Endogenous DNA damage in humans: a review of quantitative data

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Rinne De Bont1, Nik van Larebeke

  • 1Study Centre for Carcinogenesis and Primary Prevention of Cancer, Department of Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University, Universitair ziekenhuis 4K3, De Pintelaan 185, B9000 Gent, Belgium.

Mutagenesis
|May 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Endogenous DNA damage, originating from within the body, significantly contributes to mutations, cancer, and aging. Understanding these internal damage sources is crucial for evaluating risks from external factors and developing preventative strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • DNA damage is a critical factor in mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and aging.
  • The majority of mutations in human tissues arise from endogenous sources.
  • Understanding endogenous DNA damage is essential for assessing interactions with exogenous agents and disease induction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compile and present a comprehensive list of endogenous DNA-damaging agents, processes, and their associated DNA adduct levels.
  • To standardize DNA adduct levels for comparison (adducts per 10^6 nucleotides).
  • To discuss the relative contributions of endogenous and exogenous DNA damage in carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and data compilation of endogenous DNA-damaging agents and processes.
  • Standardized quantification of DNA adduct levels.
  • Comparative analysis of endogenous and exogenous DNA damage roles.

Main Results:

  • Identified numerous endogenous DNA-damaging agents, including reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxides, aldehydes, S-adenosylmethionine, and depurination.
  • Presented standardized DNA adduct levels for various endogenous damaging agents.
  • Discussed the significance of endogenous DNA damage in the context of exogenous agents and cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • Endogenous DNA damage is a major contributor to mutations and disease, necessitating thorough understanding.
  • Standardized data on endogenous DNA damage aids in risk assessment and the development of chemopreventive strategies.
  • Knowledge of endogenous DNA damage is vital for distinguishing its role from exogenous factors in carcinogenesis.

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