Comparison of urine cotinine and the tobacco-specific nitrosamine metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and their ratio to discriminate active from passive smoking.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Cotinine is the most widely used biomarker to distinguish active versus passive smoking. However, there is an overlap in cotinine levels when comparing light or occasional smokers versus heavily exposed passive smokers. 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) is a tobacco-specific nitrosamine measurable in urine with a much longer half-life than cotinine. The aim of the study was to determine optimal cutoff points to discriminate active versus passive smokers and to compare sensitivity and specificity for the use of cotinine, NNAL, and the ratio of the NNAL/cotinine in urine.

Methods

Cotinine and NNAL were measured in urine of 373 active smokers and 228 passive smokers.

Results

Geometric mean cotinine levels were 2.03 ng/ml (interquartile inter

SUBMITTER: Goniewicz ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3045466 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature