Studies were conducted to evaluate the cell damage caused by exposing human colon carcinoma cells, Caco-2, to hydrogen peroxide at concentrations varying from 0 to 250 microM for 30 min. Evaluation of cell viability, as measured by trypan blue dye exclusion test, showed that the loss of viability was < 5% at concentrations up to 250 microM hydrogen peroxide. Cell membrane damage and DNA damage as measured by the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase and the comet assay, respectively, were significantly high at concentrations >100 microM hydrogen peroxide compared to those of the control. Antioxidant mechanisms in Caco-2 cells were evaluated by measuring catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Catalase activities remained constant in cells treated with 50-250 microM hydrogen peroxide. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity increased in cells treated with H(2)O(2) concentrations of >50 microM. This study showed that with increasing hydrogen peroxide concentration, cell membrane leakage and DNA damage increased, whereas the three antioxidant enzymes responded differently, as shown by mathematical models.