Comparison of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by the extracts of methanol and gasoline engine exhausts.
Gasoline engine exhaust has been considered a major source of air pollution in China, and methanol is considered as a potential substitute for gasoline fuel. In this study, the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of organic extracts of condensate, particulate matters (PM) and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) of gasoline and absolute methanol engine exhaust were examined by using MTT assay, micronucleus assay, comet assay and Ames test. The results have showed that gasoline engine exhaust exhibited stronger cytotoxicity to human lung carcinoma cell lines (A549 cell) than methanol engine exhaust. Furthermore, gasoline engine exhaust increased micronucleus formation, induced DNA damage in A549 cells and increased TA98 revertants in the presence of metabolic activating enzymes in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, methanol engine exhaust failed to exhibit these adverse effects. The results suggest methanol may be used as a cleaner fuel for automobile.
Zhang
Zunzhen
Z
Department of Environmental Health, West China College of Public Health, Sichuan University, No. 16, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China. zhangzunzhen@163.com
Che
Wangjun
W
Liang
Ying
Y
Wu
Mei
M
Li
Na
N
Shu
Ya
Y
Liu
Fang
F
Wu
Desheng
D
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D020552:Comet Assay; D005742:Gasoline; D006801:Humans; D000432:Methanol; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity*; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000633:toxicity; D012485:Salmonella typhi / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000633:toxicity*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D005742:Gasoline; D009153:Mutagens; D052638:Particulate Matter; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; D000432:Methanol