The importance of hormesis to public health

Cook, Ralph R.; Calabrese, Edward J.

doi:10.1590/s1413-81232007000400017

Cited by 25 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…It is therefore imperative that each individual phytochemical is extensively evaluated, including detailed dose-response studies, for its safety and effectiveness in regard to disease prevention. Meta-analyses performed by Calabrese and others have provided valuable information regarding dose-response effects of a range of natural and synthetic chemicals, as well as endogenous signaling molecules (for example, nitric oxide, adenosine, opioids, adrenergic agent, prostaglandins, estrogens, androgens, 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine) (Cook and Calabrese, 2007;Hayes, 2007).…”

Section: The Concept and Features Of Hormesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Hormetic Dietary Phytochemicals

2008

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Compelling evidence from epidemiological studies suggest beneficial roles of dietary phytochemicals in protecting against chronic disorders such as cancer, and inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Emerging findings suggest that several dietary phytochemicals also benefit the nervous system and, when consumed regularly, may reduce the risk of disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The evidence supporting health benefits of vegetables and fruits provide a rationale for identification of the specific phytochemicals responsible, and for investigation of their molecular and cellular mechanisms of action. One general mechanism of action of phytochemicals that is emerging from recent studies is that they activate adaptive cellular stress response pathways. From an evolutionary perspective, the noxious properties of such phytochemicals play an important role in dissuading insects and other pests from eating the plants. However at the relatively small doses ingested by humans that consume the plants, the phytochemicals are not toxic and instead induce mild cellular stress responses. This phenomenon has been widely observed in biology and medicine, and has been described as 'preconditioning' or 'hormesis'. Hormetic pathways activated by phytochemicals may involve kinases and transcription factors that induce the expression of genes that encode antioxidant enzymes, protein chaperones, phase-2 enzymes, neurotrophic factors and other cytoprotective proteins. Specific examples of such pathways include the sirtuin -FOXO pathway, the NF-κB pathway and the Nrf-2 -ARE pathway. In this article we describe the hormesis hypothesis of phytochemical actions with a focus on the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway as a prototypical example of a neuroprotective mechanism of action of specific dietary phytochemicals.

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Section: The Concept and Features Of Hormesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Hormetic Dietary Phytochemicals

2008

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“…Toxicological pathologists have evaluated numerous histological specimens from all organs of animals (Roe, 1972). In addition, they have become aware of "whole body carcinogenesis" as dose-depended and time-related responses, in view of recent elucidation of the effects of defense mechanisms, including DNA rep--et al, 2000;Enomoto, 2000;Cook and Calabrese, 2006). A number of more sophisticated mechanistic studies including formation of DNA adducts (Williams et al, 2000), GST-P positive foci and 8-OHdG formation (Fukushima et al, 2002) are suggestive of no risk of cancer to humans at low levels of environmental exposure to DNA-reactive carcinounderstanding why very low level environmental exposures of humans, even to DNA-reactive carcinogens, may not be cancer risks (Williams, 2004).…”

Section: A Animal Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk of human health by particulate matter as a source of air pollution -Comparison with tobacco smoking-

Enomoto¹,

Tierney²,

2008

J. Toxicol. Sci.

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“…In 1990, he led the formation of Biological Effects of Low Level Exposures (BELLE 2008). Recently Calabrese organized the International Dose-Response Society (IDRS 2008) and the DoseResponse Journal, to provide forums for scientists to discuss and publish research studies on all types of hormesis, which have many important implications for public health (Cook and Calabrese 2006).…”

Section: Radiation Hormesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Nuclear Energy and Health

Cuttler¹,

Pollycove

2008

Dose-Response

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ᮀ Energy needs worldwide are expected to increase for the foreseeable future, but fuel supplies are limited. Nuclear reactors could supply much of the energy demand in a safe, sustainable manner were it not for fear of potential releases of radioactivity. Such releases would likely deliver a low dose or dose rate of radiation, within the range of naturally occurring radiation, to which life is already accustomed. The key areas of concern are discussed. Studies of actual health effects, especially thyroid cancers, following exposures are assessed. Radiation hormesis is explained, pointing out that beneficial effects are expected following a low dose or dose rate because protective responses against stresses are stimulated. The notions that no amount of radiation is small enough to be harmless and that a nuclear accident could kill hundreds of thousands are challenged in light of experience: more than a century with radiation and six decades with reactors. If nuclear energy is to play a significant role in meeting future needs, regulatory authorities must examine the scientific evidence and communicate the real health effects of nuclear radiation. Negative images and implications of health risks derived by unscientific extrapolations of harmful effects of high doses must be dispelled. Keywords: sustainable nuclear energy, radiation health effects, radiation hormesis, social acceptance, regulatory implications INTRODUCTIONAs populations grow and developing countries strive for a higher standard of living, the rate of energy consumption rises, as shown in Figure 1. By 2030, global energy demand is projected to increase by 50%, with electricity generation nearly doubling worldwide-an annual increase of 2.4% (IEA 2003, IEA 2008, DOE/EIA 2008a). Nuclear energy is receiving much attention today because of concerns about our energy sources. Environmental groups are urging large reductions in our combustion of coal and hydrocarbons (the source of 88.6% of our primary energy) to reduce the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. While the impact of carbon dioxide emissions on global warming is controversial, the pollution from large-scale burning of coal and other fuels is generally recognized as having an adverse impact on air quality and health. Sharply rising oil and gas prices both generate and reflect concerns about future supplies of these fuels, yet many environmental groups advocate options that avoid the use of nuclear power for electrical generation. They feel that such use would expose living organisms to radiation and increase the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation.This article discusses nuclear energy and how this energy source affects health. Many people are very apprehensive about nuclear power. For more than sixty years, they have received much information that associates nuclear technologies with health risks and almost no information about the health benefits. They are worried about potential exposure to nuclear radiation and consequent cell damage. The incidence of adverse health...

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The importance of hormesis to public health

Cited by 25 publications

References 51 publications

Hormetic Dietary Phytochemicals

Hormetic Dietary Phytochemicals

Risk of human health by particulate matter as a source of air pollution -Comparison with tobacco smoking-

Nuclear Energy and Health

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