DNA MARKERS OF OXIDATIVE PROCESSES IN-VIVO - RELEVANCE TO CARCINOGENESIS AND ANTICARCINOGENESIS

Understanding endogenous mechanisms of carcinogenesis through measurin g oxidative markers has advanced greatly in the past decade, paralleli ng similar achievements in exogenous carcinogenesis through measuremen ts of DNA-adduct markers. Understanding the mechanisms of genesis, met abolism, and physiological properties of the products of oxidative str ess is essential in determining products that are specific molecular m arkers. Measurement technology allows sensitive detection, monitoring, and quantitation of oxidative DNA markers both locally in tissue and systemically in body fluids. Both approaches can be used to assess oxi dative stress. Although measurement of markers of oxidative stress rel evant to carcinogenesis is at an early stage of development, this appr oach will probably become an integral part of early diagnostics and th e assessment of tumor metabolism. For comprehensive understanding or e ndogenous carcinogenesis, oxidative markers of protein and lipid damag e are also necessary. A larger and perhaps more important application of oxidative markers is in anticarcinogenesis, particularly chemopreve ntion. Because urinary markers are a noninvasive methodology, they are especially appropriate for assessing and indexing the anticarcinogeni c potential of diets and foods from modulation of the rate of DNA dama ge, which may be correlated with mutagenic and, ultimately, carcinogen ic potential.