Elevated levels of 1-hydroxypyrene and NOe-Nitrosonornicotine in the urine of smokers with head and neck cancer: a matched control study

Abstract

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with tobacco use. Still, most smokers do not develop HNSCC. The mechanisms of varying susceptibility to HNSCC are poorly studied to date. Tobacco metabolite research provides insight regarding the innate metabolism and excretion of carcinogens. Methods: Smokers with HNSCC (cases) were compared to smokers without HNSCC (controls) in a matched cohort. The tobacco metabolites studied are: 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP), Nf-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL). Results: In 33 subjects, mean 1-HOP was 1.82 pmol/mg creatinine vs 1.08 pmol/mg creatinine (p=0.004) and mean NNN was 0.10 pmol/mg creatinine vs 0.04 pmol/mg creatinine (p=0.01) in cases and controls, respectively. NNAL did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Smokers with HNSCC have elevated urinary levels of 1-HOP and total NNN compared to matched controls suggesting an increased effective exposure to these carcinogens. Tobacco constituent metabolites may be useful in understanding tobacco-related carcinogenesis in HNSCC.