Abstract

Adenocarcinoma of the lungs and pancreas are among the most common and most deadly smoking-associated cancers. Cigarette smoke contains various toxic chemicals, including a carcinogenic nitrosamine, nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). One of the most well-known features of NNK is the ability of its metabolites to bind to DNA and induce activating point mutations in the RAS gene. But NNK is also a -adrenergic-receptor agonist that stimulates arachidonic acid release, leading to the formation of mitogenic metabolites that stimulate DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. NNK therefore contributes to tobacco-induced carcinogenesis by several mechanisms.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA.
   Email: hmsch@utk.edu