DNA Damage & Repair

Direct DNA damage can occur due to a number of factors including oxidative stress, cellular exposure to genotoxic agents, and exposure to cytotoxic agents. Oxidative stress has been shown to be the greatest factor in DNA damage, and increased levels have been closely correlated to harmful environmental factors such as ionizing radiation, industrial chemicals, air pollution, cigarette smoking, and cancer chemotherapy. Measurement of DNA damage will help to further understand the mechanisms which lead to unregulated cell division or apoptosis, traits that are prominent in diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.