Biological interactions of N-nitroso compounds: a review

There have been efforts to acquire information on the carcinogenic hazards of environmental materials to which humans are exposed since the earliest indications that chemicals can induce cancer in man. N-Nitroso compounds represent a major class of important chemical carcinogens and mutagens that have been implicated as hazardous substances in the environment. This review discusses the relevant chemistry and biotransformation of N-nitroso compounds. It also considers the interaction of these compounds with biological material. Nitrosamines and nitrosamides have been shown to be versatile tools for the study of mutagenic and carcinogenic processes and also lend themselves to structure/activity studies. Attention is drawn to recent developments concerning the relationship between mammalian metabolism of N-nitroso compounds and the relative susceptibility to carcinogenesis and mutagenesis. The usefulness of nitrosamines and nitrosamides in mutagenicity and carcinogenicity studies has been amply demonstrated, and continued work with these substances can lead to a better understanding and evaluation of the potential risks of chemicals in the environment.