Molecular Mechanisms Involved in DNA Impairment When Exposed to Toxicants from the Environment

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Determining and reducing the detrimental effects of environmental toxicants on human health requires an understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind DNA damage. This chapter offers a thorough review of the complex mechanisms behind the onset and development of DNA damage following exposure to a range of environmental toxins. The chapter commences with a summary of the field’s importance before exploring the various types of damage to DNA like oxidative damage, base alkylation, and DNA strand breaking. It also elucidates the manner in which environmental contaminants disrupt DNA repair pathways, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that subsequently result in indirect damage to DNA via the formation of sizable adducts. This chapter also clarifies the complex molecular routes by which toxicants cause DNA impairment, such as changes in DNA repair pathways and the deregulation of important cellular functions. It investigates how DNA damage affects biological processes, emphasizing how it affects mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, disruption of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell death pathways. This chapter seeks to advance knowledge of the intricate interactions between environmental pollutants and DNA integrity by synthesizing recent research findings. This will ultimately help shape future approaches for preventing and mitigating the harmful impacts of these interactions on human health.