Critique aa and interact with dna directly. there

Critique ArticleJordan BrewerNovember 28th, 2017Indiana University East          Thearticle I will be critiquing is called Aristolochicacids and their derivatives are widely implicated in liver cancers in Taiwanand throughout Asia. The article had many contributions from a variety ofdifferent authors and has an impact factor of 37. 205 in 2016.

This articlelooks to find evidence on whether or not the exposure of Aristolochic acids(AA) would decrease, following the ban in Taiwan for herbal remedies containingthe AA signature. Although the evidence of a decrease in the AA signature wasnot the result. Turns outthat the exposure to AA had stayed about the same. Why would this be? Well theauthors to the article had a few ideas for this. One reason being the fact thatmany of these AAcontaining herbal remedies were continued to be used by many even following theban. There werealso reports thatChinese medical practitioners continued to prescribe their patients with someof these AA containing herbal remedies during the first year the ban tookplace. It is apparent that plants containing high dosages of AA are widelyavailable for purchase online and often are mislabeled. But Aristolochic acidsaren’t the only concern.

There is also aristolactams. There isn’t to muchresearch on them but are thought to be mutagenic metabolites of AA and interactwith DNA directly. There is also evidence that supportsthe theory that the signatures being observed is caused by AA, or possibly evenwith the help of other related/unrelated compounds. Studies conducted onanimals have shown evidence that AA adducts along with AA mutagenesis occurwithin the liver.

The exposure of AA in Taiwan was more prevalent compared toother areas. Aristocholoic acids were also found in certain groups of Asiancountries. This goes to show the prevalence of AA and how theyare spread throughout different areas of the world. The author encouragesopportunities for primary and secondary prevention when it comes to regulatingsuch AA containing plants.

Although China and Taiwan only choose to regulatespecific plants containing AA. It is also interesting to note that the sale ofAA containing plants is not prohibited within the United States even thoughevidence shows that it is dangerous. Although the herbs must be correctlylabeled and not detailing any health benefits from ingesting such a substance. Whatdoes this mean? AA containing plants can easily be bought online and accessed anumerous of other ways. The author hopes to discourage the use of these AAcontaining plants by providing evidence of its harmfulness.

Also, that labelingof these herbs tend to get pretty difficult for supplier to know exactly whichmultiherb substances contain AA. The author offers a suggestion for morethorough measures be taken to identifying herbal products in an attempt forprimary prevention. The author also offers a suggestion for secondaryprevention, for those who have already resulted in exposure to AA, this wouldbe in the form of advanced screenings that would be able to detect AA-associated cancers. Overall, I would say that the article has succeeded in providing public awareness on theseriousness of Aristocholoic acids and how dangerous they can be. The authorswriting style was clear and concise, while also be easy to follow.

I like theauthors ideas when it comes to primary and secondary prevention. The regulationof AA containing plants is lacking in many countries, including our own. Meaning that until there is some type of regulations put in place for these AAcontaining plants, one can only spread the word until there is something doneabout it.

Based on the evidence provided within this study, I’m curious to whythese plants have not been banned completely in all areas of the world. Out ofeverything I read within the article I was in particularly intrigued on thelack of a decrease in exposure of the AA signature following the ban in Taiwanback in 2003. It seems to me that many people continued to use these AA containherbs even following the ban. I am curious to why somebody would continue touse something that you knew would potentially cause liver cancer. But access tosuch plants are still widely available. Perhaps the lack of regulation is thereason to blame for the continued use of such plants. It seems to me that theyunderstand the potential dangers that come along with the plants, but thecountries refuse to completely do away with them. It may be more time consumingto try to regulate these types of herbs when it comes to mixed varieties, butit is essential to prevent exposure to such plants.

I believe that this articleis important for providing evidence to support the connection between the AAsignature mutation found with some herbs and liver cancer. I enjoyed readingthis article and thought that it provided valuable information on theprevalence along with the dangers of AA related herbs.    ReferencesNg, A.

W., Poon, S. L., Huang, M. N.

, Lim, J. Q., Boot, A.

, Yu, W., . . . Rozen, S.

G. (2017, October 18). Aristolochic acids and theirderivatives are widely implicated in liver cancers in Taiwan and throughoutAsia. Retrieved November 28, 2017, from http://stm. sciencemag. org/content/9/412/eaan6446