Mechanisms of Action of Dioxin-Like Compounds

Abstract

Dioxins are one of the most potent environmental toxins known. They are commonly associated with industrial activities such as waste incineration, pulp bleaching and chemical synthesis processes. Their toxicity stems from the fact that dioxins can activate the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), thereby triggering a series of harmful biological responses, including carcinogenicity, immunosuppression, endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity. Dioxins and their analogues are a growing problem and a major challenge in modern ecology because of their highly chemically stable and heat-resistant structure, their stable chlorinated structure, which makes them difficult to metabolise, resulting in their bioaccumulation in living organisms and persistence in the environment. This research will describe the structure of AhR and the binding mechanism of dioxin and AhR, as well as the metabolic process of PCDD, in order to more accurately predict its potential harm to humans and the environment, and help develop targeted drugs or antidotes to reduce or prevent toxic effects. This research summarizes the new understanding of the mechanism of toxic action of dioxins and their metabolic pathways, which can provide a reference for environmental pollutant screening and risk assessment.