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N-nitrosamine formation in urinary-tract infections
H Ohshima1, S Calmels, B Pignatelli
1International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
IARC Scientific Publications
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Urinary-tract infections (UTIs) are linked to elevated N-nitroso compounds in urine, particularly with specific bacteria. This suggests in-vivo formation of these compounds in the bladder, potentially increasing bladder cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Toxicology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Urinary-tract infections (UTIs) are common and associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
- N-nitroso compounds are known carcinogens, and their formation in vivo is a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of N-nitroso compounds in urine of patients with UTIs.
- To explore the potential role of bacterial activity in the formation of these compounds within the urinary tract.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of urine samples from 31 UTI patients and 31 controls for volatile nitrosamines, N-nitrosamino acids, total N-nitroso compounds, and nitrite/nitrate.
- Assay of bacterial strains for their ability to catalyze nitrosation reactions.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated N-nitrosodimethylamine concentrations were found in urines infected with Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Increased levels of nitrite, N-nitrosoproline, and total N-nitroso compounds (per mol creatinine) were observed in patients with bacteriuria.
- Several bacterial strains demonstrated the capacity to catalyze nitrosation of morpholine at neutral pH.
Conclusions:
- N-nitroso compounds can be formed in vivo within an infected bladder.
- Bacterial activity in UTIs may contribute to the endogenous formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds.
- This in-vivo formation could explain the epidemiological link between UTIs and elevated bladder cancer risk.