Which environmental toxin is linked with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma?

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Multiple Choice

Which environmental toxin is linked with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Aflatoxin exposure is the environmental factor most clearly linked to hepatocellular carcinoma. Aflatoxin B1, produced by Aspergillus species in improperly stored grains and nuts, is activated in the liver to a reactive epoxide that binds DNA, creating mutations. A hallmark is a G to T transversion in the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which disrupts cell cycle control and promotes malignant transformation. The risk is especially high when aflatoxin exposure occurs alongside chronic hepatitis B infection, where the two factors interact synergistically to greatly raise HCC risk. Other toxins listed tend to cause different diseases (mercury with neurotoxicity, asbestos with mesothelioma and lung cancer, lead with renal and neurodevelopmental effects) and are not classically associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aflatoxin exposure is the environmental factor most clearly linked to hepatocellular carcinoma. Aflatoxin B1, produced by Aspergillus species in improperly stored grains and nuts, is activated in the liver to a reactive epoxide that binds DNA, creating mutations. A hallmark is a G to T transversion in the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which disrupts cell cycle control and promotes malignant transformation. The risk is especially high when aflatoxin exposure occurs alongside chronic hepatitis B infection, where the two factors interact synergistically to greatly raise HCC risk. Other toxins listed tend to cause different diseases (mercury with neurotoxicity, asbestos with mesothelioma and lung cancer, lead with renal and neurodevelopmental effects) and are not classically associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.

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