Exogenous antioxidant and antigenotoxic agents against asbestos-induced toxicity: A systematic review with implications for post-earthquake exposure scenarios
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, vol.127, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Review
- Volume: 127
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.etap.2026.105167
- Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, Environment Index, Greenfile, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Keywords: Antigenotoxic agents, Antioxidant agents, Asbestos, Earthquakes, Genotoxicity, Oxidative stress
- Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Earthquakes can release asbestos fibers from damaged building materials, creating a potentially high-exposure scenario for residents and debris workers. Asbestos induces oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell cycle disruptions, and, over time, chronic inflammation and cancer. This systematic review (PRISMA 2020; Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed; 2000–2026) examined whether exogenous, nonenzymatic antioxidant or antigenotoxic agents reduce asbestos-induced toxicity. Twenty studies were included and graded using a six-level hierarchy of evidence. In 16 studies, some phytochemicals, thiols, and other agents showed favorable effects on redox, inflammatory, immune, or genotoxicity endpoints; only 5 assessed genotoxicity, and all were in vitro or short-term animal models. All four studies with a disease/tumor endpoint or a randomized human design were null. Therefore, the evidence demonstrates only biological plausibility under experimental conditions. There is no evidence that dietary or supplemental antioxidant intake reduces asbestos-related toxicity. Consequently, exposure control remains the only evidence-based preventive strategy.