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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
Published on: June 18, 2012
Dietary nitrate intake significantly increases salivary nitrite levels in both healthy adults and esophageal cancer patients. This suggests similar capacities for nitrite formation, regardless of cancer status, highlighting the role of exogenous nitrate.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Nitrate consumption is linked to in vivo nitrite formation.
- Nitrites can form potentially carcinogenic N-Nitroso compounds.
- Salivary nitrite levels may be altered in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate salivary nitrite levels in esophageal cancer patients and healthy volunteers.
- To assess the impact of dietary nitrate (beet juice) on salivary nitrite.
- To compare nitrite formation capacity between cancer patients and controls.
Main Methods:
- Administered 100 ml beet juice (160 mg nitrate) to participants.
- Measured salivary nitrite levels before and 90 minutes after beet juice ingestion.
- Compared nitrite levels between esophageal cancer patients and adult volunteers.
Main Results:
- Initial salivary nitrite levels were slightly lower in cancer patients, possibly due to malnutrition.
- A significant increase in salivary nitrite was observed 90 minutes post-ingestion in both groups.
- Attained salivary nitrite levels were similar between esophageal cancer patients and healthy volunteers.
Conclusions:
- Salivary nitrite formation is primarily dependent on exogenous dietary nitrate.
- Esophageal cancer patients and healthy individuals exhibit similar capacities for converting dietary nitrate to nitrite.
- Dietary nitrate intake plays a crucial role in modulating salivary nitrite levels.
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