RNA modifications by oxidation: A novel disease mechanism?

► RNA oxidation is more abundant than DNA oxidation. ► High levels of oxidized RNA are found in degenerative brain diseases. ► General RNA oxidation is measured by 8-oxoGuo excretion into urine. ► General RNA oxidation predicts death in type 2 diabetes. ► RNA may be a novel and important mechanism of diseases such as diabetes, degenerative brain diseases, and hemochromatosis.