Normal values of DNA-protein crosslinks in mononuclear blood cells of a population of healthy controls

Background - We have previously used a sensitive and simple assay to DNA-protein crosslinks, based upon the selective potassium SDS precipitation of DNA associated with protein. DNA-protein crosslinks are a promising biomarker of environmental exposure to carcinogens such as chromate. Methods - We have examined the levels of DNA-protein crosslinks in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 68 healthy subjects, to determine the normal values of this biomarker in the general population, and to analyze the effect of possible confounding factors, such as age, gender, ethnicity, smoking habits, weight. Results - The mean value of DNA-protein crosslinks was 0.78 ± 0.04%. No statistically significant differences in DNA-protein crosslinks were observed with gender, ethnicity or weight. No statistically significant correlations were found with age and number of cigarettes smoked per day. Conclusions - These results set a reference value for DNA-protein crosslinks in healthy subjects.