DNA STRAND BREAKAGE AND DNA-ADDUCTS IN LYMPHOCYTES OF ORAL-CANCER PATIENTS

In lymphocytes of 12 oral cancer patients (and two control groups) the frequencies of DNA single-strand breaks and DNA - protein cross-linki ng were determined by alkaline filter elution. We found elevated DNA e lution rates, which must be interpreted as an increased strand breakag e frequency. There were significant correlations between the DNA stran d breakage frequency and smoking habits. Using the P-32-postlabelling assay we determined the DNA adduct level in lymphocytes of 23 oral can cer patients (and two control groups). No significant influence of smo king habit on the DNA adduct level could be detected. There was a sign ificant correlation between the DNA adduct level and the gamma-glutamy ltranspeptidase (GGT) value, suggesting systemic influences of alcohol drinking habits on the adduct level.