OXIDATIVE DNA-DAMAGE CORRELATES WITH OXYGEN-CONSUMPTION IN HUMANS

Generation of reactive oxygen species from mitochondrial respiration h as been proposed as an important determinant of longevity and cumulati ve cancer risk. Interspecies correlations and animal calorie restricti on studies of metabolic rate and oxidative DNA damage support this not ion. In the present study we have demonstrated a close association bet ween oxidative DNA damage as assessed by the urinary excretion of 8-ox o-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and oxygen consumption in 33 healthy premenopausal women (r = 0.64; p = 0.00007). In the 12 women who smoked, 8-oxodG excretion was increased by 35%, although oxygen co nsumption increased only 10% compared with the 21 nonsmoking women. Ap parently, the rate of oxidative DNA damage relates to mitochondrial re spiration in humans and is aggravated by smoking.