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Title: Human DNA adduct measurements: State of the art

Journal Article · · Environmental Health Perspectives
 [1];  [2]
  1. National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD (United States)
  2. Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY (United States)

Human DNA adduct formation (covalent modification of DNA with chemical carcinogens) is a promising biomarker for elucidating the molecular epidemiology of cancer. Classes of compounds for which human DNA adducts have been observed include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, mycotoxins, aromatic amines, heterocyclic amines, ultraviolet light, and alkylating cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Most human DNA adduct exposure monitoring has been performed with either {sup 32}P-postlabeling or immunoassays, neither of which is able to chemically characterize specific DNA adducts. Recently developed combinations of methods with chemical and physical end points have allowed identification of specific adducts in human tissues. Studies are presented that demonstrate that high ambient levels of benzo[a]pyrene are associated with high levels of DNA adducts in human blood cell DNA and that the same DNA adduct levels drop when the ambient PAH levels decrease significantly. DNA adduct dosimetry, which has been achieved with some dietary carcinogens and cancer chemotherapeutic agents, is described, as well as studies correlating DNA adducts with other biomarkers. It is likely that some toxic, noncarcinogenic compounds may have genotoxic effects, including oxidative damage, and that adverse health outcomes other than cancer may be correlated with DNA adduct formation. The studies presented here may serve as useful prototypes for exploration of other toxicological end points. 156 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
530612
Report Number(s):
CONF-9504282-; ISSN 0091-6765; TRN: 97:001285-0006
Journal Information:
Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 104, Issue Suppl.5; Conference: Air toxics: biomarkers in environmental applications, Houston, TX (United States), 27-28 Apr 1995; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English