In addition, the exposure biomarkers are not entirely predictive and thus, will need to be combined with multiple DNA adducts and repair if susceptible smokers are to be identified and targeted for state-of-the art cessation approaches and surveillance, he said.
Using high-level mass spectrometry, the researchers have been able to readily measure formaldehyde DNA adducts and tobacco-specific 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (HPB)–releasing DNA adducts in human oral cells. Levels of the HPB adduct were unusually high at 12-45 pmol/mg, which is similar to what is seen in animals when exposed to NNK at a much higher dose than smokers take in.
“So this is a real lead,” said Dr. Hecht, who reported having no relevant conflicts of interest.