Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
07:38
A General Method for Detecting Nitrosamide Formation in the In Vitro Metabolism of Nitrosamines by Cytochrome P450s
Published on: September 25, 2017
10.3K
Estimated Cancer Risks Associated with Nitrosamine Contamination in Commonly Used Medications.
Kate Li1, Karin Ricker1, Feng C Tsai1
1Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Nitrosamine contamination in medications like valsartan, including NDMA and NDEA, poses significant cancer risks. Long-term drug use with these contaminants raises public health concerns due to their carcinogenic properties.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pharmaceutical Science
Background:
- Nitrosamines are potent carcinogens, with over 30 listed under California's Proposition 65.
- Recent contamination of drugs for hypertension, heartburn, and diabetes has led to FDA recalls.
- Key contaminants include N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), and N-nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the additional cancer risks from NDMA and NDEA contamination in commonly used drugs.
- To utilize valsartan as a case study for risk assessment.
- To highlight the public health implications of nitrosamine contamination in pharmaceuticals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized US FDA reported nitrosamine levels.
- Incorporated cancer potencies from California's Proposition 65 and US EPA.
- Applied specific exposure scenarios for risk estimation.
Main Results:
- Nitrosamine contaminants like NDMA and NDEA share genotoxic and tumorigenic activities.
- These contaminants exhibit common target tumor sites.
- Estimates indicate increased cancer risks associated with long-term use of contaminated drugs.
Conclusions:
- Nitrosamine contamination in pharmaceuticals is a serious public health concern.
- Long-term exposure to contaminated drugs can elevate cancer risks.
- Regulatory oversight and monitoring are crucial for drug safety.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:202° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO2
4.7K
Secondary amines react with nitrous acid to form N-nitrosamines, as depicted in Figure 1. Nitrous acid, a weak and unstable acid, is formed in situ from an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite and strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, in cold conditions. In the presence of an acid, the nitrous acid gets protonated. The subsequent loss of water results in the formation of the electrophile known as nitrosonium ion.
4.7K
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
1.5K
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
1.5K
01:26Physical Properties of Amines
3.6K
Amines with low molecular weight are usually gaseous at room temperature, while those with high molecular weight are liquid or solids in nature. Usually, low molecular weight amines have a rotten fish-like smell. Diamines typically have a pungent smell. For instance, cadaverine and putrescine, depicted in Figure 1, are two molecules responsible for decaying tissue.
3.6K
02:59Cancer Prevention
6.5K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
6.5K
01:16Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
863
In cardiovascular health, antianginal drugs combat angina pectoris — a condition marked by chest pain owing to diminished blood flow to the heart.
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow....
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow....
863
01:36Types of Toxins
2.6K
Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
2.6K