Biopolymers and cell. 2007; 23 (3): 202 - 214

Oxidative DNA damage

N. V. Skrypnyk, O. O. Maslova

Several characteristics of the basic types of oxidative DNA damage are analysed in the present work. They are as follows base and sugar modifications lesions, single-strand and double-strand breaks, apurinic/apyrimidinic sites and DNA-proteins cross-links. The chemical structure of the most investigated types of oxidative DNA damage is shown. The most common genotoxic agents (reactive oxygen species, free radicals, alkylating agents) are also discussed. The methods of identification and measurement of oxidative DNA damage are considered.

Key words: oxidative stress, DNA damage, genotoxic agents.