Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Quantification of three DNA Lesions by Mass Spectrometry and Assessment of Their Levels in Tissues of Mice Exposed to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter
Published on: May 29, 2019
Body mass index and oxidative DNA damage: a longitudinal study
Tetsuya Mizoue1, Shoji Tokunaga, Hiroshi Kasai
1Department of Epidemiology and International Health, Research Institute, International Medical Center of Japan, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan. mizoue@ri.imcj.go.jp
Leanness may increase cancer risk. This study found that lower body mass index (BMI) correlated with higher levels of oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine), suggesting weight loss might elevate cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cancer Research
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Leanness is linked to increased cancer risk, but biological evidence is scarce.
- Oxidative DNA damage, marked by 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), is implicated in carcinogenesis.
- Understanding the relationship between body weight and DNA damage is crucial for cancer prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal association between body mass index (BMI) and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels.
- To explore potential biological mechanisms linking leanness to increased cancer risk.
- To assess the impact of weight changes on oxidative DNA damage.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 174 healthy employees in a lifestyle intervention.
- Measurement of urinary 8-OHdG using automated high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Analysis of repeated measurements using a random effects model, adjusting for creatinine.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant inverse association was found between BMI and 8-OHdG levels (P = 0.003).
- A one-unit decrease in BMI was associated with a 2.7% increase in 8-OHdG levels.
- This association was more pronounced in men with lower daily cigarette consumption.
Conclusions:
- Weight loss is longitudinally associated with increased oxidative DNA damage.
- This finding suggests a potential biological mechanism linking leanness to elevated cancer risk.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore intervention strategies.
Related Concept Videos
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
Obesity

