Evaluating the Metabolism of Deuterated NNN in Smokeless Tobacco Users
This clinical trial evaluates the metabolism of deuterated N'- nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in participants who use smokeless tobacco. Nitrosonornicotine is found in tobacco products and is likely produced by the nitrosation of nicotine during the making and using of tobacco products. Exposure to nitrosonornicotine affects the liver and nitrosonornicotine is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen or cancer causing chemical. While smokeless tobacco is clearly less harmful than cigarette smoke because it lacks the abundant combustion products in smoke, it is nevertheless an established cause of cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, and pancreas. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines, such as NNN are widely viewed as important causes of cancer in cigarette smokers and smokeless tobacco users because of their powerful carcinogenicity and relative abundance in both cigarette smoke and smokeless tobacco. Information gathered from this study may help researchers understand how NNN is processed by the body and therefor more about the risk of smokeless tobacco use.