[N-acetylation polymorphism versus differentiation of organic susceptibility to carcinogenic effect of homo- and heterocyclic aromatic amines].

Smoking and consumption of fried and smoked meat play, besides occupational exposure, a significant role in the etiology of neoplasm induced by chemical carcinogens. Homo- and heterocyclic aromatic amines which are present in tobacco smoke and generate during meat processing are of special concern. Homocyclic aromatic amines are mainly responsible for inducing neoplasm of bladder while heterocyclic amines induce neoplasm of colon. Acetyltransferase is essential in transformation of cells in both groups of aromatic amines. The studies carried out so far indicate that persons displaying low cellular activity of acetyltransferase, so called slow acetylators, are more susceptible to neoplasm of bladder under condition of exposure than those displaying high acetyltransferase activity (fast acetylators). However, under exposure to heterocyclic aromatic amines fast acetylators are more susceptible to neoplasm of colon than slow acetylators. The distinction between fast and slow acetylators as for as susceptibility to neoplasms of bladder and colon is concerned results from different nature of metabolism homo- and heterocyclic aromatic amines undergo in the liver.