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HERO ID
1247611
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Hormesis and its place in nonmonotonic dose-response relationships: Some scientific reality checks
Author(s)
Mushak, P
Year
2007
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Environmental Health Perspectives
ISSN:
0091-6765
EISSN:
1552-9924
Volume
115
Issue
4
Page Numbers
500-506
Language
English
PMID
17450215
DOI
10.1289/ehp.9619
Web of Science Id
WOS:000245412800027
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
This analysis is a critical assessment of current hormesis literature. I discuss definitions, characterization, generalizability, mechanisms, absence of empirical data specific for hormesis hypothesis testing, and arguments that hormesis be the "default assumption" in risk assessment.
DATA SOURCES:
Hormesis, a biological phenomenon typically described as low-dose stimulation from substances producing higher-dose inhibition, has recently garnered interest in several quarters. The principal sources of published materials for this analysis are the writings of certain proponents of hormesis. Surprisingly few systematic critiques of current hormesis literature exist. Limits to the phenomenon's appropriate role in risk assessment and health policy have been published.
DATA SYNTHESIS:
Serious gaps in scientific understanding remain: a stable definition; generalizability, especially for humans; a clear mechanistic basis; limitations in the presence of multiple toxic end points, target organs, and mechanisms. Absence of both arms-length, consensus-driven, scientific evaluations and empirical data from studies specifically designed for hormesis testing have limited its acceptance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Definition, characterization, occurrence, and mechanistic rationale for hormesis will remain speculative, absent rigorous studies done specifically for hormesis testing. Any role for hormesis in current risk assessment and regulatory policies for toxics remains to be determined.
Keywords
bidirectional dose response; biphasic dose response; hormesis; nonmonotonic dose response
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