Inhibition of mitochondrial function reduces DNA repair in human mononuclear cells.
Mitochondria provide ATP and Ca(2+) needed for DNA repair, but also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may damage DNA. To investigate the effect of mitochondrial function inhibition on DNA repair. Five mitochondrial inhibitors acting at various sites of electron transport were studied. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, spontaneous and H(2)O(2)-induced DNA repair, as well as %-double-stranded-DNA, were measured. All mitochondrial inhibitors suppressed spontaneous and H(2)O(2)-induced DNA repair. However, their effect on %-double-stranded-DNA differed, which is partly related to ROS suppression. Mitochondrial inhibition may enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity of radiation and cytotoxic drugs therapy.