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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

HPLC Measurement of the DNA Oxidation Biomarker, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine, in Cultured Cells and Animal Tissues
Published on: August 1, 2015
Inhibition of antimutagenic enzymes, 8-oxo-dGTPases, by carcinogenic metals. Recent developments
1Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, MD 21702-1201, USA. kasprkaz@mail.ncifcrf.gov
Abstract:
Nickel, cadmium, cobalt, and copper are carcinogenic to humans and/or animals, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Our studies have been focused on one such mechanism involving mediation by the metals of promutagenic oxidative damage to DNA bases. The damage may be inflicted directly in DNA or in the deoxynucleotide pool, from which the damaged bases are incorporated into DNA. Such incorporation is prevented in cells by 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-triphosphate pyrophosphatases (8-oxo-dGTPases). Thus, inhibition of these enzymes should enhance carcinogenesis. We have studied effects of Cd(II), Cu(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) on the activity of isolated bacterial and human 8-oxo-dGTPases. Cd(II) and Cu(II) were strongly inhibitory, while Ni(II) and Co(II) were much less suppressive. After developing an assay for 8-oxo-dGTPase activity, we confirmed the inhibition by Cd(II) in cultured cells and in the rat testis, the target organ for cadmium carcinogenesis. 8-Oxo-dGTPase inhibition was accompanied by an increase in the 8-oxo-dG level in testicular DNA.
Insights
Heavy metals like cadmium and copper can cause cancer by damaging DNA. This study shows they inhibit enzymes that prevent such damage, leading to increased DNA mutations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Molecular biology
- Carcinogenesis mechanisms
Background:
- Nickel, cadmium, cobalt, and copper are known carcinogens with unclear mechanisms.
- Oxidative damage to DNA bases is a potential mechanism mediated by these metals.
- 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-triphosphate pyrophosphatases (8-oxo-dGTPases) prevent incorporation of damaged bases into DNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of cadmium, copper, nickel, and cobalt on 8-oxo-dGTPase activity.
- To confirm the role of 8-oxo-dGTPase inhibition in cadmium-induced carcinogenesis in cellular and animal models.
Main Methods:
- Assessing the impact of Cd(II), Cu(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) on isolated bacterial and human 8-oxo-dGTPases.
- Developing and utilizing an assay for 8-oxo-dGTPase activity in cultured cells and rat testes.
- Measuring 8-oxo-dG levels in testicular DNA.
Main Results:
- Cadmium (Cd(II)) and copper (Cu(II)) strongly inhibited 8-oxo-dGTPase activity.
- Nickel (Ni(II)) and cobalt (Co(II)) showed weaker inhibition of 8-oxo-dGTPase.
- Cadmium-induced 8-oxo-dGTPase inhibition in vivo correlated with increased 8-oxo-dG levels in rat testicular DNA.
Conclusions:
- Inhibition of 8-oxo-dGTPases by metals like cadmium and copper is a key mechanism in metal-induced carcinogenesis.
- This inhibition leads to the incorporation of damaged DNA bases, promoting mutations.
- Targeting 8-oxo-dGTPases could be a strategy for cancer prevention or treatment.
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