Abstract

Adducts can be used as biological markers, and are early indicators of genetic modifications which may result in carcinogenesis. The development of an analytical technique for nitrosamine adducts will allow biological monitoring programs to be established for workers using cutting oils, and workers exposed to nitrosamines in the rubber, tanning, and agriculture sectors

In the first phase of the project, an immunodetection technique for lymphocytes was developed, and validated by chemical analysis. The second phase will measure blood levels of nitrosamine adducts in exposed workers. An experimental study in mice will also be performed to establish the relationship between exposure levels and circulating adduct levels.

This project will validate an immunological measurement technique. Further work could focus on the development of a reliable and sensitive kit with which to measure blood levels of nitrosamines in exposed workers, and the establishment of an animal model of the relationship between nitrosamine levels and tumour formation.