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Estrogen-DNA Adducts

Meaning

Estrogen-DNA Adducts are molecular lesions formed when reactive, genotoxic metabolites of estrogen covalently bind to the DNA molecule, primarily at specific nucleobase sites. These adducts represent a form of DNA damage resulting from aberrant estrogen metabolism, specifically the formation of catechol estrogen intermediates that can be oxidized into reactive quinones. Their presence is a measurable biomarker of genotoxicity, linking endogenous hormonal pathways to potential cellular mutation and an elevated risk for hormone-sensitive cancers.