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.
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