DNA Oxidative Damage

Catalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.

What this laboratory test evaluates

Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is an excellent biomarker of oxidative stress and a risk factor for a variety of diseases, including cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as a result of normal oxygen metabolism or exposure to xenobiotics. Excessive levels are associated with oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA. ROS-induced damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA occurs readily at the guanosine bases that are removed by DNA repair mechanisms and excreted in urine. 8-OHdG is the most frequently detected and studied oxidized nucleoside of DNA that is considered to be premutagenic due to its potential for initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis.

Bladder and prostate cancers have been associated with elevated levels of 8-OHdG. Oxidative stress and ROS-induced elevations of 8-OHdG have been associated with numerous pathological processes including cystic fibrosis, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatitis, chronic hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's. Elevated levels of 8-OHdG also have been associated with hyperglycemia and have been positively correlated with HbA1c and the severity of nephropathy and retinopathy in diabetics. Environmental factors, lifestyle choices such as smoking and recreational drugs, and some pharmaceuticals have also been associated with elevated urine levels of 8-OHdG. Known environmental factors include exposure to ionizing radiation such as indoor radon, asbestos, toxic metals and metal fumes such as manganese, chromium and vanadium, diesel exhaust, benzene, styrene, toluene and zylenes.

In grade school children, exposure to toxic or carcinogenic metals released from coal-fired power plants as assessed by measurement of elements in urine was significantly correlated with urine levels of 8-OHdG. Moderately elevated levels of 8-OHdG have been associated with inadequate intake of carotenoids, antioxidant-rich foods and supplemental antioxidants. A finding of an elevated level of 8-OHdG in a first morning urine void warrants identification of the sources of oxidative stress/inflammation and assessment of the primary intracellular antioxidant glutathione.

The efficacy of therapeutic intervention to ameliorate oxidative stress should be monitored by subsequent retesting of urine 8-OHdG and glutathione levels.

Useful for:
Oxidative Stress
Metabolic Syndrome
Alzheimer's Disease
Atopic Dermatitis
Cancer
Chronic Hepatitis
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic Retinopathy
Environmental Exposure
Huntington's Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Pancreatitis
Parkinson's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Additional test information

Oxidative stress is adversely involved in many pathophysiological processes, aging and cancer. Oxidation of DNA occurs readily at the guanosine bases, so measurement of 8-hydroxy-2'- Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in urine provides a quantitative assessment of ongoing oxidative damage or stress in the body. When 8-OHdG levels are elevated, it's important to identify the sources of oxidative stress and assess the primary intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Taking steps to reduce oxidative stress is valuable in optimizing health and longevity. This non-invasive test requires a single first morning void (FMV) urine collection.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Urine
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 5 to 7 days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.