title: Carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds and their environmental significance.
abstract: A short review is given on the potent and organ-specific carcinogenic effects of N-nitroso compounds. Like many other chemical carcinogens, nitrosamino compounds require activation in vivo via enzymatic alpha-hydroxylation to form alkylating agents as ultimate carcinogens. Since no epidemiological data in man are available, extrapolation of animal data to man are important as well as dose-response studies in risk evaluations. Important aspects of these problems are presented. Finally the environmental impact of N-nitroso compounds is summarized.
mesh_terms: D000478:Alkylation; D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000032:analysis; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D002330:Carmustine / Q000009:adverse effects; D004128:Dimethylnitrosamine / Q000633:toxicity; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005504:Food Analysis; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D006900:Hydroxylation; D007938:Leukemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008019:Life Style; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008130:Lomustine / Q000009:adverse effects; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D009602:Nitrosamines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D009603:Nitroso Compounds / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D051381:Rats; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D009602:Nitrosamines; D009603:Nitroso Compounds; D008130:Lomustine; D004128:Dimethylnitrosamine; D002330:Carmustine