Modulation of Genomic and Postgenomic Alterations in Non-Cancer Diseases and Critical Periods of Life

The document discussed the modulation of genomic and postgenomic alterations in chronic degenerative diseases and critical life periods, such as pregnancy and aging. It highlighted common mechanisms like DNA damage, epigenetic changes, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. The study emphasized that stem cells were more susceptible to molecular damage and suggested that dietary and pharmacological agents, particularly N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), could modulate these alterations. Research on Swiss albino mice showed that NAC prevented environmental cigarette smoke (ECS)-induced DNA damage and cytogenetic changes. Additionally, NAC protected against genomic alterations in human mammary epithelial stem cells and mitigated hair bulb cell apoptosis and alopecia in mice. The findings underscored the potential of chemopreventive agents in mitigating nucleotide damage and suggested further research into their therapeutic applications.