Immunohistochemical analysis of 4-aminobiphenyl-DNA adducts in oral mucosal cells of smokers and nonsmokers.
BACKGROUND
The "biologically effective dose markers", DNA and protein adducts, are a direct index of carcinogen induced cell damage and an indirect one of genetic susceptibility. This study aimed to examine the dose-response relationship for 4-Aminobiphenyl-DNA adducts in oral cells of smokers and non smokers.


METHODS
An immunoperoxidase method with the monoclonal 3C8 antibody, which recognizes 4-Aminobiphenyl-DNA, has been used for detecting DNA damage in oral cells of 12 smokers and 12 non smokers.


RESULTS
Higher staining for 4-Aminobiphenyl-DNA was detected in the cells of smokers (187 +/- 42) vs. non smokers (135 +/- 35) (p = 0.004), with a twofold range in relative staining for both groups, suggesting individual differences relevance in metabolizing carcinogens and/or repairing DNA damage.


CONCLUSIONS
This non invasive method requiring small cell amounts is a tool for monitoring large groups of subjects at risk in primary prevention programs.
Romano
G
G
Institute of General Pathology, Centro di Ricerche Oncologiche Giovanni XXIII, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
Mancini
R
R
Fedele
P
P
Curigliano
G
G
Flamini
G
G
Giovagnoli
M R
MR
Malara
N
N
Boninsegna
A
A
Vecchione
A
A
Santella
R M
RM
Cittadini
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000611:Aminobiphenyl Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D018736:DNA Adducts / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry*; D012907:Smoking
D000611:Aminobiphenyl Compounds; D018736:DNA Adducts