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Tobacco-specific carcinogenic nitrosamines. Ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in human lung cancer cells.

Lung cancer demonstrates a strong etiologic association with smoking. Of the two most common histologic lung cancer types, small cell carcinoma (SCLC) is found almost exclusively in smokers, whereas peripheral adenocarcinoma (PAC) also develops in a significant number of nonsmokers. N'-Nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), nicotine-derived nitrosamines, are potent lung carcinogens contained in tobacco products. Because of the structural similarity of NNN and NNK with nicotine, we hypothesized that these carcinogens are ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Using cell lines derived from human small cell lung carcinoma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma with the site-selective ligands alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX) and epibatidine (EB) in receptor binding and cell proliferation assays, we found that SCLC expressed neuronal nicotinic receptors with high affinity to alpha-BTX, whereas PAC cells expressed nicotinic receptors with high affinity to EB. NNK bound with high affinity to alpha-BTX-sensitive nAChRs in SCLC cells, while NNN bound with high affinity to EB sensitive nAChRs in PAC cells. The affinity of each nitrosamine to these receptors was several orders of magnitude greater than that of nicotine. NNK stimulated the proliferation of SCLC cells via this mechanism. Our findings suggest that NNK may contribute to the genesis of SCLC in smokers via chronic stimulation of the alpha BTX-sensitive nAChR-subtype expressed in these cells. Both nitrosamines may also contribute to a host of nicotine-related diseases that are currently thought to be caused by the chronic interaction of nicotine with nAChRs expressed in a large spectrum of mammalian cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Induction of repair synthesis of DNA in primary cultures of rat urothelial cells by derivatives of the bladder carcinogen, N-n-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine.

Urinary metabolites of N-n-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BHBN) which have been identified thus far did not induce repair synthesis of DNA in cultured rat urothelial cells. Urine of rats which had been administered with BHBN or BCPN did not induce repair synthesis of DNA either. However, all the synthetic nitrosamines that can produce 1-hydroxyalkylnitrosamine intermediates induced repair synthesis of DNA. The results suggest that rat urothelial cells, at best, may only have very limited capability of activating nitrosamines.

Animals↗

Simple chemiluminescent detector for the screening of foodstuffs for the presence of volatile nitrosamines.

The construction and subsequent evaluation of an apparatus for the detection of trace amounts of nitrosamines is described. The apparatus consists of a gas chromatograph, a catalytic chamber to generate nitric oxide from eluted nitrosamines, and a chemiluminescent detector to measure the infra-red emission resulting from interaction of this gas with ozone. Examples of the use of the system for determining the nitrosamine concentration in food extracts and other materials are given.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Determination of non-volatile N-nitrosamines in baby bottle rubber nipples and pacifiers by high-performance liquid chromatography-thermal energy analysis.

A method is described for the determination of non-volatile N-nitrosamines in baby bottle rubber nipples and pacifiers. It consists of extraction of the sample with dichloromethane in the presence of ascorbyl palmitate (an inhibitor of artifactual formation of nitrosamines), clean-up on silica or basic alumina, and final analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-thermal energy analysis, a technique which is highly specific for N-nitroso compounds. The method worked well for the determination of four rubber-related non-volatile nitrosamines, namely, N-nitrosomethylphenylamine, N-nitrosoethylphenylamine, N-nitrosodicyclohexylamine, and N-nitrosodibenzylamine (recoveries from spiked samples greater than 80%; detection limit, ca. 5 micrograms/kg for each). Eighteen out of twenty four samples analyzed were found to contain varying levels (mean, 41 micrograms/kg; range, 8-146 micrograms/kg) of N-nitrosodibenzylamine. The identity of the compound was confirmed by gas chromatography-thermal energy analysis as well as by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Development of a new method for the determination of nitrosamines by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography.

A new method was developed for separation and quantification of nitrosamines by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC). The effects of composition of the buffer, concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), gamma-cyclodextrin (CD) and pH on the separation and migration times of the nitrosamines were investigated. The different instrumental variables affecting sensitivity and resolution, such as power supply, injection mode and wavelength for measurement, were carefully optimized. The direct application of this method to aqueous synthetic samples allowed the separation and determination of nitrosamine mixtures at the mg x L(-1) level. The calibration curves revealed a linear range between 0.25 and 10 mg x L(-1), with detection limit (DL) varying from 0.16 to 0.27 mg x L(-1), quantification limit (QL) varying from 0.52 to 0.90 mg x L(-1), and RSD relative standard deviation (RSD) from 4.5% to 8.5%. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), diethylnitrosamine (DEN), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) and N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP).

Calibration↗

Circular dichroism spectra of the achiral guest N-aryl-N-nitrosamines included in the crystal host matrices of cholic acid.

The crystalline inclusion complexes of cholic acid with three symmetric N-aryl-N-nitrosamines were prepared, and their X-ray structures were solved. As a result of chiral conformations adopted by the enclathrated guest nitrosamines, the solid-state CD spectra were measured in KBr disks. The observed Cotton effect sign, corresponding to the n-pi* transition, was correlated with the helicity of the twisted nitrosamine chromophore conjugated with the N-aryl substituent. In addition, the absolute configuration of the enantiomorphous crystals of N-benzyl-N-nitroso-4-chloroaniline was established on the basis of the solid-state CD and X-ray crystallographic results.

Carcinogens↗

The combined solid/solution-phase synthesis of nitrosamines: the evolution of the "libraries from libraries" concept.

The generation of diverse chemical libraries using the "libraries from libraries" concept by combining solid-phase and solution-phase methods is described. The central features of the approaches presented are the use of solid-phase synthesis methods for the generation of a combinatorial polyamine library. Following cleavage from the resin with HF, the polyamine library was reacted with ethyl nitrite in the solution phase to yield the desired nitrosamine library in good yield and purity. The approaches described enable the efficient syntheses of individual nitrosamines as well as mixture-based nitrosamine libraries.

Catalysis↗

Effect of food products on endogenous generation of N-nitrosamines in rats.

An experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of two tomato pastes and aronia nectar (fruit juice + pulp from the black chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa Elliot) as inhibitors of nitrosamine production in cancer prophylaxis programmes. White male rats of the Wistar strain were employed in an acute trial. Aminopyrin+sodium nitrite (APSN) were used as precursors for generation of endogenous nitrosamine. The animals were allocated to different dietary groups and fed by intubation with APSN or APSN + food products. Introduction of tomato paste (TP), high-beta-carotene tomato paste (HCTP) and aronia nectar (AN) as inhibitors of N-nitrosamine formation exerted a positive effect on blood and liver variables which was demonstrated by decreased concentrations of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (EC 2.6.1.1), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (EC 2.6.1.2) and uric acid in serum and lipid content in hepatocytes. Animals treated with APSN developed dystrophic changes in liver such as centrolobular necrosis, intense exangia, and enlarged cells with two, often large, pyknotic nuclei, while the structure of livers of rats fed with TP, HCTP or AN was well protected and almost normal. TP had a particularly beneficial effect on serum total protein and albumin concentrations as had AN on the urea value. The inhibitory effect of the food products used is explained by their chemical nature including pH, ascorbic index (ascorbate:nitrate), lycopene and beta-carotene contents.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Volatile nitrosamines in microwave-cooked bacon.

Bacon was analysed for volatile nitrosamines after microwave cooking, and the results were compared with those obtained after frying bacon in a pan. Microwave cooking gave statistically significantly lower levels of all three volatile nitrosamines detected in the bacon. NPYR was found in all 20 samples fried in a pan, but in only five microwave-cooked samples. The average volatile nitrosamine levels (micrograms/kg) in microwave-cooked bacon and pan-fried bacon were: NDMA, 0.3 and 1.2; NPIP, 0.04 and 0.2; NPYR, 0.1 and 4.5.

Animals↗

Dietary intakes of some essential and non-essential trace elements, nitrate, nitrite and N-nitrosamines, by Dutch adults: estimated via a 24-hour duplicate portion study.

Duplicate portions of 24-hour diets of 110 adults have been analyzed for aluminium, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, zinc, nitrate, nitrite and volatile N-nitrosamines. The mean daily intake of copper (1.2 mg) is only about 50% of recommended values; mean daily intakes for manganese (3.3 mg) and zinc (8.4 mg) are adequate and marginal respectively with respect to recommended amounts. For the non-essential elements Al, Cd, Hg and Pb, mean daily intakes of 3.1 mg, 0.01 mg, 0.002 mg and 0.034 mg were found, respectively. For Cd this amounts to 17% of the acceptable daily amount, for Al, Hg and Pb 5%, 5% and 8%, respectively. Since 1976-1978 the dietary intake of lead has been reduced by a factor three; for the other six elements daily dietary intakes are almost the same as in 1976-1978. Average nitrate intake was 52 mg NO3-/day, about 25% of the ADI. Only 16 diets contained a measurable amount of nitrite. The highest daily intake (0.7 mg NO2-) is less than 10% of the ADI. Volatile N-nitrosamines were detectable in two duplicate diets (NDMA and NPIP). It is estimated that the daily dietary intake of volatile N-nitrosamines is around 0.1 microgram or less.

Adult↗

Investigation of volatile nitrosamines in disposable protective gloves.

Laboratory personnel of Eastern Regional Research Center, USDA, are required to wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves for certain analyses involving nitrosamines. In order to assess possible exposure of the wearers of these gloves, a limited survey was carried out on the volatile nitrosamine content in disposable protective gloves. Six latex gloves, nonsterile and sterile, surgical and nonsurgical, from four companies, and four vinyl gloves from three companies were analyzed. N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) were the primary nitrosamines detected. Five of the six latex gloves contained 37-329 ppb NDMA and 115-1879 ppb NPIP, all confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS); one glove contained no detectable trace of NDMA or NPIP. Of the four vinyl gloves, one contained 19 ppb NDMA and 759 ppb NPIP, both confirmed by GC-MS, one contained 6 ppb apparent NDMA and no detectable level of NPIP, and the remaining two contained no detectable levels of NDMA and NPIP.

Disposable Equipment↗

Mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium of N-3-methylbutyl-N-1-methyl-acetonyl-nitrosamine and N-methyl-N-benzylnitrosamine, N-nitrosation products isolated from corn-bread contaminated with commonly occurring moulds in linshien county, a high incidence area for oesophageal cancer in Northern China.

Two synthetic N-nitrosamines (N-3-methylbutyl-N-1-methyl acetonylnitrosamine and N-methyl-N-benzylnitrosamine), previously isolated from corn-bread which had been inoculated with moulds occurring in Linshien county, Northern China and subsequent nitrosation by sodium nitrite, were tested in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA1535 and TA100 in the presence of a liver postmitochondrial supernatant from Aroclor-treated rats. A concentration-dependent increase in the number of mutant colonies in both bacterial strains was observed when N-3-methylbutyl-N-1-methylacetonyl-nitrosamine was assayed in liquid suspension and N-methyl-N-benzylnitrosamine in plate incorporation assays. Our finding that mutagenic N-nitrosamines are present in foodstuffs that may be consumed in Linshien county are discussed in relation to the possible etiological role of these compounds in cancer of the oesophagus in that area.

Animals↗

Carcinogenicity studies on the two tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines, N'-nitrosonornicotine and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone.

The tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNA) have been implicated in oral cancer. However, except for one study using rats, no study has shown the ability of TSNA in inducing oral tumours in experimental animals. We have studied the carcinogenic potentials of N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in mice and hamsters, wherein the nitrosamines were administered on the tongues of the mice and the cheek pouches of the hamsters to simulate the exposure conditions of humans. It was observed that in Swiss and BALB/c male mice, both NNN and NNK induced tumours of lung, forestomach and liver. However, no oral tumours were induced in mice. The effect of vitamin A depletion was tested in Swiss male mice. It was found that a low vitamin A status did not alter the percentage incidence of tumours induced by both nitrosamines to a significant extent. In the studies using Syrian golden hamsters, long-term treatment of NNK to hamster cheek pouch induced tumours in the lung, liver, stomach and cheek pouch. Subsequently, the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on NNK-induced carcinogenicity in hamsters was studied. It was observed that simultaneous administration of NNK and H2O2 to the animals increased the incidence of cheek pouch tumours. Another pertinent observation was that even when a small initiator dose of NNK was given followed by the application of H2O2, a very significant increase in the tumour incidence was observed. This observation suggests that H2O2 could act as a promoter to NNK-induced carcinogenesis. In conclusion it may be stated that both NNN and NNK do not show any strain or species specificity. They failed to produce tumours at the site of application in mice but in hamsters few cheek pouch tumours were seen or were induced when NNK was applied alone. The cheek pouch tumour incidence increased when H2O2 was given concurrently or when applied for a long period after a low initiator dose of NNK was administered in the cheek pouch.

Animals↗

Increased urinary nitrosamine excretion in paraplegic patients.

An increased risk of bladder cancer is a recognized complication in spine-injured patients undergoing long-term urethral catheterization to preserve renal function. Aerobic cultures from 28 of 30 paraplegic patients showed complex bacterial flora containing nitrate-reducing organisms (Escherichia coli, Proteus and Klebsiella spp.). Urine samples from 29 paraplegic patients were also found to contain volatile nitrosamines. Mean N-nitrosamine excretion levels were 0.65 +/- 0.69 micrograms/day N-nitrosodimethylamine, 0.25 +/- 0.44 micrograms/day N-nitrosopiperidine and 0.39 +/- 0.50 micrograms/day N-nitrosopyrrolidine. A mean urinary nitrite excretion of 10.4 +/- 13.2 mg/day was found in 24 out of 30 paraplegic patients. In the sterile urine of control volunteers (medical staff attending the paraplegic patients and in-patients from other wards of the hospital), no urinary excretion of volatile N-nitrosamines and nitrite was found. The results clearly demonstrate a bacterially mediated in vivo formation of N-nitroso compounds in the urinary tracts of paraplegic patients which may be an important etiological risk factor for bladder cancer in this patient group.

Amines↗

Characterization of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and nitrosamine metabolism in the human esophagus.

Esophageal cancer has been associated with tobacco smoking, and nitrosamines are possible causative agents for this cancer. The present study investigated the metabolism of the tobacco carcinogens N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), as well as the presence of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in human esophageal tissues from individuals in the United States and Huixian, Henan Province, China (a high-risk area for esophageal cancer). All esophageal microsomal samples activated NNN and the metabolic rate was 2-fold higher in the esophageal samples from China than the USA. All microsomal samples activated NDMA. However, most of the microsomal samples did not activate NNK. Troleandomycin (an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A) decreased the formation of NNN-derived keto acid by 20-26% in the esophageal microsomes. The activities for NADPH: cytochrome c reductase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase and glutathione S-transferase were present in the esophageal samples. Coumarin 7-hydroxylase (a representative activity for P450 2A6) activity was not detected in the esophageal microsomal samples. The activities for nitrosamine metabolism and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes were decreased (by 30-50%) in the squamous cell carcinomas compared with their corresponding non-cancerous mucosa. The presence of activation and detoxification enzymes in the esophagus may play an important role in determining the susceptibility of the esophagus to the carcinogenic effect of nitrosamines. Our results suggest that P450s 3A4 and 2E1 are involved in the activation of NNN and NDMA, respectively, in the human esophagus.

Adult↗

Regiospecificity in the metabolism of the homologous cyclic nitrosamines, N'-nitrosonornicotine and N'-nitrosoanabasine.

We compared the metabolism in the F-344 rat of the moderately potent esophageal carcinogen N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN, 2'-(3-pyridyl)-N-nitrosopyrrolidine) and its weakly active homologue N'-nitrosoanabasine (NAB, 2'-(3-pyridyl)-N-nitrosopiperidine). Urine was the major pathway of excretion for both nitrosamines. The major urinary metabolites of dl-NNN resulted from 2'-hydroxylation (8.1% of the dose), 5'-hydroxylation (37.6%), and pyridine N-oxidation (10.8%). The percentages of the dose of the corresponding metabolites of dl-NAB were: 2'-hydroxylation (not detected), 6'-hydroxylation (9.8%), pyridine-N-oxidation (30.0%). Similar results were obtained when the urinary metabolites of l-NNN and l-NAB were compared. In 48 h cultures of rat esophagus, the major metabolites of [2'-14C]dl-NNN resulted from 2'-hydroxylation (47%) and to a lesser extent from 5'-hydroxylation (15%). In contrast the major metabolite of [2'-14C]dl-NAB resulted from 6'-hydroxylation (35%) with lesser amounts from 2'-hydroxylation (8%). 6'-Hydroxylation of [2'-14C]dl-NAB also exceeded 2'-hydroxylation in cultures of 3, 6, 12 or 24 h duration. Pyridine-N-oxidation was not observed in the esophagus for either nitrosamine. These results demonstrate a high degree of regiospecificity in the metabolism of these structurally related nitrosamines. Among the identified urinary metabolites the ratio of alpha-hydroxylation to N-oxidation was 4.2 for NNN and 0.3 for NAB. Among the 48 h esophageal metabolites the ratio of 2'-hydroxylation to 5'- or 6'-hydroxylation was 3.1 for NNN and 0.2 for NAB. The results also suggest a basis for the weak carcinogenicity of NAB: facile excretion as its pyridine-N-oxide and detoxification in the esophagus by 6'-hydroxylation.

Animals↗

N-Nitrosomorpholine and other volatile N-nitrosamines in snuff tobacco.

Ten popular snuff brands from the USA and Sweden were analyzed for volatile N-nitrosamines (VNA). Seven of these samples contained between 20 and 70 p.p.b. of N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), a strong animal carcinogen. Some of the snuff containers which were made of waxed cardboard contained morpholine. This observation and a model study with the container waxes plus [14C]morpholine indicate that NMOR possibly can be formed by way of diffusion of the morpholine into the snuff and subsequent N-nitrosation. The VNA including NMOR (60-1150 p.p.b.) together with N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA; 225-3300 p.p.b.) and the four tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNA; 1300-80,000 p.p.b.) contribute significantly to the carcinogenic potential of snuff. This tobacco product, although a known human carcinogen, is becoming increasingly popular especially among young people in the USA and Sweden. A recently introduced Swedish brand with individual snuff portions wrapped in aluminum foil was free of VNA (less than 2 p.p.b.) and contained relatively low levels of NDELA (290 p.p.b.) and TSNA (4200 p.p.b.). This indicates that practical approaches towards lowering N-nitrosamine levels in these snuff products are available.

Carcinogens↗

The nature of nitrosamine denitrosation by rat liver microsomes.

The nature of the denitrosation of nitrosamines by rat liver microsomes was investigated. The rates of NADPH-dependent nitrosamine demethylation and denitrosation were compared in the same incubation mixture using several types of microsomes and inhibitors. Pretreatment with isopropanol, pyrazole, phenobarbital, and 3-methylcholanthrene had parallel effects on the microsomal demethylation and denitrosation reactions. Nitrite was produced with N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitroso-N-methylethylamine, N-nitroso-N-methylbutylamine, N-nitroso-methylbenzylamine, or N-nitroso-N-methylaniline as a substrate. With control microsomes, the rate of the denitrosation reaction was 9-39% that of demethylation depending on the type and concentration of nitrosamines used. Using nitrosodimethylamine as the substrate, the Km of denitrosation was about twice that of the demethylation reaction. Several polar organic solvents such as ethanol and isopropanol inhibited the denitrosation and demethylation reactions and each solvent inhibited both reactions to about the same extent. In the presence of cumene hydroperoxide, microsomes can catalyze the denitrosation of nitrosodimethylaime which is also accompanied by demethylation. Studies with a reconstituted system and with inhibitors indicate that the denitrosation reaction requires the presence of both cytochrome P-450 and NADPH-cytochrome-P-450 reductase. The results suggest that the denitrosation is closely linked to the demethylation reaction.

Animals↗