Nitrite stability and nitrosation potential in human gastric juice.

Human gastric juice samples were investigated from high- and low-risk areas (Colombia and Boston) for factors which influence the stability of nitrite and its potential for nitrosamine formation. The samples from individuals with chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were not reactive to nitrite and supported a rate of nitrosation largely compatible with the nitrite and thiocyanate concentration. The samples from other individuals contained factors which destroyed nitrite and inhibited nitrosation. There were several samples from both groups which had an elevated rate of nitrosation catalyzed by unknown factors. It is suggested that continued hypochlorhydria might deplete gastric juice of its natural protective factors and lead to an elevated risk of gastric cancer in agreement with our earlier etiological model [1].