Why NDMA Contamination is More Dangerous for Children Than Adults

 

Figure 1. DNA adducts led to an increase in double-stranded DNA breaks in juvenile mice, ultimately leading to the development of liver cancer.



   An MIT study uncovers that NDMA-contaminated drinking water is more likely to significantly impact children than adults. NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is a toxic byproduct generated by many chemical processes and is also contained in cigarette smoke and processed meats. The study was prompted by the recent discovery of NDMA causing cancer in 22 children between 1990 and 2000 in Wilmington, MA. A chemical site called Oiln Chemical Superfund Site was operating in this area and contaminated the town water supply with chemicals containing NDMA.

   In usual studies, adult mouse models at least 4 to 6 weeks old are used to evaluate potential carcinogens, while younger mouse models are typically not included. This exclusion makes the health effects on a developing younger generation remain unknown. Therefore, the MIT researchers used two groups of mice - one 3 weeks old (juvenile) and one 6 months old (adult). Each group drank water with low levels of NDMA for two weeks. As a result, the livers of both juveniles and adults experienced the same initial levels of DNA damage (known as adducts) caused by a liver enzyme called CYP2E1, which metabolizes NDMA. However, in juvenile mice, the rapid rate of cell division in the liver caused these DNA adducts to transform into double-stranded DNA breaks and mutations before the body could repair them, consequently resulting in high rates of liver cancer. In contrast, the adult mice, whose liver cells divide much more slowly, showed almost no double-stranded breaks and did not develop tumors despite being exposed to the same level of NDMA. This study ultimately emphasizes the need to evaluate the impacts of environmental carcinogens among all age groups to better protect public health.



Links:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8361697/

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260417/Study-explains-the-link-between-NDMA-contaminated-water-and-childhood-cancer.aspx



Tags: #NDMA #Cancer #Contaminated-water #Massachusetts