A NEW N-NITROSO COMPOUND, N-2-METHYLPROPYL-N-1-METHYLACE-TONYL-NITROSAMINE, IN MOLDY MILLET AND WHEAT-FLOUR

Abstract

A new N-nitroso compound, N-2-methylpropyl-N-1-methylacetonyl-nitrosamine (MAMPNA), was found in millet and wheat flour inoculated with Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon, a common species of fungus occurring in foods in Linxian County [China], after 8-day incubation and an addition of a small amount of NaNO2. The compound was identified by GC-MS and confirmed by synthesized MAMPNA. The isolation and detection of MAMPNA in moldy foods is reported, and the role of the fungus in processes of nitrosamine formation and a possible biosynthetic approach of the new compound are discussed. [This study may influence research on carcinogenesis of the esophagus.].