Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology
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Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. · Jul 1994
Uptake and metabolism of carcinogenic levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines by Sudanese snuff dippers.
It was recently reported that toombak, a type of snuff used in the Sudan, contained unusually high levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines. To estimate the internal dose of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) received by individuals who use this type of tobacco, urine from a group of users was analyzed for 2 metabolites of NNK, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and its O-glucuronide, NNAL-Gluc. NNK is a strong lung carcinogen believed to contribute to human lung cancer. ⋯ This adduct is believed to be a measure of NNK activation. The levels ranged from 68 to 323 fmol/g hemoglobin [mean, 148 +/- 104 (SD)]. The wide range of adduct levels which were observed suggests that despite similar levels of NNK exposure, there are significant differences in the ability of individuals in this population to activate NNK, as well as potential differences in their cancer risk.