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Nitrite from inflammatory cells--a cancer risk factor in ulcerative colitis?
W E Roediger1, M J Lawson, B C Radcliffe
1Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Patients with acute ulcerative colitis show elevated nitrite and low pH in the gut. This may increase cancer risk by forming carcinogenic compounds.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Oncology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathophysiology
Background:
- Acute ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with specific luminal conditions.
- Nitrites are inflammatory markers, and altered colonic pH impacts epithelial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of luminal nitrite and pH in acute UC patients.
- To explore the potential link between these factors and the risk of colorectal cancer in UC.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of luminal nitrite levels and pH in patients with acute UC.
- Comparison with healthy control subjects.
- Analysis of the cellular sources of nitrites and the mechanisms of pH alteration.
Main Results:
- Elevated luminal nitrite and lowered luminal pH were detected in 77% of acute UC patients.
- No luminal nitrite was found in healthy controls.
- Nitrites originate from activated immune cells; low pH results from impaired colonocyte bicarbonate production.
Conclusions:
- The combination of nitrites, low pH, and bacterial amines may promote carcinogenic n-nitroso compound formation in UC.
- This suggests a potential mechanism for increased cancer risk in UC patients, dependent on inflammation and epithelial cell function.