Modifications of nucleosides by endogenous mutagens–DNA adducts arising from cellular processes

DNA damage plays a significant role in mutagenesis, carcinogenesis and ageing. Chemical transformations leading to DNA damage include reactions of the base units with agents of endogenous and exogenous origin. The vast majority of damage arising from cellular processes such as metabolism and lipid peroxidation are identical or very similar to those induced by exposure to environmental agents. A detailed knowledge of the types and prevalence of endogenous DNA damage provides insight into the chemical nature of species involved in these modifications and may be of help in understanding their influence on the induction of cancer or other diseases. This knowledge may also be essential to the development of rational chemopreventive strategies directed against the initiation of oxidative stress- and lipid peroxidation-associated pathology.The present work reviews findings regarding the interaction between DNA bases and various reactive species arising from lipid peroxidation and other cellular processes, drawing attention to the mechanism responsible for the formation of the resulted modifications. The biological consequences of these interactions are also briefly discussed.

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