Abstract:
[Objective] To probe the DNA damages induced by a gasoline additive, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), in occupational exposed population.
[Methods] Physical examination and questionnaire survey were conducted in 100 workers selected from 8 gas stations in South China. A 5 mL peripheral venous blood sample was collected from each worker. Serum and lymphocytes were separated. The content of serum MTBE was detected with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage was analyzed by comet assay. The relationship between serum MTBE content and lymphocyte DNA damage was explored using Pearson correlation analysis.
[Results] All selected workers met the basic health requirements for gasoline station operators. The mean value of MTBE in the exposure group was (6.230& #177;2.369) μg/L, significantly higher than that in the control group, (5.164& #177;2.139) μg/L (P< 0.05). The mean value of Olive tail moment in the exposure group was (0.060& #177;0.045) μm, significantly higher than that in the control group, (0.039& #177;0.038) μm (P< 0.05). The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between MTBE content and the degree of DNA damage (r=0.859, P< 0.05).
[Conclusion] There is a correlation between serum MTBE content and lymphocyte DNA damage.