Metabolites of a tobacco-specific lung carcinogen in nonsmoking casino patrons

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2003 Dec;12(12):1544-6.

Abstract

Epidemiologic data have shown increased risks of lung cancer in nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). We measured biomarkers in urine samples from nonsmokers before and after a 4-h visit to a casino where smoking is allowed. The tobacco-specific lung carcinogen, NNK [4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone] is a constituent of ETS. Urinary metabolites of NNK, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and its glucuronides (NNAL-Gluc), are excellent biomarkers of human uptake of NNK and NNAL. NNAL, as with NNK, is a potent pulmonary carcinogen. Subjects collected a spot urine sample before the casino visit and all urine samples for the 24-h period starting after the visit. We analyzed samples for creatinine, total cotinine (cotinine and cotinine-glucuronide), and total NNAL (NNAL plus NNAL-Gluc). Paired samples showed statistically significant mean increases in total cotinine (0.044 nmol/mg creatinine, P < 0.0001) and total NNAL (0.018 pmol/mg creatinine, P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that exposure of nonsmokers to ETS in a commercial setting results in uptake of a tobacco-specific lung carcinogen.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Carcinogens, Environmental / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Gambling
  • Glucuronates / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitrosamines / metabolism*
  • Probability
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sampling Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / adverse effects*

Substances

  • 4-((methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)but-1-yl)beta-omega-glucosiduronic acid
  • Biomarkers
  • Carcinogens, Environmental
  • Glucuronates
  • Nitrosamines
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution