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Tobacco nitrosamines as culprits in disease: mechanisms reviewed

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Abstract

The link between tobacco abuse and cancer is well-established. However, emerging data indicate that toxins in tobacco smoke cause cellular injury due to enhanced toxic/metabolic effects of metabolites, disruption of intracellular signaling mechanisms, and formation of DNA, protein, and lipid adducts that impair function and promote oxidative stress and inflammation. These effects of smoking, which are largely non-carcinogenic, can be produced by tobacco-specific nitrosamines and their metabolites. These factors could account for the increased rates of neurodegeneration and insulin resistance diseases among smokers. Herein, we review nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamine metabolism, mechanisms of adduct formation, DNA damage, mutagenesis, and potential mechanisms of disease.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by F32AA024018, AA-11431 and AA-12908 from the National Institutes of Health.

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  1. Departments of Pathology (Neuropathology), Neurology, and Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, Room 419, Providence, RI, 02903, USA

    Emine Yalcin & Suzanne de la Monte

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  1. Emine Yalcin
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  2. Suzanne de la Monte
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Correspondence to Suzanne de la Monte.

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Yalcin, E., de la Monte, S. Tobacco nitrosamines as culprits in disease: mechanisms reviewed. J Physiol Biochem 72, 107–120 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13105-016-0465-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13105-016-0465-9

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