Review of mechanisms of genotoxic action of dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (formerly dibenzo[a,l]pyrene)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of organic compounds that have always been present in the environment. With the technological and civilization development, exposure to this class of compounds has considerably increased. Dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (DBC), formerly known as dibenzo[a,l]pyrene, is one of the most important and probably the most carcinogenic among all PAHs tested so far. Its carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on mammalian cell systems and animals have been documented, and hence it was classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." This review presents the most important aspects of mechanisms of genotoxicity after exposure to DBC.