Aflatoxin B1-induced 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine formation in rat hepatic DNA

Abstract

A time- and dose-dependent increase in 8-hydroxydeoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) was observed in rat hepatic DNA after a single i.p. injection of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). It was also found that pre-treatment with selenium or deferoxamine significantly reduced 8-OHdG level in AFB₁-administered rats. In contrast, no reduction in 8-OHdG concentration was found in vitamin E-pre-treated rats. These results provide evidence that AFB₁ causes oxidative DNA damage in rat liver, which may involve hydroxyl radicals as the initiating species. It is postulated that AFB₁-induced oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG formation) may constitute an important pathway in AFB₁ hepatocarcinogenesis.