Arsenite causes DNA damage in keratinocytes via generation of hydroxyl radicals

Arsenic is an environmental and occupational toxin. Dermatologic toxicities due to arsenic exposure are well-documented and include basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. However, the mechanism of arsenic-induced skin cancer is not well-understood. Recent studies indicate that arsenic exposure results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. Here, we examined the chemical nature of the specific ROS, studied the interrelationship among these species, and identified the specific species that is responsible for the subsequent DNA damage in a spontaneously immortalized keratinocyte cell line. We detected the formation of O₂^.- and H ₂O₂ in keratinocytes incubated with arsenite [As(III)] but not with arsenate. As(III)-induced DNA damage was detected in a concentration-dependent manner and evident at low micromolar concentrations. Catalase, an H₂O₂ scavenger, eliminated H ₂O₂ and reduced the As(III)-mediated DNA damage. Superoxide dismutase, by enhancing the production of H²O² and ^.OH, significantly increased the As(III)-mediated DNA damage. Sodium formate, a competitive scavenger for ^.OH, and deferoxamine, a metal chelator, both reduced the DNA damage. These results suggest that exposure to arsenite generates O₂^.- and H₂O ₂, and ^.OH, derived from H₂O₂, is responsible, at least in part, for the observed DNA damage. These findings demonstrate arsenic-induced formation of specific ROS and provide the direct evidence of ^.OH-mediated DNA damage in keratinocytes, which may play an important role in the mechanism for arsenic-induced skin carcinogenicity.