Evaluation of DNA damage in exfoliated tear duct epithelial cells from individuals exposed to air pollution assessed by single cell gel electrophoresis assay

The search for relevant target cells for human monitoring purposes has incr eased during the last few years. Cells such as sperm, buccal or nasal and g astric epithelium are being used. In this study, we report the use of exfol iated tear duct epithelial cells as a potential material for human biomonit oring studies, since these cells are a target for environmental pollutants. We employed the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay to e valuate for differences in the basal level of DNA damage between young adul ts from the south (exposed mainly to high levels of ozone) and from the nor th (exposed principally to hydrocarbons) regions of Mexico City. We found a n increase in DNA migration in tear duct epithelial cells from individuals who live in the southern part of the city compared to those living in the n orthern part. Moreover, young people who live in the southwest part of the city with the highest values of ozone presented the highest values of DNA d amage. These results show the feasibility of using exfoliated tear duct epi thelial cells in human biomonitoring studies. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B,V , All rights reserved.