[Effects of nicotine with special consideration given to tumorigenesis in the head and neck region].
BACKGROUND
Tumorigenesis is based on initiation, promotion, and progression, whereas tobacco smoke is a decisive predisposing factor for squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. A variety of tobacco smoke compounds is known to potentially initiate tumors, but the alkaloid nicotine is generally considered to induce addiction only. However, there is growing evidence that nicotine may also contribute to early stages of tumorigenesis. In the present study, a possible direct genotoxic potential of nicotine is investigated.


METHODS
Lymphatic tissue of the tonsilla palatina of eight donors was harvested during surgery and incubated with nicotine. DNA damage was measured with the comet assay.


RESULTS
Genotoxic effects of nicotine could be demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest a direct contribution of nicotine to tumor initiation and carcinogenesis.
Semmler
M P
MP
Universität Ulm, Universitätsklinik und Hochschulambulanz für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenheilkunde, Ulm, Germany.
Driemel
O
O
Staudenmaier
R
R
Froelich
K
K
Kleinsasser
N H
NH
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009538:Nicotine / Q000633:toxicity*; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D009538:Nicotine