Researchers Find Protein Linking Exposure To Mesothelioma

Researchers Find Protein Linking Exposure To Mesothelioma

Introduction

A recent study has established a crucial link between a specific protein released in response to asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma, shedding light on the long-sought-after mechanism behind this deadly cancer.

Scientists from the University of Hawaii Cancer Center have identified the protein HMGB1 as the initiator of the inflammatory process that ultimately results in the onset of mesothelioma. These findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S., signify a significant breakthrough in understanding the cause of this devastating cancer.

The study's primary focus was pinpointing the main cell type responsible for the inflammation triggered by asbestos exposure. To do this, researchers engineered genetically modified mice with controlled HMGB1 expression in various cell types and exposed them to asbestos.

The results indicated that mesothelial cells, which make up the lining of the abdomen, chest, and internal organs, release HMGB1 during the initial stages of inflammation following asbestos exposure. Subsequently, macrophages, which are inflammatory cells, also release this protein. The data suggests that the release of HMGB1 prompts the production of another protein, TNFa, or tumor necrosis factor. Previous research had already linked TNFa to the body's inflammatory response and certain autoimmune diseases.

The combination of these two proteins following asbestos exposure initiates a chronic inflammatory process that promotes the development of mesothelioma, as concluded by the researchers.

The use of asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral resistant to heat and corrosion, was once widespread in the construction industry and various commercial products like automotive brakes, insulation, wallboard materials, and fireproofing materials.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the thin tissue lining the chest and abdomen. It leads to approximately 3,200 deaths annually in the United States, and most individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma survive for only 18 to 31 months.

The sole known cause of mesothelioma is prior exposure to asbestos, leading to its banning in most applications in 1972. However, it has taken decades for mesothelioma rates to decline following the ban due to the lengthy latency period before diagnosis.

This invasive cancer often remains asymptomatic for many years, sometimes even decades, making it typically diagnosed at an advanced stage and resulting in a limited life expectancy.

Mesothelioma lawsuits are a significant part of the largest mass tort in U.S. history, with over 600,000 people filing cases against more than 6,000 defendants due to injuries stemming from asbestos inhalation. In addition to individuals directly exposed to asbestos, a growing number of recent lawsuits involve second-hand exposure, where individuals inhaled fibers carried on their parents' clothing or hair during childhood.

Researchers are hopeful that the findings from this new study will pave the way for the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for those at risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.