Association of 1 hydroxypyrene glucuronide in human urine with cigarette smoking and broiled or roasted meat consumption

Humans are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs from various occupational, dietary, environmental and medicinal sources. We measured 1 hydroxypyrene glucuronide 1 OHP gluc concentration in urines from male non smokers n = 50 , smokers of blond tobacco n = 31 , smokers of black tobacco n = 16 , and pipe smokers n = 3 . Immunoaffinity chromatography was used as a preparative step and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy as the quantitation method. The concentration of 1 OHP gluc in urine from smokers mean SE: 1.04 0.13 pmol ml-1 urine was significantly higher than in urine from non smokers 0.55 0.05 pmol ml-1 urine by the Wilcoxon rank sum test non smokers versus all smokers, p = 0.001; vs black tobacco smokers, p = 0.001; vs blond tobacco smokers, p = 0.007 . Urinary 1 OHP gluc concentration among subjects who had consumed roasted, grilled or broiled meat within the past 24 h was elevated compared with those who had not p = 0.025 . Multiple linear regression showed significant associations of urinary 1 OHP gluc with number of cigarettes smoked p = 0.002 and consumption of roasted, grilled or broiled meat p = 0.028 . Systemic CYP1A2 activity estimated by caffeine metabolism was significantly correlated with urinary 1 OHP gluc concentration. However, this association was probably due to cigarette smoking, since adjusting for cigarette smoking by multiple linear regression made the association between urinary 1 OHP gluc and CYP1A2 phenotype non significant. These results further support the use of urinary 1 OHP gluc as a biomarker of recent pyrene exposure through inhalation or diet.     

Association of 1 hydroxypyrene glucuronide in human urine with cigarette smoking and broiled or roasted meat consumption

Humans are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs from various occupational, dietary, environmental and medicinal sources. We measured 1 hydroxypyrene glucuronide 1 OHP gluc concentration in urines from male non smokers n = 50, smokers of blond tobacco n = 31, smokers of black tobacco n = 16, and pipe smokers n = 3 . Immunoaffinity chromatography was used as a preparative step and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy as the quantitation method. The concentration of 1 OHP gluc in urine from smokers mean SE: 1.04 0.13 pmol ml-1 urine was significantly higher than in urine from non smokers 0.55 0.05 pmol ml-1 urine by the Wilcoxon rank sum test non smokers versus all smokers, p = 0.001; vs black tobacco smokers, p = 0.001; vs blond tobacco smokers, p = 0.007 . Urinary 1 OHP gluc concentration among subjects who had consumed roasted, grilled or broiled meat within the past 24 h was elevated compared with those who had not p = 0.025 . Multiple linear regression showed significant associations of urinary 1 OHP gluc with number of cigarettes smoked p = 0.002 and consumption of roasted, grilled or broiled meat p = 0.028 . Systemic CYP1A2 activity estimated by caffeine metabolism was significantly correlated with urinary 1 OHP gluc concentration. However, this association was probably due to cigarette smoking, since adjusting for cigarette smoking by multiple linear regression made the association between urinary 1 OHP gluc and CYP1A2 phenotype non significant. These results further support the use of urinary 1 OHP gluc as a biomarker of recent pyrene exposure through inhalation or diet.     

Influence of the genetic polymorphism in the 5'-noncoding region of the CYP1A2 gene on CYP1A2 phenotype and urinary mutagenicity in smokers

The functional significance of genetic polymorphisms on tobacco smoke-induced CYP1A2 activity was examined. The influence of three polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 1A2 gene (CYP1A2) (-3860 G-->A (allele *1C), -2467 T-->delT (allele *1D), -163C-->A (allele *1F)), located in the 5'-noncoding promoter region of the gene, on CYP1A2 activity (measured as caffeine metabolic ratio, CMR), was studied in Caucasian current smokers (n=95). Tobacco smoke intake was calculated from the number of cigarettes/day. Also, studied was the influence of these CYP1A2 genotypes on smoking-associated urinary mutagenicity, detected in Salmonella typhimurium strain YG1024 with S9 mix, considering the urinary excretion of nicotine plus its metabolites as an internal indicator of tobacco smoke exposure. Smokers with at least one of the variant alleles CYP1A2 -3860A and -2467 delT showed a significantly increased CYP1A2 CMR (-3860 G/A versus G/G, p<0.05; -2467 delT/delT versus T/delT and T/T, p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that the increase in CYP1A2 CMR (ln values) was again significantly related to the presence of CYP1A2 variants -2467delT and also to variant -163A (p<0.05), but moderately to -3860A (p=0.084). No influence of the number of cigarettes smoked per day by each subject was found. Heavy smokers (n=48, with urinary nicotine plus its metabolites>or=0.69 mg/mmol creatinine) with variant allele -2467delT or -163A had significantly increased urinary mutagenicity (p<0.01 and <0.05). CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms are shown to influence the CYP1A2 phenotype in smokers, -2467 T-->delT having the main effect. This information is of interest for future studies assessing the possible role of tobacco smoke-inducible CYP1A2 genotypes as individual susceptibility factors in exposure to carcinogens.     

Consumption of Green Tea,but Not Black Tea or Coffee,Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Cognitive Decline

Our objective was to determine whether the consumption of green tea, coffee, or black tea influences the incidence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older people. We conducted a population-based prospective study with Japanese residents aged >60 years from Nakajima, Japan (the Nakajima Project). Participants received an evaluation of cognitive function and blood tests. The consumption of green tea, coffee, and black tea was also evaluated at baseline. Of 723 participants with normal cognitive function at a baseline survey (2007–2008), 490 completed the follow up survey in 2011–2013. The incidence of dementia during the follow-up period (mean ± SD: 4.9±0.9 years) was 5.3%, and that of MCI was 13.1%. The multiple-adjusted odds ratio for the incidence of overall cognitive decline (dementia or MCI) was 0.32 (95% CI: 0.16–0.64) among individuals who consumed green tea every day and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.25–0.86) among those who consumed green tea 1–6 days per week compared with individuals who did not consume green tea at all. The multiple-adjusted odds ratio for the incidence of dementia was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.06–1.06) among individuals who consumed green tea every day compared with those who did not consume green tea at all. No association was found between coffee or black tea consumption and the incidence of dementia or MCI. Our results indicate that green tea consumption is significantly associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors.     

咖啡因体内代谢及其应用的研究进展

咖啡因是从茶叶、咖啡果中提取出来的一种生物碱,常用于治疗神经衰弱和昏迷复苏。咖啡因体内代谢过程复杂,现已发现咖啡因的15种代谢产物,参与代谢过程的酶类也被逐一证实。尿液咖啡因代谢产物比率(UCMRs)常用于多种药物代谢酶活性的评估,主要包括CYP1A2、CYP2A6、N-乙酰转移酶和黄嘌呤氧化酶,咖啡因及其代谢产物检测方法也逐步得到改进与更新。总之,咖啡因与人类健康密切相关,以及其重要的科研应用价值,一直受到普遍关注。     

Determination of tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines in urine of smokers and non-smokers

Tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNA) include 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), N′-nitrosoanabasine (NAB) and N′-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and are found in tobacco and tobacco smoke. TSNA are of interest for biomonitoring of tobacco-smoke exposure as they are associated with carcinogenesis. Both NNK and NNN are classified by IARC as Group 1 carcinogens. Samples of 24?h urine collections (n?=?108) were analysed from smokers and non-smokers, using a newly developed and validated LC-MS/MS method for determining total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL, the major metabolite of NNK), and total NNN, NAB and NAT. TSNA levels in smokers’ urine were significantly higher than in non-smokers. In smokers, urinary excretion of total TSNA correlated significantly (r?>?0.5) with markers of smoking dose, such as daily cigarette consumption, salivary cotinine and urinary nicotine equivalents and increased with the ISO tar yield of cigarettes smoked. The correlation between urinary total NNN and the smoking dose was weaker (r?=?0.4–0.5). In conclusion, this new method is suitable for assessing tobacco use-related exposure to NNK, NNN, NAB and NAT.     

The Metabolic and Performance Effects of Caffeine Compared to Coffee during Endurance Exercise

There is consistent evidence supporting the ergogenic effects of caffeine for endurance based exercise. However, whether caffeine ingested through coffee has the same effects is still subject to debate. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the performance enhancing effects of caffeine and coffee using a time trial performance test, while also investigating the metabolic effects of caffeine and coffee. In a single-blind, crossover, randomised counter-balanced study design, eight trained male cyclists/triathletes (Mean±SD: Age 41±7y, Height 1.80±0.04 m, Weight 78.9±4.1 kg, VO₂ max 58±3 ml•kg⁻¹•min⁻¹) completed 30 min of steady-state (SS) cycling at approximately 55% VO₂max followed by a 45 min energy based target time trial (TT). One hour prior to exercise each athlete consumed drinks consisting of caffeine (5 mg CAF/kg BW), instant coffee (5 mg CAF/kg BW), instant decaffeinated coffee or placebo. The set workloads produced similar relative exercise intensities during the SS for all drinks, with no observed difference in carbohydrate or fat oxidation. Performance times during the TT were significantly faster (∼5.0%) for both caffeine and coffee when compared to placebo and decaf (38.35±1.53, 38.27±1.80, 40.23±1.98, 40.31±1.22 min respectively, p<0.05). The significantly faster performance times were similar for both caffeine and coffee. Average power for caffeine and coffee during the TT was significantly greater when compared to placebo and decaf (294±21 W, 291±22 W, 277±14 W, 276±23 W respectively, p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between placebo and decaf during the TT. The present study illustrates that both caffeine (5 mg/kg/BW) and coffee (5 mg/kg/BW) consumed 1 h prior to exercise can improve endurance exercise performance.     

No Evidence of Dehydration with Moderate Daily Coffee Intake: A Counterbalanced Cross-Over Study in a Free-Living Population

It is often suggested that coffee causes dehydration and its consumption should be avoided or significantly reduced to maintain fluid balance. The aim of this study was to directly compare the effects of coffee consumption against water ingestion across a range of validated hydration assessment techniques. In a counterbalanced cross-over design, 50 male coffee drinkers (habitually consuming 3–6 cups per day) participated in two trials, each lasting three consecutive days. In addition to controlled physical activity, food and fluid intake, participants consumed either 4×200 mL of coffee containing 4 mg/kg caffeine (C) or water (W). Total body water (TBW) was calculated pre- and post-trial via ingestion of Deuterium Oxide. Urinary and haematological hydration markers were recorded daily in addition to nude body mass measurement (BM). Plasma was analysed for caffeine to confirm compliance. There were no significant changes in TBW from beginning to end of either trial and no differences between trials (51.5±1.4 vs. 51.4±1.3 kg, for C and W, respectively). No differences were observed between trials across any haematological markers or in 24 h urine volume (2409±660 vs. 2428±669 mL, for C and W, respectively), USG, osmolality or creatinine. Mean urinary Na⁺ excretion was higher in C than W (p = 0.02). No significant differences in BM were found between conditions, although a small progressive daily fall was observed within both trials (0.4±0.5 kg; p<0.05). Our data show that there were no significant differences across a wide range of haematological and urinary markers of hydration status between trials. These data suggest that coffee, when consumed in moderation by caffeine habituated males provides similar hydrating qualities to water.     

Biomonitoring of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)-related exposure to 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)

The exposure of non-smokers to the tobacco-specific N-nitrosamine 4-(N-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), a rodent lung carcinogen, was determined in the air of various indoor environments as well as by biomonitoring of non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) under real-life conditions using the urinary NNK metabolites 4-(N-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and [4-(N-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)but-1-yl]-beta-O-D-glucosiduronic acid (NNAL-Gluc). NNK was not detectable (&lt;0.5 ng m^-3) in 11 rooms in which smoking did not occur. The mean NNK concentration in 19 rooms in which smoking took place was 17.5 (2.4-50.0) ng m^-3. The NNK levels significantly correlated with the nicotine levels (r=0.856; p&lt; 0.0001). Of the 29 non-smokers investigated, 12 exhibited no detectable NNAL and NNAL-Gluc excretion (&lt;3 pmol day) in their urine. The mean urinary excretion of NNAL and NNAL-Gluc of the 17 remaining non-smokers was 20.3 (&lt;3-63.2) and 22.9 (&lt;3-90.0) pmol day^-1, respectively. Total NNAL excretion (NNAL+NNAL-Gluc) in all non-smokers investigated significantly correlated with the amount of nicotine on personal samplers worn during the week prior to urine collection (r=0.88; &lt;0.0001) and with the urinary cotinine levels (r=0.40; p=0.038). No correlation was found between NNAL excretion and the reported extent of ETS exposure. Average total NNAL excretion in the non-smokers with detectable NNAL levels was 74 times less than in 20 smokers who were also investigated. The cotinine/total NNAL ratios in urine of smokers (9900) and non-smokers (9300) were similar. This appears to be at variance with the ratios of the corresponding precursors (nicotine/NNK) in mainstream smoke (16400) and ETS (1000). Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. The possible role of NNK as a lung carcinogen in non-smokers is unclear, especially since NNK exposure in non-smokers is several orders of magnitude lower than the ordinary exposure to exogenous and endogenous N-nitrosamines and the role of NNK as a human lung carcinogen is not fully understood.     

Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and genetic polymorphisms in breast cancer patients

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes damage to DNA, but the role of ROS in breast carcinoma is still not clear. The objective of this study was to measure the urinary 8-OHdG levels of breast cancer patients at each stage of carcinogenesis and assess its association with the development of breast cancer. Sixty patients with malignant breast tumors were matched with 60 control subjects of the same ages in this case control study. Urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher among breast cancer patients than among the control subjects, after making adjustments for confounders such as smoking, coffee consumption and use of oral contraceptives. The breast cancer patients were divided into three groups based on the stages of their cancer; urinary 8-OHdG levels decreased with each stage of breast carcinoma. Using multiple regression and logistic models adjusted for other covariates, urinary 8-OHdG levels significantly correlated with the development of breast cancer. However, it was found that breast cancer was not significantly influenced by CYP1A1, CYP1M1 or NAT2 polymorphisms. In conclusion, it was found that oxygen radical generation occurred within carcinoma cells, but the role of polymorphism of specific genes in the development of breast cancer should be evaluated.     

Extractionless method for the simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of urinary caffeine metabolites for N-acetyltransferase 2, cytochrome P450 1A2 and xanthine oxidase activity assessment

Urinary metabolic ratios of caffeine are used in humans to assess the enzymatic activities of cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 1A2 (CYP1A2), xanthine oxidase (XO) and for phenotyping individuals for the bimodal N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), all of them involved in the activation or detoxification of various xenobiotic compounds. Most reported analytical procedures for the measurement of the urinary metabolites of caffeine include a liquid–liquid extraction of urine samples prior to their analysis by reversed-phase HPLC. At neutral to basic pH however, 5-acetylamino-6-formylamino-3-methyluracil (AFMU), a metabolite of caffeine, spontaneously decomposes to 5-acetylamino-6-amino-3-methyluracil (AAMU). Since AAMU is not extracted in most organic solvents, the extent of AFMU decomposition cannot be precisely assessed. Although the decomposition reaction can be minimized by immediate acidification of the urine, accurate results can only be obtained when both AAMU and AFMU are monitored, or alternatively, if AAMU is measured after complete transformation of AFMU into AAMU in basic conditions. We report a liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of the five urinary metabolites of caffeine used for the CYP1A2, XO and NAT2 phenotyping studies: AAMU, AFMU, 1-methylxanthine, 1-methyluric acid and 1,7-dimethyluric acid. These metabolites are satisfactory separated from all other known caffeine metabolites as well as endogenous urinary constituents. Sample treatment does not require any liquid–liquid extraction procedure. Urine samples are diluted and centrifuged before being injected (10 μl) onto a YMC-Pack Polyamine II (250×4.6 mm) column. A step-wise gradient elution program is applied using acetonitrile–0.75% (v/v) formic acid: (91:9) at 0 min→(75:25) at 25 min→(65:35) at 35 min→(65:35) at 45 min, followed by a re-equilibration step to the initial solvent composition. The flow-rate is 1.0 ml/min and the separations are monitored by UV absorbance at 260 and 280 nm. The procedure described here represents a substantial improvement over previous methods: a single analysis and a minimal urine sample treatment enables the simultaneous quantitation of five caffeine metabolites, notably AFMU and AAMU, used for the determination of CYP450 1A2, XO and NAT2 enzyme activity. Importantly enough, phenotyping individuals for the bimodal NAT2 is made possible without the uncertainty associated with the deformylation of AFMU, which is likely to happen at all steps prior to the analysis, during sample storage and even in the bladder of the subjects.     

Phenotype Refinement Strengthens the Association of AHR and CYP1A1 Genotype with Caffeine Consumption

Two genetic loci, one in the cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene region (rs2472297) and one near the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) gene (rs6968865), have been associated with habitual caffeine consumption. We sought to establish whether a more refined and comprehensive assessment of caffeine consumption would provide stronger evidence of association, and whether a combined allelic score comprising these two variants would further strengthen the association. We used data from between 4,460 and 7,520 women in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a longitudinal birth cohort based in the United Kingdom. Self-report data on coffee, tea and cola consumption (including consumption of decaffeinated drinks) were available at multiple time points. Both genotypes were individually associated with total caffeine consumption, and with coffee and tea consumption. There was no association with cola consumption, possibly due to low levels of consumption in this sample. There was also no association with measures of decaffeinated drink consumption, indicating that the observed association is most likely mediated via caffeine. The association was strengthened when a combined allelic score was used, accounting for up to 1.28% of phenotypic variance. This was not associated with potential confounders of observational association. A combined allelic score accounts for sufficient phenotypic variance in caffeine consumption that this may be useful in Mendelian randomization studies. Future studies may therefore be able to use this combined allelic score to explore causal effects of habitual caffeine consumption on health outcomes.     

Colour stability of resin infiltrated white spot lesion after exposure to stain-causing drinks

BackgroundThe resin-based materials are used extensively in esthetic restorations but are.prone to color changes over time.AimsTo assess the discoloration effect of red tea, Arabic coffee, and black coffee on the resin infiltrated white spot lesions (WSL). Moreover, to investigate the impact of time (1d, 3d, and 7d) on the discoloration of the resin infiltrated WSLs.Materials and methodsThirty-three extracted human premolar teeth were used to create WSLs, and ICON resin infiltration treatment was performed to obliterate the enamel pores. Teeth with resin infiltrated WSLs were sectioned into two halves by cutting mesio-distally and cross-sectionally at 1 mm below the CEJ. The resin infiltrated specimens was exposed to control (artificial saliva) and staining subgroups. Colour stability was assessed using the CIE L*a*b* system.ResultsAnalysis of variance (p < 0.05) and Tukey’s multiple comparison tests revealed an insignificant color change in the control group. The immersion of resin infiltrated specimens at time intervals of 1 d (p < 0.001), 3 d (p < 0.001), and 7 d (p < 0.001) showed significant differences in color change.ConclusionResin infiltrated WSLs showed marked color changes after exposure to red tea, black coffee, and Arabic coffee over time. Severe discoloration of the infiltrant was evident with the use of red tea compared to black coffee and Arabic coffee. This suggests that ICON resin-based composite material might not be a suitable material for WSL infiltration.     

Protective effects of vitamins C and E on the number of micronuclei in lymphocytes in smokers and their role in ascorbate free radical formation in plasma

Cigarette smoke is widely believed to increase free radical concentrations causing subsequent oxidative processes that lead to DNA damage and hence, to several diseases including lung cancer and atherosclerosis. Vitamin C is a reducing agent that can terminate free-radical-driven oxidation by being converted to a resonance-stabilized free radical. To investigate whether short-term supplementation with the antioxidants vitamin C and E decreases free-radical-driven oxidation and thus decreases DNA damage in smokers, we determined the frequency of micronuclei in lymphocytes in 24 subjects and monitored the electron paramagnetic resonance signal of ascorbate free radical formation in plasma. Further parameters comprised sister-chromatid exchanges and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Twelve smokers and twelve non-smokers took 1000 mg ascorbic acid daily for 7 days and then 1000 mg ascorbic acid and 335.5 mg RRR-α-tocopherol daily for the next 7 days. Baseline concentrations of both vitamins C and E were lower and baseline numbers of micronuclei were higher (p < 0.0001) in smokers than in non-smokers. After 7 days of vitamins C and E, DNA damage as monitored by the number of micronulei was decreased in both, smokers and non-smokers, but it was more decreased in smokers as indicated by fewer micronuclei in peripheral lymphocytes (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, the plasma concentrations of vitamin C (p < 0.001) as well as the ascorbate free radical (p < 0.05) were increased. The corresponding values in non-smokers, however, did not change. Our findings show that increased ascorbate free radical formation in plasma after short-term supplementation with vitamins C and E can decrease the number of micronuclei in blood lymphocytes and thus DNA damage in smokers.     

Role of caffeine and tannin in anti-toxigenic properties of coffee and tea

Aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂ produced by Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus IMI 120920 in detannin-caffeinated coffee and black tea were five times more concentrated than in normal tea and coffee. Extracts of normal coffee and tea powders significantly reduced aflatoxins production in liquid broth at 1 and 3 % concentrations, with tea extract. having a more pronounced effect than coffee extract Relevant anti-aflatoxigenic properties appear to be due to tannin and caffeine. These induced 95 % inhibition in aflatoxins at 0.3 % and 0.6 %, respectively. Roasting of contaminated coffee beans at 200 °C for 20 min is effective in the reduction of aflatoxins.     

Profile of urinary phenanthrene metabolites in smokers and non-smokers

Phenanthrene metabolites (phenols and dihydrodiols) and 1-hydroxypyrene excreted in the 24-h urine of smokers, non-smokers and lung cancer patients, who after heavy smoking became light smokers, were determined and compared. In contrast to 1- hydroxypyrene, no significant differences of the absolute amounts of phenanthrene metabolites were found between smokers and non-smokers. A ratio phenanthrene metabolites/l-hydroxypyrene of 10.4 was observed for non-smokers and 9.9 for lung cancer patients, but 4.2 for smokers. Significantly different ratios for the regiospecific oxidation of phenanthrene were found for smokers when compared with non-smokers (1,2-oxidation vs 3,4-oxidation was 1.45 in the case of smokers, but 2.34 in the case of non-smokers) indicating a cigarette smoke - but not PAH - caused induction of CYP 1A2 in smokers. As a consequence of the degree of PAH exposure the ratio dihydrodiols/phenols depends on the total amount of metabolites excreted. Phenols predominate, equally in smokers and non-smokers after low exposure, while dihydrodiols become more prominent in highly exposed persons (coke plant workers). Both (i) the regiospecific oxidation of PAH and (ii) the ratio of dihydrodiol vs phenol formation may be recognized from the urinary phenanthrene metabolite profile. This pattern mirrors the enzymatic status (balance of the CYP isoforms and epoxide hydrolase) in individuals. Accordingly, more detailed information may be obtained from the urinary metabolite pattern than from 1- hydroxypyrene, commonly used in PAH biomonitoring.     

Profile of urinary phenanthrene metabolites in smokers and non-smokers

Phenanthrene metabolites (phenols and dihydrodiols) and 1-hydroxypyrene excreted in the 24-h urine of smokers, non-smokers and lung cancer patients, who after heavy smoking became light smokers, were determined and compared. In contrast to 1- hydroxypyrene, no significant differences of the absolute amounts of phenanthrene metabolites were found between smokers and non-smokers. A ratio phenanthrene metabolites/l-hydroxypyrene of 10.4 was observed for non-smokers and 9.9 for lung cancer patients, but 4.2 for smokers. Significantly different ratios for the regiospecific oxidation of phenanthrene were found for smokers when compared with non-smokers (1,2-oxidation vs 3,4-oxidation was 1.45 in the case of smokers, but 2.34 in the case of non-smokers) indicating a cigarette smoke - but not PAH - caused induction of CYP 1A2 in smokers. As a consequence of the degree of PAH exposure the ratio dihydrodiols/phenols depends on the total amount of metabolites excreted. Phenols predominate, equally in smokers and non-smokers after low exposure, while dihydrodiols become more prominent in highly exposed persons (coke plant workers). Both (i) the regiospecific oxidation of PAH and (ii) the ratio of dihydrodiol vs phenol formation may be recognized from the urinary phenanthrene metabolite profile. This pattern mirrors the enzymatic status (balance of the CYP isoforms and epoxide hydrolase) in individuals. Accordingly, more detailed information may be obtained from the urinary metabolite pattern than from 1- hydroxypyrene, commonly used in PAH biomonitoring.     

Effects of N-acetyl transferase 1 and 2 polymorphisms on bladder cancer risk in Caucasians

Cigarette smoking is the predominant risk factor for bladder cancer (BC). Major carcinogens present in tobacco smoke include a number of aromatic and heterocyclic amines. Two distinct N-acetyl transferase (NAT) enzymes, NAT1 and NAT2, play important roles in the bio-activation and detoxification of these carcinogens. Genes encoding NAT1 and NAT2 are highly polymorphic among human populations, and these polymorphisms result in rapid or slow acetylator phenotypes. Recent studies have suggested that variant alleles leading to slow acetylation by the NAT2 enzyme or rapid acetylation by the NAT1 enzyme constitute possible risk factors for bladder cancer. In this case-control study, we sought to determine whether NAT1 and NAT2 polymorphisms are associated with bladder cancer risk in the largest sample size to date. PCR-RFLP assay was used to determine the presence of NAT1 and NAT2 polymorphisms in 507 Caucasian BC patients and 513 age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. Overall, we found no significant association between BC risk and NAT1 NAT1*10 allele (OR=0.95; 95% CI 0.73-1.25). However, our data suggested that NAT2 slow acetylator genotypes were associated with a significant increased risk of BC (OR=1.31; 95% CI, 1.01-1.70). This elevated risk appeared more evident in older individuals (OR=1.41; 95% CI, 1.01-1.98) than in younger individuals (OR=1.15; 95% CI, 0.76-1.74). Moreover, the risk was greater for heavy smokers (OR=2.11; 95% CI, 1.33-3.35) than light smokers (OR=0.96; 95% CI, 0.61-1.53) and never smokers (OR=1.23; 95% CI, 0.79-1.90). Finally, a joint effect between NAT2 slow acetylators and heavy smokers was observed. Using never smokers with NAT2 rapid acetylator genotypes as a reference group, heavy smokers with NAT2 slow acetylator genotypes showed an over six-fold increase in BC risk. In a multiplicative interaction model, the interaction term was statistically significant (P=0.02). Our data suggest that having a NAT2 slow acetylator genotype is a significant risk factor for BC, particularly in smokers and older individuals.     

The prevention of lung cancer induced by a tobacco-specific carcinogen in rodents by green and black Tea

A growing body of evidence from studies in laboratory animals indicates that green tea protects against cancer development at various organ sites. We have previously shown that green tea, administered as drinking water, inhibits lung tumor development in A/J mice treated with 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-l-butanone (NNK), a potent nicotine-derived lung carcinogen found in tobacco. The inhibitory effect of green tea has been attributed to its major polyphenolic compound, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and, to a lesser extent, to caffeine. We have also demonstrated that while levels of O6-methylguanine, a critical lesion in NNK lung tumorigenesis, were not affected in lung DNA. However, the levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, were significantly suppressed in mice treated with green tea or EGCG. These studies underscore the importance of the antioxidant activity of green tea and EGCG for their inhibitory activity against lung tumorigenesis. Unlike green tea, the effect of black tea on carcinogenesis has been scarcely studied, even though the worldwide production and consumption of black tea far exceeds that of green tea. The oxidation products found in black tea, thearubigins and theaflavins, also possess antioxidant activity, suggesting that black tea may also inhibit NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis. Indeed, bioassays in A/J mice have shown that black tea given as drinking water retarded the development of lung cancer caused by NNK. However, data on the relationship of black tea consumption with the lung cancer risk in humans are limited and inconclusive. There is a need for additional tumor bioassays in animal models to better examine the protective role of black tea against lung cancer. The development of adenocarcinomas and adenosquamous carcinomas in F344 rats upon chronic administration of NNK provides an important and relevant model for lung carcinogenesis in smokers. Thus far, no information was previously available regarding the effects of tea on this model. We conducted a 2-year lifetime bioassay in F344 rats to determine whether black tea and caffeine are protective against lung tumorigenesis induced by NNK. Our studies in both mice and rats have generated important new data that support green and black tea and caffeine as potential preventive agents against lung cancer, suggesting that a closer examination of the roles of tea and caffeine on lung cancer in smokers may be warranted.     

Effect of genetic polymorphism for metabolic enzymes on the relationship between smoking dose and DNA adducts in lymphocytes

The genetic polymorphism of metabolic enzymes on the relationship between smoking dose and DNA adduct levels in lymphocytes were evaluated in 51 smokers. The genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) were analysed by a PCR method. Lymphocyte DNA adducts were measured by two analytical versions of a 32P-postlabelling method; nuclease P1 digested method and butanol extracted method. Mean adduct levels obtained with the nuclease P1 method (1.21 +/- 0.74 per 108 nucleotides) were higher than those obtained with the butanol extracted method (0.82 +/- 0.47, p &lt; 0.01). There was a significant correlation between adduct levels by the nuclease P1 method and those by the butanol extracted method (r = 0.49, p &lt; 0.01). A significant correlation was not found between smoking dose and DNA adduct levels obtained using both methods in lymphocytes of all subjects. When subjects were divided into two groups by CYP1A1 genotypes, significant correlations between smoking indices, such as number of cigarettes per day years or tar intake per day years, and DNA adduct levels measured by the butanol extracted method was found in heterozygous or miner homozygous for CYP1A1 exon 7 polymorphism. We could not get a significant effect of GSTM1 on the relationship between smoking dose and DNA adducts.