NNK
NNK[edit | edit source]
NNK refers to a class of chemical compounds known as nitrosamines, specifically 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone. NNK is a potent carcinogen found in tobacco and tobacco smoke. It is one of the most studied tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) due to its significant role in the development of lung cancer and other tobacco-related diseases.
Chemical Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
NNK is a nitrosamine, which is a type of compound characterized by the presence of a nitroso group (N-N=O) attached to an amine. The chemical formula for NNK is C10H13N3O2. It is a yellowish, crystalline solid at room temperature and is soluble in organic solvents.
Sources of NNK[edit | edit source]
NNK is primarily found in tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. It is formed during the curing and processing of tobacco leaves. The presence of NNK in tobacco smoke is a major concern due to its carcinogenic properties.
Mechanism of Carcinogenicity[edit | edit source]
NNK is metabolically activated in the body to form reactive intermediates that can bind to DNA, leading to mutations. This process is known as metabolic activation and involves enzymes such as cytochrome P450. The DNA adducts formed by NNK can result in genetic mutations that contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
Exposure to NNK is strongly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, as well as cancers of the pancreas, esophagus, and nasal cavity. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies NNK as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating that there is sufficient evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans.
Prevention and Regulation[edit | edit source]
Efforts to reduce exposure to NNK focus on tobacco control measures, including smoking cessation programs, regulation of tobacco products, and public health campaigns. The reduction of NNK levels in tobacco products is also a target for regulatory agencies.
Research and Future Directions[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research aims to better understand the mechanisms of NNK-induced carcinogenesis and to develop strategies for reducing its presence in tobacco products. Advances in analytical chemistry have improved the detection and quantification of NNK in various matrices, aiding in regulatory efforts.
Also see[edit | edit source]
| Part of a series on |
| Tobacco |
|---|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
