Modification of bases in DNA by copper ion-1,10-phenanthroline complexes

Damage to the bases in DNA by the cupric ion-1,10-phenanthroline complex was investigated. Ten base products in DNA were identified and quantitated by the use of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with selected-ion monitoring. DNA damage by the cupric ion-1,10-phenanthroline complex required the presence of a reducing agent such as ascorbic acid or mercaptoethanol. Products identified were typical hydroxyl radical induced products from the pyrimidines and purines in DNA, well-known from previous studies using various hydroxyl radical producing systems such as ionizing radiation, hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, or hydrogen peroxide in the presence of transition metal ions. Product formation was not significantly inhibited by typical scavengers of hydroxyl radical such as mannitol and sodium formate, but there was partial inhibition by dimethyl sulfoxide. Catalase substantially decreased formation of base products, and added hydrogen peroxide stimulated it, indicating the hydrogen peroxide dependency of DNA base damage. Superoxide dismutase afforded only a partial reduction in product yields in systems containing ascorbic acid. On the basis of the types of base products formed, the hydrogen peroxide dependency of product formation, and a previous report suggesting that DNA damage is due to a diffusible species [Williams, L. D., Thivierge, J., & Goldberg, I. H. (1988) Nucleic Acids Res. 16, 11607-11615], we propose that DNA base damage is caused by hydroxyl radical.