title: Oxidative DNA damage, antioxidants and DNA repair: applications of the comet assay.
abstract: Estimates of background levels of oxidative base damage in human white blood cells vary enormously, from 300 down to 0.4 molecules of 8-oxoguanine per 10(6) guanines. An EC-funded Concerted Action, the European Standards Committee on Oxidative DNA Damage, is currently attempting to resolve the discrepancy and to agree a realistic estimate of basal endogenous oxidation. Oxidation of lymphocyte DNA is a useful marker of oxidative stress, and this can be decreased by supplementation with pure antioxidants or with foods rich in antioxidants. The steady-state level of DNA oxidation is ultimately controlled by the process of DNA repair; the extent to which this varies between individuals has yet to be established.
authors.affiliation: Rowett Research Institute, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, U.K. A.Collins@rri.sari.ac.uk
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Horváthová
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000528:radiation effects; D004260:DNA Repair; D006147:Guanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; C024829:8-hydroxyguanine; D006147:Guanine; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide