Adducts to DNA

Synonyms

• macromolecule-bound carcinogens

Definition

DNA-bound carcinogen adducts reflect the amount of a chemical that covalently interacts with nucleic acid bases at the target site (biologically active dose) or in surrogate tissues. DNA adducts are mechanistically more relevant to carcinogenesis than internal doses of a mutagen, since they take into account individual differences in metabolism and DNA repair capacity (Fig. 1). The rationale of measuring DNA adducts as relevant dosimeters of biological effects and predictors of cancer risk is derived from extensive experimental and human data supporting their role in the initiationand possibly the progression of cancer. Several hundred DNA adducts, many with miscoding properties, are known to be produced by approximately 20 classes of carcinogens and through endogenous processes including oxidized DNA bases. These lesions provide powerful tools for studying disease pathogenesis, etiology and for verifying preventive measures in...