Effects of the Sex Hormones and Their Modulators on Dna Damage in Skin Cells Measured in the Comet Assay

Aims. Hormones can react through receptors and/or possibly through the production of oxygen radicals. The Comet assay examined DNA damage produced by the androgens, testosterone (TES) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the oestrogens, diethylstilbestrol (DES) and β-oestradiol in NCTC cells (keratinocyte cell line) and primary keratinocytes. Materials and methods. The TES and DHT responses were evaluated with and without the androgen modulator, cyproterone acetate (CPA), and DES and β-oestradiol with and without the oestrogen modulator, tamoxifen (TAM). Oxygen radical-type effects in keratinocytes were evaluated with hydrogen peroxide (H202) by itself and in combination with catalase (CAT), CPA and TAM. Results and discussion. TES, DHT and DES produced positive responses, and the extent of the DNA damage produced was reduced by the appropriate modulator. The DNA damage induced by H202 was reduced by CAT, CPA, and TAM. Conclusions. These observations suggest by analogy, that oxygen radicals are involved in DNA damage produced by the hormones.