Test for DNA damage to help detect debilitating diseases

A new test to determine the extent of DNA damage will help in the detection of a number of debilitating diseases. It has been developed by the Irish biotechnology company Biotrin International, which is making the technology available to life sciences researchers.

The Oxidative DNA damage test (OxyDNA) will enable them to detect abnormal levels of damage to genetic material simply and rapidly for the first time. It will facilitate more extensive research into fundamental cellular processes, notably those associated with ageing, according to Biotrin's managing director, Dr Cormac Kilty. Some research companies in the US have confirmed the usefulness of the test in this area.

Equally, it may prove useful in monitoring people on chemotherapy or radiotherapy, he said, as more people survive cancer and its aggressive treatments. It could also have significant potential in monitoring workers employed in high-risk chemical industry or radiation-linked work.

This is because every cell is susceptible to oxidative DNA damage caused by free radicals on exposure to toxins and radiation. The free radicals react with DNA causing irreversible damage, leading to mutation, carcinogenesis or cell death.

Where toxic injury occurs and in conditions marked by cell inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease, there is high and irreparable levels of DNA damage and degeneration of nerves.

The oxyDNA assay detects a compound known as 8oxoguanine, which is sensitive to oxidative DNA damage. Up to now, Dr Kilty explained, testing for it has been "laborious and time consuming".

Their test is a simple fluorescence-binding assay that can be used on cell cultures in the laboratory, histology section or in Fluorescene-activated cell-sorting methods, known as FACS. The test can be done directly on cells and operates like the highly specific way an antibody protein will bind an antigen (a foreign body).

"For the first time, it will be possible to detect oxidative DNA damage on a large scale by simplifying drug-toxicity testing and opening up new possibilities to study the way many important diseases take hold," he added. Some research companies are considering its adaptation for "high throughput screening" of samples.

With conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis marked by a high degree of DNA damage, the Biotrin test may help identify people succumbing to the condition.

Biotrin is a diagnostic company employing 67 people. In place since 1993, much of its research has focused on perinatology (high-risk pregnancy). Last week it announced the signing of an agreement with Adeza Biomedical Corporation of the US to market their foetal fibronectin test, which is used to assess risk for pre-term delivery in pregnant women in France, Germany and Ireland.

Biotrin has also developed a range of biomarkers that can be used to assess organ and tissue damage. Its research and development, marketing and manufacturing are based in Dublin, while it has subsidaries in Germany and France.