Gene-environment interactions in heavy metal and pesticide carcinogenesis

Cancer is a complex disease involving a sequence of gene-environment interactions. Lifestyle, genetics, dietary factors, and environmental pollutants can increase the risk of cancer. Gene-environment interactions have been studied by a candidate-gene approach focusing on metabolism, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Here, we review the influence of gene-environment interactions in carcinogenesis, with emphasis on heavy metal and pesticide exposures.