In toxicology, 8-oxoguanine is significant because it is a major indicator of oxidative DNA damage, which is a hallmark of various types of cellular damage and carcinogenesis. The presence of 8-oxoguanine in DNA is linked with the initiation and progression of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. Its detection is crucial for assessing the potential toxicological impact of chemicals and environmental factors on human health.
