Hydroquinone Induced Changes in DNA Methylation and Potential Mechanism

Benzene is widely used in industry and also a known genotoxic human carcinogens. Its toxicity is mainly caused by its active metabolite-hydroquinone. Hydroquinone itself is often applied in the black and white contrast medium, rubber protective agent, stabilizer, and antioxidant. Hydroquinone can cause multi-system damage to the body, even be a carcinogen in long-term tests. In recent years, hydroquinone exposure is reported to lead to changes of DNA methylation level. This paper reviewed that hydroquinone could affect DNA methylation by multiple mechanisms including regulation of DNA methylation transferase, oxidative stress injury interference, regulation of DNA damage repair proteins, and participation of other epigenetic modification, aiming to provide reference for prevention of hydroquinone and benzene poisoning.