Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
09:50
Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke
Published on: February 12, 2015
Urinary biomarkers for secondhand smoke
Toshihiro Ino1, Tetsuya Ohtani, Itsuro Yoshimi
1Faculty of Health Science, Gunma Paz College, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan. ino-t@sk9.so-net.ne.jp
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis
|September 16, 2011
Summary
NNAL and its glucuronides are the most reliable biomarkers for secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, even in children. Cotinine is also useful but affected by CYP2A6 gene variations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Biomarkers
- Toxicology
Background:
- Quantitative analysis of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure necessitates reliable biomarkers.
- Urinary biomarkers offer a non-invasive method for assessing SHS exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize quantifiable urinary biomarkers for SHS exposure.
- To highlight the utility and limitations of NNAL and cotinine as SHS biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on urinary biomarkers for SHS exposure.
- Analysis of NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) and its glucuronides as metabolites of tobacco-specific nitrosamines.
- Evaluation of urinary cotinine levels and the influence of CYP2A6 genetic polymorphism.
Main Results:
- NNAL and NNAL-Glucuronides are highly reliable SHS exposure biomarkers, detected in 50% of children with undetectable cotinine.
- Urinary cotinine is a useful biomarker, but its levels can be underestimated due to CYP2A6*4 allele variations affecting nicotine metabolism.
- Approximately 20% of Japanese subjects possess CYP2A6*4 alleles, impacting cotinine-based SHS exposure assessment.
Conclusions:
- NNAL and its glucuronides are superior biomarkers for SHS exposure, unaffected by CYP2A6 polymorphism.
- CYP2A6 gene polymorphism must be considered when using cotinine for SHS exposure assessment.
- Combining cotinine measurement with parental smoking self-reports may improve SHS exposure assessment in mass screenings.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:29Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...