dissolved gases and their effects on DNA damage

["Karam, Andrew" <Andrew_Karam@URMC.Rochester.edu>]

I have been doing some reading on the effects of oxygen in modifying
radiogenic damage to DNA.  This has led me to wonder if anyone knows of any
other gases that have been noted to modify DNA damage rates (either enhance
OR reduce radiogenic damage).  I would imagine, for example, that dissolved
hydrogen might serve to reduce damage because its presence might help
scavenge free oxygen.  But I haven't a clue as to whether or not, day,
dissolved CO2, N2, sulfur compounds, methane, etc. might do anything.  

I'd appreciate any comments, speculation, or suggested reading on this
matter.   Thanks!

Andy

Andrew Karam, CHP              (716) 275-1473 (voice)
Radiation Safety Officer          (716) 275-3781 (office)
University of Rochester           (716) 256-0365 (fax)
601 Elmwood Ave. Box HPH   Rochester, NY  14642

Andrew_Karam@URMC.Rochester.edu
http://Intranet.urmc.rochester.edu/RadiationSafety

If a man never contradicts himself, the reason must be that he virtually
never says anything at all.  (Miguel de Unamuno, quoted in "What is Life?"
by Erwin Schrodinger)

************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html