Gene-Teratogen Interactions in Chemically Induced Congenital Malformations

Vol. 85, No. 2, 2004

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Gene-Teratogen Interactions in Chemically Induced Congenital Malformations
Erminio Giavini, Elena Menegola

University of Milan, Department of Biology, Milan, Italy

Address of Corresponding Author

Biol Neonate 2004;85:73-81 (DOI: 10.1159/000074962)

Key Words

Birth defects
Teratogens
Gene-environment interactions
Chemical teratogenesis

Abstract

Exposure of the embryo to environmental chemicals can result in congenital malformations or abortion. Although experimental teratology data are considered sufficient for risk assessment, only knowledge of their mechanisms of action permits a justifiable extrapolation of animal data to humans. Mechanistic studies of some teratogenic agents such as retinoic acids, valproic acid, diethylstilbestrol, and cyclopamine provided evidence of interference with regulation of genes controlling the embryonic development. The new genomic technologies are important tools in this field and may represent a real improvement in understanding the mechanisms of action of chemical teratogens.

Author Contacts

Erminio Giavini
Department of Biology
via Celoria 26
IT-20133 Milan (Italy)
Tel. +39 02 50314753, Fax +39 02 50314802, E-Mail erminio.giavini@unimi.it

Article Information

Received: February 11, 2003
Accepted: September 30, 2003
Published online: November 19, 2003
Number of Print Pages : 9
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 112

Medline Abstract (ID 14631152)

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