We hypothesized that DNA damage products (5′R)-8,5′-cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine (R-cdA)
and (5′S)-8,5′-cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine
(S-cdA) may be well-suited biomarkers of risk and
diagnosis for atherosclerosis. We tested this hypothesis by measuring
the levels of R-cdA and S-cdA and
another product, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), in
urine of atherosclerosis patients and healthy individuals using liquid
chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with isotope dilution.
We showed the presence of these products at significantly greater
concentrations in urine of atherosclerosis patients than in that of
healthy individuals. Our data suggest that R-cdA
and S-cdA can be accurately and reproducibly measured
in human urine as potential biomarkers of risk and diagnosis for atherosclerosis