What Is the Role of Apoptotic Pathways in Toxicology?
Apoptotic pathways are involved in programmed cell death, a critical process for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Toxins can trigger apoptosis through intrinsic or extrinsic pathways. The intrinsic pathway is often activated by oxidative stress or DNA damage, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of apoptotic proteases. The extrinsic pathway involves the activation of death receptors on the cell surface. Dysregulation of apoptotic pathways can lead to excessive cell death or survival of damaged cells, contributing to diseases such as cancer.
