Modulation by dietary copper of aflatoxin B1-induced activity of DNA repair enzymes poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, DNA polymerase beta and DNA ligase.

The activity of some nuclear enzymes associated with DNA repair was examined following aflatoxin B1 administration in rats maintained on different levels of dietary copper. Induction of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, DNA polymerase beta and DNA ligase was found to be significantly higher in copper-deficient rats. Copper supplementation, even at marginal doses, was able to bring down the induction to the level observed in normal rats. The results emphasize the protective role of copper against the DNA damaging effects of aflatoxin B1.