Asbestos can cause mesothelioma when tiny microfibers attach to the linings of the aveoli. They lose their elasticity and white blood cells attack the damage portions of the cell (aveoli). A snowballing effect takes place, until the body begins an all out defense mechanism against the attacking foreign object(s).
Specific details regarding the exact process by which a normal mesothelial cell is converted to a mlignant cell by asbestos fiber are still largely unknown. Despite this, a number of smaller details have built up an educated knowledge to how the disease works. It is not very clear whether asbestos fibers induce mesothelioma by direct interaction with the mesothelial cells or act indirectly via generation of toxic materials that may finally induce cancer. Some evidence suggests that generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be closely connected with the process of mesothelioma development.
Firstly, inhaled asbestos fibers cause irritation and inflammation to the surrounding lung tissue where they become lodged. Local irritation and inflammation triggers the produciton of body chemical substances called cytokines. These are the mediators of various body reactions and processes. Newly produced cytokines induce various cellular and intercellular modifications to the lung and mesothelial cells. Interaction of asbestos fiber directly or in combination with other factors including these cytokines cause the cell to begin the malignant transformation.
Development of any malignancy is a very complex process. Multiple genetic events are involved before culmination of malignancy in a cell. You can find out detailed process information by clicking here (opens a new window).
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