DNA damage measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in mouse fibroblast cells exposed to oxidative stress

Oxidative DNA damage can result from environmental factors, such as radiation, as well as from the untoward consequences of normal metabolic processes. It is of interest to assay oxidative DNA damage in cells and tissues because this damage has been implicated in human disease, particularly cancer. Eleven indicators of oxidative DNA damage have been measured by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) in DNA extracted from cells exposed to oxidative stress. Mouse fibroblast cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide and to UVC light and to the combined action of both agents. Significant increases of the 8-oxo-7,8-dihydropurine lesions over background were detected. Significant increases of the formamido lesions resulting from breakdown of pyrimidine bases were also observed. Of especial interest was the observation of double lesions, tandem combinations of both aforementioned lesions, in cells exposed to oxidative stress. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.