How does exposure to benzene cause leukemia?

Benzene has been shown to cause chromosome changes in bone marrow cells in the lab. (The bone marrow is where new blood cells are made.) Such changes are commonly found in human leukemia cells.

How does aplastic anemia lead to leukemia?

In a minority of cases, acquired aplastic anemia may eventually develop leukemia. PNH is caused by an acquired genetic defect affecting the PIGA gene, limited to marrow stem cells. The PIGA gene mutations cause blood cells to become sensitive to increased destruction by complement, a blood immunity protein.

How Does benzene cause aplastic anemia?

The mechanism of benzene-induced aplastic anaemia remains unclear, but is likely to involve: (a) metabolism of benzene in the liver; (b) transport of metabolites to the marrow and their secondary activation to toxic quinones and free radicals by peroxidase enzymes; (c) induction of apoptosis, DNA damage and altered …

Why does leukemia cause pancytopenia?

Pancytopenia can result from aplastic anemia (reduction in hematopoietic stem cell production) or it may arise from infection, infiltration of bone marrow, immune-mediated damage or hypersplenism in which normal cells trapped in hypertrophied and overactive reticuloendothelial system (1, 6).

How does benzene affect the bone marrow?

Benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.

What are the main causes of leukemia?

Risk factors that can cause leukemia

• A genetic predisposition.
• Down syndrome.
• Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Exposure to petrochemicals, such as benzene.
• Extensive exposure to artificial ionizing radiation.
• Alkylating chemotherapy agents administered to treat other types of cancer.

Is aplastic anemia the same as pancytopenia?

“Aplastic Anemia” is not really only an “anemia,” but instead it is a pancytopenia in which leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia are almost always found. This disease comprises a total bone marrow failure where stem cells are unable to generate all mature elements.

What is the difference between anemia and aplastic anemia?

Many cases of anemia stem from an iron deficiency. These types of anemia are easily treatable. However, aplastic anemia starts with a bone marrow problem and it is not caused by iron deficiency. The condition is rare, but it can be fatal if left untreated.

What are the causes for leukemia?

How does the body process benzene?

Benzene can enter your body through your lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and across your skin. When you are exposed to high levels of benzene in air, about half of the benzene you breathe in passes through the lining of your lungs and enters your bloodstream.

What is the difference between aplastic anemia and pancytopenia?

Pancytopenia is a condition in which there is deficiency of RBCs, WBCs, and Platelets in blood. Aplastic anemia is one of the diseases that is a major cause of the condition called pancytopenia. There are other causes of pancytopenia such as myelofibrosis, metastatic solid tumors, myelodysplastic syndrome etc.

Can pancytopenia cause anemia?

You may not have any symptoms of pancytopenia or you may have any symptoms associated with anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia. These may include: Anemia.

What is the history of benzene-induced aplastic anaemia?

Overview of benzene-induced aplastic anaemia The scientific literature is replete with reports of cases of benzene-induced toxicity to the haematopoietic system. These mainly involve aplastic anaemia, the first cases of which were reported in 1897. At high level of benzene exposure (air concentration > 100 p.p.m.), the incidence of aplastic …

Is leukemia an alternative outcome of benzene exposure?

Excessive exposure to benzene has been known for more than a century to damage the bone marrow resulting in decreases in the numbers of circulating blood cells, and ultimately, aplastic anemia. Of more recent vintage has been the appreciation that an alternative outcome of benzene exposure has been the development of one or more types of leukemia.

Can benzene exposure cause myelodysplasia?

We now recognize that benzene exposure can also lead to the development of myelodysplasia, a pre-leukemic state, and to one of the many types of blood cancers termed the leukemias. For more than a century our main concern regarding benzene and human health has been the danger from industrial exposure to benzene.

What are the mutagenic effects of benzene exposure?

This then results in mutagenic effects that play a role in the subsequent development of leukemia. Aplastic anemia generally occurs in subjects while they are still exposed to high concentrations of benzene; leukemia may occur at the same time or shortly after cessation of exposure.