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Selenium-containing compounds protect DNA from single-strand breaks caused by peroxynitrite
I Roussyn1, K Briviba, H Masumoto
1Insitut für Physiologische Chemie I, Heinrich-Universität Düsseldorf, Germany.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Selenium compounds like selenomethionine and selenocystine effectively protect DNA from peroxynitrite-induced damage. These selenium molecules offer superior protection compared to sulfur analogs and other antioxidants.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Peroxynitrite (ONOO-/ONOOH) is a potent oxidant.
- Peroxynitrite causes DNA mutations and single-strand breaks.
- Ebselen, a selenium compound, rapidly reacts with peroxynitrite.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the DNA-protective effects of selenium-containing compounds against peroxynitrite.
- To compare the efficacy of selenium compounds with their sulfur analogs and other antioxidants.
Main Methods:
- Studied the protective effects of ebselen, selenomethionine, and selenocystine on plasmid supercoiled DNA.
- Assessed DNA single-strand breaks induced by peroxynitrite.
- Compared selenium compounds to methionine, cystine, glutathione, and mannitol.
Main Results:
- Selenomethionine and selenocystine demonstrated significant protection against DNA single-strand breaks.
- Selenium compounds were more effective than their sulfur analogs (methionine, cystine).
- These selenium agents outperformed glutathione and mannitol in protecting DNA.
Conclusions:
- Selenium-containing compounds, including selenomethionine and selenocystine, are effective agents for protecting DNA from peroxynitrite-induced damage.
- The findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for selenium compounds in mitigating oxidative DNA damage.