While iron plays an important role in many cellular functions,
excess iron storage induces DNA damage by generating
hydroxyl radicals and thus promotes carcinogenesis.
However, it remains unclear whether body iron levels that are
commonly observed in a general population are related to
oxidative DNA damage.
We examined the association between serum ferritin
concentrations and levels of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine
(8-OHdG), a biomarker of systemic oxidative DNA damage and
repair, in 528 Japanese men and women aged 21-67 years.
Men had much higher ferritin levels than in women, and the levels
were significantly greater in women aged 50 years or older than
in women aged less than 50 years.
Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were significantly and positively
associated with serum ferritin levels in all the subgroups.
The Spearman rank correlation coefficients were 0.47, 0.76, and
0.73 for men overall, women aged less than 50 years, and women
aged 50 years or older, respectively.
These associations were materially unchanged after adjustment
for potential confounding variables. In men, a more pronounced
association was observed in nonsmokers than in smokers.
Our results suggest body iron storage is a strong determinant of
levels of systemic oxidative DNA damage in a healthy population.
(Cancer Sci 2009).
PMID: 19895603
Who loves ya.
Tom
Jesus Was A Vegetarian!
http://tinyurl.com/2r2nkh
Man Is A Herbivore!
http://tinyurl.com/a3cc3
DEAD PEOPLE WALKING
http://tinyurl.com/zk9fk
Hmmm, a study done in japan, the country with the longest life span.
When we test an idea against nature's lab results we are often surprised
to find that results don't support the idea. We then modify the idea
and try again or toss it. That is science.
Does this mean that smoking protects from an iron overload?
Taka