Introduction to Oxidative Stress and Cancer Markers:

Definition: Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the production

of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular antioxidant defense system.
Cancer markers are substances or characteristics that indicate the presence or
progression of cancer.
Importance: Understanding the association between oxidative stress and
cancer markers can provide insights into cancer development, diagnosis, prognosis,
and potential therapeutic strategies.
Scope: The class focuses on exploring the role of oxidative stress in the
generation, detection, and clinical significance of cancer markers.

Oxidative Stress-Related DNA Damage and Cancer Markers:

DNA Oxidative Damage: Overview of ROS-induced DNA modifications, including
base modifications, DNA strand breaks, and DNA adducts.
Biomarkers of DNA Damage: Discussion of specific DNA damage markers, such
as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and γ-
H2AX, as indicators of oxidative DNA damage and potential cancer risk.
DNA Repair Markers: Examination of markers associated with DNA repair
pathways (e.g., BRCA1, PARP1) and their relevance in cancer prognosis and treatment
response.

Oxidative Stress and Tumor Suppressor Genes:

Tumor Suppressor Genes: Introduction to genes that regulate cell growth,
prevent tumor formation, and their susceptibility to oxidative stress-induced
mutations (e.g., p53, PTEN).
Mutation Analysis and Cancer Markers: Exploration of specific mutations in
tumor suppressor genes and their association with cancer development, progression,
and treatment outcomes.
Methylation Patterns: Discussion of epigenetic changes, such as DNA
methylation, affecting tumor suppressor gene expression and their potential as
cancer markers.

Oxidative Stress, Oncogenes, and Cancer Markers:

Oncogenes: Overview of genes that promote cell growth, survival, and tumor
formation (e.g., HER2, KRAS) and their involvement in ROS generation and oxidative
stress.
Oncogene Expression and Cancer Markers: Examination of altered expression
levels or mutations in oncogenes as potential markers for cancer diagnosis,
prognosis, and targeted therapies.
Oxidative Stress-Activated Signaling Pathways: Discussion of how oncogenes
and oxidative stress can activate signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK, PI3K/Akt) that
promote tumor growth and progression, and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cancer Markers:

Inflammatory Markers: Overview of markers of chronic inflammation (e.g., C-
reactive protein, interleukins) associated with increased oxidative stress and
cancer risk.
Cytokines and Growth Factors: Discussion of cytokines (e.g., TGF-β, TNF-α)
and growth factors (e.g., VEGF) produced in response to oxidative stress and their
role in tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, and prognosis.
Immune Cell Markers: Examination of immune cell markers (e.g., CD8+,
regulatory T cells) reflecting immune response and their association with cancer
progression and response to therapy.

Detection and Measurement of Oxidative Stress and Cancer Markers:

Laboratory Techniques: Introduction to techniques used to measure oxidative
stress markers (e.g., lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation) and cancer-
specific markers (e.g., ELISA, PCR, immunohistochemistry).
Liquid Biopsy: Discussion of liquid biopsy approaches (e.g., circulating
tumor DNA