Relationship between DNA damage measured by the comet-assay and cognitive function

Recent studies exploring the relationship between DNA damage measured by the comet assay (single-cell gel electrophoresis) and cognitive function in both animal models and humans are reviewed and summarized. This manuscript provides an overview of studies exploring cognitive dysfunction related to DNA damage due to biological ageing process, cancer treatment, adverse environmental or occupational exposures, and prenatal genotoxic exposure. The review confirms the potential of comet assay to further explore the link between DNA damage, as indicative of genomic instability, and cognitive impairment in different research and clinical areas. Analysed studies support, in fact, the significant relationship between DNA damage and cognitive impairment, mainly affecting attention, working memory and executive functions. These cognitive domains are crucial to daily functioning and occupational performance, with important clinical implications. Although evidence support the relationship between DNA damage measured by the comet assay and cognitive function in different settings, further longitudinal research is needed to disentangle the temporal relationship between them over time, and to explore the potential of comet assay-detected DNA lesions to predict response to interventions.

Highlights: Review on the link between DNA damage measured by the comet-assay and cognition; Ageing, cancer treatment, hazardous exposures and prenatal DNA damage are included; Studies support association affecting attention, memory and executive functions; Further longitudinal research will help to prevent and delay cognitive decline.