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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 3, 2013
Potential biomarker for early risk assessment of prostate cancer
Y Markushin1, N Gaikwad, H Zhang
1Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, USA.
Background:
Catechol estrogen quinones (CEQ) derived from 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE1) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2) react with DNA to form depurinating--N7Gua and--N3Ade adducts. This damage leads to mutations that can initiate breast and prostate cancer. To determine whether this damage occurs in humans, urine samples from men with prostate cancer and benign urological conditions, and healthy controls were analyzed. The objective was determining whether any of the cancer patients had formed the depurinating 4-OHE1(E2)-1-N3Ade adducts.
Methods:
The adducts were extracted from samples by using affinity columns equipped with a monoclonal antibody developed for detecting 4-OHE1(E2)-1-N3Ade adducts. Eluted extracts were separated by capillary electrophoresis with field-amplified sample stacking and/or ultraperformance liquid chromatography. Absorption/luminescence spectroscopies and mass spectrometry were used to identify the adducts.
Results:
4-OHE1-1-N3Ade was detected at higher levels in samples from subjects with prostate cancer (n = 7) and benign urological conditions (n = 4) compared to healthy males (n = 5).
Conclusion:
This is the first demonstration that CEQ-derived DNA adducts are present in urine samples from subjects with prostate cancer.
Insights
Catechol estrogen quinones (CEQ) DNA adducts, linked to cancer initiation, were detected in urine. This study confirms the presence of these adducts in men with prostate cancer, marking a significant finding in cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Catechol estrogen quinones (CEQ), derived from 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE1) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2), form depurinating DNA adducts (--N7Gua and --N3Ade).
- These DNA adducts are implicated in mutations that can initiate breast and prostate cancer.
- The presence of CEQ-derived DNA adducts in humans has not been previously demonstrated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if depurinating 4-OHE1(E2)-1-N3Ade adducts are formed in humans.
- To investigate the presence of these adducts in urine samples from men with prostate cancer, benign urological conditions, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Adducts were extracted using affinity columns with a monoclonal antibody specific for 4-OHE1(E2)-1-N3Ade.
- Separation of eluted extracts was performed using capillary electrophoresis and/or ultra-performance liquid chromatography.
- Identification of adducts was achieved through absorption/luminescence spectroscopies and mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- The 4-OHE1-1-N3Ade adduct was detected in urine samples.
- Higher levels of 4-OHE1-1-N3Ade were observed in subjects with prostate cancer (n=7) and benign urological conditions (n=4).
- Lower levels of the adduct were found in healthy males (n=5).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of CEQ-derived DNA adducts in urine samples from individuals with prostate cancer.
- The findings suggest a potential role for CEQ-induced DNA damage in the development of prostate cancer.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these findings.
