaldehyde as known exogenous carcinogens that can contribute to mutation related carcinogenesis if detoxification pathways are overwhelmed. Both carcinogens activate BRCA1/2 pathways; both carcinogens cause the same types of DNA damage found in BRCA1/2 related cancers; both carcinogens increase risks for leukemias theoretically and statistically associated with BRCA1/2 deficiencies. Rats given acetaldehyde have increased incidence of malignant mammary tumors, leukemias, lymphomas, and pancreatic tumors. In humans, breastfeeding transmits acetaldehyde to infants. At least seven studies link acetaldehyde to early onset breast cancer but diet and other sources make the dose cumulative. Risks from radiation and opportunistic carcinogens may be modified in BRCA mutation carriers. Compensating for the genetic deficit may prevent or delay some hereditary cancers.
Bernard Friedenson is a past recipient of an NIH Research Career Development Award. After a B.A. in honors chemistry-mathematics at the University of Minnesota Duluth and a PhD in biochemistry-organic chemistry at the University of Minnesota, he rose to senior cancer research scientist from a post-doctorate at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. At UIC, he acquired 13 years further training in medical sciences while still publishing over 50 papers. In 2011, he received an Innocentive award for providing the only solution from among nearly 400 competing entries to establish biomarkers that can be used to guide cancer treatment. He has chaired an international meeting and served as an associate editor of BMC research notes.