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DNA adduct assay in cervical epithelium
A M Simons1, D H Phillips, D V Coleman
1Department of Cytology and Cytogenetics, St. Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Smoking significantly increases DNA adducts in cervical cells, providing biochemical evidence that smoking causes cervical cancer. Monitoring these adducts may identify high-risk women.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies link smoking to cervical cancer.
- Causal evidence is needed to confirm the relationship.
- Tobacco components can modify cervical DNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA adducts in cervical epithelium.
- To provide biochemical evidence for smoking as a cause of cervical cancer.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed DNA adducts in 39 cervical biopsies using 32P-postlabeling.
- Identified smokers and nonsmokers via questionnaire and urinary cotinine.
- Compared DNA adduct levels between smokers and nonsmokers.
Main Results:
- Smokers had significantly higher cervical DNA adduct levels than nonsmokers.
- Excluding inconsistent self-reported smoking status strengthened the significance.
- Women with abnormal cervical smears showed higher DNA adduct levels.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco smoking elevates DNA adducts in cervical epithelium.
- Provides biochemical evidence supporting smoking as a cause of cervical cancer.
- Monitoring DNA adducts may identify women at risk for cervical cancer.