DNA damage induced by peroxynitrite: subsequent biological effects

Nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide rapidly react to yield peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite is a potent oxidant which reacts with proteins, lipids, and DNA. The present paper overviews the various DNA modifications induced by exposure to peroxynitrite or NO and superoxide concurrently, with special reference to the formation of 8-nitroguanine and 8-oxoguanine as well as the induction of DNA single strand breakage. In addition, we review the secondary processes that may follow the process of DNA damage, such as activation of the nuclear enzyme, poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis.