Metabolism of Carcinogenic Heterocyclic Amines in Foods and Establishment of Exposure Level Monitor for these Carcinogens in Humans.

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

During the last decade, a new series of heterocyclic amines has been isolated in pyrolysates of proteins and amino acids as potens mutagens and later shown to be potent carcinogens in animals. Although the metabolism of these carcinogens has been investigated by some investigators, there has been no information about the exposure levels and metabolism of these compounds in humans. In this investigation, we have clearly demonstrated the followings :(1) Humans are actually exposed to carcinogenic heterocyclic amines and these carcinogens are present in human plasma, red blood cells and organs such as liver and kidney.(2) Humans can metabolize these carcinogens, and excretory pathways are via urine and bile in humans.(3) Carcinogenic heterocyclic amines are widely distributed in such components of the environment as cooked foods, cigarette smoke and airborne particles.(4) The carcinogens covalently bound to hemoglobin is very suitable for monitoring long-term exposure levels.(5) Among carcinogenic heterocyclic amines, carcinogenic tryptophan pyrolysis products have unique characteristics : Convulsant activities and potent inhibitory effects on platelet function and dopamine metabolism.