Hexachlorobenzene as a persistent organic pollutant: Toxicity and molecular mechanism of action.

Abstract

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is an organochlorine pesticide widely distributed in the environment. Chronic exposure of humans to HCB leads to a number of effects, such as triggering of porphyria, microsomal enzyme induction, thyroid dysfunctions, neurological symptoms, and immunological disorders. In animals, HCB induced hepatic porphyria, neurotoxic effects, and toxic effects on the thyroid function, reproductive system, and immune system. HCB as a dioxin-like compound and a weak ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a hormonal disruptor. HCB is also known to cause tumors of the liver, thyroid and mammary gland in laboratory animals. This review presents HCB toxicity in humans and laboratory animals. The main attention was focused on the mechanisms of HCB toxicity, especially at the molecular level.

• Authors: Beata Starek-Świechowicz, Bogusława Budziszewska, Andrzej Starek
• Journal: Pharmacological reports : PR (Pharmacol Rep) Vol. 69 Issue 6 Pg. 1232-1239 (Dec 2017) ISSN: 2299-5684 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 29128804 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2017 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Environmental Pollutants
• Fungicides, Industrial
• Hexachlorobenzene

Topics

• Animals
• Environmental Exposure (adverse effects)
• Environmental Pollutants (toxicity)
• Fungicides, Industrial (toxicity)
• Hexachlorobenzene (toxicity)
• Humans