Tumours of Marine Mammals and their connection to Persistent Organic Pollutants

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) make up a substantial portion of the ocean’s contaminants. While their acute, high-concentration encounters are mostly lethal, their chronic consequences show more complex pathogenesis. These pathogenic pathways are suspected of having both direct and indirect POP aetiology. Direct mutagenic effects through Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) activation, DNA adduction or in utero foetal maldifferentiation have been associated with long-term POP accumulation in terrestrial mammals, marine mammals, and humans. Indirect effects through the CYP-enzyme biotransformation and MFO system are not fully understood yet.