At present we could only speculate about the role of CE in tumor proliferation and aggressive potential; however, it has been proposed that stored CE may reduce the energetically costly lipid synthesis, increase membrane synthesis and rigidity, and induce a pro-tumorigenic signaling, all mechanisms linked to the malignancy of breast cancer [ 2, 18, 20].
FHIT gene abnormal transcript and FHIT protein deletion or reduction are closely linked to the malignancies of tumors in hypercortisolism of adrenocortical diseases.
Interestingly, the antigenic targets of MSAs that have been linked to the development of malignancy both have important roles to play in cell growth and DNA repair: TIF1γ is a nuclear factor that, via SMAD4, plays an important role in transforming growth factor-β signalling and suppression of cell growth [ 68].
Persistent infection with EBV has been linked to the development of malignancies including HPV-associated cervical carcinoma.
Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is a receptor tyrosine kinase directly linked to the growth of malignancies from various origins and a validated target for monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors.
The activation of anti-apoptotic gene transcription by NF-κB has been linked to the ability of malignancies to resist the cytotoxic effects of standard chemotherapeutics.
Of note, recent publications suggest that components of the innate immunity, including TLRs, may be linked to the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies [24] [27].
Aberrant expression or mutation of many of the lineage-specific TFs involved in B lymphocyte development have been linked to the outcome of hematopoietic malignancies.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous infectious agent which has been causally linked to the development of several malignancies, including Burkitt's lymphoma, immunosuppression-related lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1997).
Several reports have suggested that processed meat is linked to the aetiology of frequent malignancies like gastric cancer and colon cancer (Larsson et al, 2006; Cross et al, 2007).
Dietary and cultural factors such as drinking very hot beverages or eating pickled or fermented foods have also been linked to the development of squamous cell malignancy in other parts of the world [ 5, 6].
