Oxidative DNA damage estimated by urinary 8-Hydroxy-2’ –Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase (OGG1) in cigarette and non-cigarette smokers in South West Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The thousands of chemicals and compounds found in cigarette smoke, including many free radicals and oxidants, can cause oxidative damage to DNA either directly or by producing reactive oxygen species in cultured cells. This study was carried out to analyze the urinary 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase (OGG1) and 8-Hydroxy-2’ –Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) among cigarette and non-cigarette smokers in South-West, Nigeria. METHODS: Urine samples were collected from 250 cigarette smokers and 200 non-cigarette smokers who live in south-west, Nigeria. Questionnaire was administered first to both cigarette and non-cigarette smokers prior to specimen collection. About 10mls of urine samples were collected from each of the subjects and was used to carry out Oxoguanine Glycosylase and 8-Hydroxyl-2-deoxyguanosine using spectrophotometer at 450 nm wavelength. RESULTS: There was a significant (P <  0.05) increase in Urinary 8-OHdG (345.84±90.98 vs 223±68.48) and OGG1 (220.71±59.55 vs 97.20±56.14) of the cigarette smokers when compared with that of non-cigarette smokers. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this study, it has been observed and established that indulging in cigarette smoking can result in oxidative stress and DNA damage.