New research has found that formaldehyde poses serious risks to epigenetics, interfering with gene activity and potentially causing cancer and other diseases. The study emphasizes the need for stricter policies to limit exposure to formaldehyde, given its prevalence in various household products, cosmetics, polluted air, architecture, and other industries.
The research, conducted by Dr. Manel Esteller and Dr. Lucas Pontel from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute and Dr. Christopher J. Chan from the University of California, Berkeley, focused on the effects of high formaldehyde concentrations in the body. The study revealed formaldehyde’s harmful impact on normal epigenetic patterns and its association with cancer, liver degeneration, and increased asthma risk.
Formaldehyde is commonly found in products used in architecture, furniture manufacturing, textiles, and hair products, as well as in polluted gases and the metabolism of certain food substances. It can also be produced in the body and has the potential to alter the epigenetic landscape of cells.
The study concluded that formaldehyde inhibits the production of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), a universal donor of the methyl chemical group that regulates genetic activity. This decrease in SAM content leads to a loss of methylation of histones, proteins that package DNA and control gene function, contributing to formaldehyde’s carcinogenic properties.
As such, the researchers stressed the need for environmental and health policies aimed at reducing exposure to formaldehyde in various industries and environmental sources. Despite restrictions by international health authorities, there are still areas of work where formaldehyde is used at high levels, necessitating further regulations to minimize exposure to this hazardous substance.
Reference: Vanha N. Pham, Kevin J. Bruemmer, Joel DW Toh, Eva J. Ge, Logan Tenney, Carl C. Ward, Felix A Dingler, Christopher L. Millington, Carlos A. Garcia Prieto, Mia C. Pross Holmes, Nicholas T. Ingoglia, Lucas B. Pontel, Manel Esther, Keetan J. Patel, and Daniel K.・Nomura, Christopher J. Chan, November 3, 2023, science. DOI: 10.1126/science.abp9201
Source: scitechdaily.com
