Analysis for and intestinal metabolism of precursor nitroso compounds in normal subjects and in patients with chronic renal failure.

We have demonstrated that patients with chronic renal failure generate increased amounts of both dimethylamine and N-nitrosodimethylamine in the small bowel in association with aerobic and anaerobic bacterial overgrowth. The significance of these findings in relation to the reported increased incidence of cancer in patients with chronic renal failure has not yet been defined.