DNA Damage: Causes and Effects. The most significant consequence of oxidative stress in the body is thought to be damage to DNA. DNA may be modified in a variety of ways, which can ultimately lead to mutations and genomic instability.This could result in the development of a variety of cancers including colon, breast, and prostate.Here we discuss the various types of damage to DNA, including oxidative damage, hydrolytic damage, DNA strand breaks, and others. Oxidative DNA damage refers to the oxidation of specific bases.8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is the most common marker for oxidative DNA damage and can be measured in virtually any species. It is formed and enhanced most often by chemical carcinogens.A similar oxidative damage can occur in RNA with the formation of 8-OHG (8-hydroxyguanosine) , which has been implicated in various neurological disorders. Hydrolytic DNA damage involves deamination or the total removal of individual bases.t is formed and enhanced most often by chemical carcinogens. A similar oxidative damage can occur in RNA with the formation of 8-OHG (8-hydroxyguanosine) , which has been implicated in various neurological disorders. Hydrolytic DNA damage involves deamination or the total removal of individual bases.