What is 8-OHdG (urine)? High and low values | Lab results explained

8-hydroxy- 2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a byproduct of oxidative damage to guanine bases in DNA.

It is used as a biomarker for oxidative stress and carcinogenesis. It has been studied to estimate DNA damage after exposure to carcinogens including tobacco smoke, asbestos fibers, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

8-OHdG levels are positively associated with markers of inflammation and evening cortisol, indicating that increased physiological or psychosocial stress is associated with increased oxidative damage.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7313038/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2865279/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28319849/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16128745/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14687888/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28065503/
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep32581
https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-019-6189-9
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982778/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22576471/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23788962/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33005115/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32944094/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27575995/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27757204/

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR 8-OHDG (URINE) RESULT IS TOO HIGH?

Elevated 8-OHdG indicates oxidative damage to DNA. Diseases including cardiovascular disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, thyroid disease, and diabetes have been associated with excessive concentrations of 8-OHdG.

Minimizing exposure to xenobiotics and cigarette smoke, stress management, and increasing antioxidant intake may prevent further oxidative damage.

Increased physical activity is associated with a reduction in urinary 8-OHdG levels.

Green tea catechins decreased 8-OHdG concentrations in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Disclaimer:

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. 

The information on healthmatters.io is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.