Idarubicin, an Anthracycline, Induces Oxidative DNA Damage in the Presence of Copper (II).

BACKGROUND/AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate whether idarubicin (IDR) induces oxidative DNA damage in the presence of copper (II). MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA damage was evaluated by pBR322 plasmid DNA cleavage. The formation of oxidative stress markers [O2•- and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)] was analysed. RESULTS IDR induced DNA damage and O2•- and 8-OHdG generation in the presence of copper (II). CONCLUSION IDR induced oxidative DNA damage in the presence of copper (II). Since it has been reported that the concentration of copper in the serum of cancer patients is higher than that in healthy groups, IDR-induced oxidative DNA damage in the presence of copper (II) may play an important role in anticancer therapeutic strategies.