The effect of changes in CYP2E1 activity in the liver on toxicity and carcinogenicity of diethylnitrosamine in mice

In this work, the biological effects of diethylnitrosamine (DENA) have been studied under controlled conditions of its metabolism in mice of different ages. The results indicate that the general toxic and hepatocarcinogenic effects of DENA are mostly due to the parent compound, whereas the alkylating metabolites cause hepatic cell damage. Our findings cast doubt on the conventional understanding of the exclusive role of mutagenic activation in the carcinogenic action of chemicals.