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Nitrosamines as potential environmental carcinogens in man.
1Institute of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, China.
Clinical Biochemistry
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Nitrosamines, formed from nitrites and amines, are widespread environmental and dietary compounds. Many are carcinogenic, potentially causing human cancers, including gastric and tobacco-related cancers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Nitrosamines are common environmental and dietary contaminants.
- Many nitroso compounds exhibit carcinogenic properties in animals and likely in humans.
- These compounds form via the reaction of nitrites with amines in acidic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the occurrence and formation of nitrosamines.
- To discuss their carcinogenic potential in humans.
- To highlight their presence in food, drugs, and tobacco products.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on nitrosamine formation and occurrence.
- Analysis of nitrosamine precursors in food and drugs.
- Examination of epidemiological data linking nitrosamines to human cancers.
Main Results:
- Nitrosamines form from nitrite and amines; nitrate can be converted to nitrite.
- Carcinogenic nitrosamines can be synthesized from various aliphatic and heterocyclic compounds.
- Nitrosamines are found in foods, some drugs, and are implicated in tobacco-related cancers.
Conclusions:
- Nitrosamines are significant environmental carcinogens.
- Their presence in food and tobacco raises public health concerns.
- Nitrosamines may play a role in the etiology of human gastric cancers.