NITROSAMINE CONTAMINATION OF SOME NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS BELIEVES

Abstract

The possible role of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the aetiology of human cancer has been discussed by experts (O. Basslr, Pers. Comm.; Eisenbrand et al, 1969; Lijinakcy and Epstein, 1970). As a result of this apprehension an assessment of the level of contamination of Nigeria's local alcoholic beverages with nitrosamines was carried out. Using thin-layer chromatographic and colorimetric techniques dimethyl- nltrosamine and diethylnitrosamine were found to be present in Palm Wine, Burukutu, Pito, Oti Agbagba and Ogogoro in amounts ranging from 20 - 100 ug/lltre. Although these amounts are small, histopathological evidence is presented to show that the two nitrosamines found in the alcoholic beverages are potent liver care inogena exhibiting a clear - dose response relationship. Evidence is also presented to show that some of the early biochemical changes induced by dimethylnitrosamine in the course of liver damage Include an impairment of the bile pigment metabollsm,inhibition of protein aynthesis, elevation of blood sugar and increased activity of Alkaline Phosphatase and serus glutanic oxalacotate transaminase In the blood. The toxicity of dimethyinitrosamine is shown to be repressed by diets severely deficient in protein.