IS HEPATOCARCINOGENESIS MEDIATED BY PEROXISOME PROLIFERATORS RESTRICTED TO RODENTS

While peroxisome proliferative agents used either as hypolipidaemic dr ugs, plasticizers or herbicides are known to be hepatocarcinogens in r odents, the question of their cancer-promoting effect in humans is sti ll unresolved, despite some reviews, admittedly limited, and several e pidemiological studies. Since extensive studies in humans are still la cking, this report has chosen to focus on comparison of the mechanisms leading to liver tumorigenesis after peroxisome proliferator action i n different species, From data reported on oncogenes, cell-cycle prote ins, kinases, growth factors and hormonal receptors in normal and path ological conditions, this state of the art indicates that caution must be taken to humans, especially those exposed to such chemicals or tho se having additional pathologies like metabolic and hormonal disorders or viral infections.