[Evaluation of genotoxicity by DNA damages]

A great number of genotoxins are known to be present in the environment. These genotoxins induce many kinds of DNA damage, and may cause changes in genetic information and cancer. Therefore, evaluation of such DNA damage is important to keep genetic information stable and to prevent cancer. We reviewed here methods used to assay the damage and the importance of this DNA damage in mutation. DNA damage is categorized into two groups, strand breaks and base modifications. To assay DNA strand breaks, the alkaline elution method, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and single-cell gel assay are being used. The alkaline elution method determines both single- and double-strand breaks sensitively and quantitatively. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis preferentially determines double-strand breaks, and the results of the method appeal to the eye as an electrophoretogram. The single-cell gel assay could determine both single- and double-strand breaks even in a single cell, and could evaluate susceptibility to the damage in individual cells. To assay base modifications, methods to detect differences in the physicochemical properties of the damage (physicochemical methods), immunoassays and the 32P-postlabeling method are being used. Physicochemical methods are suitable for chemically minor and abundant modifications such as those in 8-hydroxyguanine, using high-performance liquid chromatography or gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Immunoassays, by the use of specific antibodies against DNA damage, are highly sensitive to DNA damage such as changes in O6-methylguanine and thymine glycol, and simple once the assay systems have been established.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)