[Detection of DNA damages of peripheral white blood cells in benzene-exposed workers].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of benzene exposure on DNA damage of the peripheral white blood cells and to assess the possible dose-response relationship between benzene and DNA damage. METHODS: Personal benzene exposure was sampled with 3M organic vapor monitors. The time weighted average concentration (8h-TWA) and the cumulative dose were calculated. Single cell gel electrophoresis assay was used to detect DNA damage in white blood cells of benzene-exposed workers. The Olive tail moment and the grade of DNA breakage were used to measure DNA damage. RESULTS: The Olive tail moment and the grade of DNA breakage in benzene exposure groups were significantly increased in comparison with those in the control group (F = 30.03, P < 0.0001, chi2 = 239.9, P < 0.0001, respectively) and showed a dose-response relationship with benzene concentration. Correlation analysis showed that Olive tail moment was correlated with benzene exposure concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Benzene exposure resulted in an increase of DNA damage of the peripheral white blood cell, which was in a dose-response relationship manner; cumulative dose was better than simply concentration to reflect benzene exposure.