Chromatographic methods for the analysis of oxidatively damaged DNA.

Emphasis is placed in that review article on a detailed description of the different chromatographic analytical methods that were developed for measuring cellular levels of oxidatively generated DNA lesions. The different methods are critically reviewed taking into account the advantages and limitations of the assays. Particular attention is focused on possible causes of over- or underestimation that may explain at least partly the wide range of cellular levels of lesions and in particular 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine reported in the literature. In that respect a chronological presentation of the main significant developments is provided and appears to be of particular interest to follow the technical and methodological improvements performed over the years. Finally, future possible progresses in terms of both specificity and sensitivity are presented.