Fig. 2.

Scheme of the molecular mechanisms that ethanol consumption can influence during carcinogenesis of the mammary gland. Trace amounts of ethanol can promote transcription of CP450Arom, ERα and some EGFR agonists, which in turn favor the progress and survival of breast cancer cells. Acute exposure to ethanol can also negatively interfere the transcriptional regulation of genes that prevent the proliferation and spread of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and Cadh-1. Solid lines indicate a mechanism or pathway established experimentally. Dashed lines indicate a mechanism or pathway not determined yet. Arrowheads indicate upregulation and flattened heads indicate downregulation