Oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and vascular cell adhesion molecule expression in cells exposed to particulate matter from combustion of conventional diesel and methyl ester biodiesel blends

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Our aim was to compare hazards of particles from combustion of biodiesel blends and conventional diesel (D(100)) in old and improved engines. We determined DNA damage in A549 cells, mRNA levels of CCL2 and IL8 in THP-1 cells, and expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs). Viability and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated in all cell types. We collected particles from combustion of D(100) and 20% (w/w) blends of animal fat or rapeseed oil methyl esters in light-duty vehicle engines complying with Euro2 or Euro4 standards. Particles emitted from the Euro4 engine were smaller in size and more potent than particles emitted from the Euro2 engine with respect to ROS production and DNA damage, but similarly potent concerning cytokine mRNA expression. Particles emitted from combustion of biodiesel blends were larger in size, and less or equally potent than particles emitted from combustion of D(100) concerning ROS production, DNA damage and mRNA of CCL2 and IL8. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in HUVECs was only increased by D(100) particles from the Euro4 engine. This suggests that particle emissions from biodiesel in equal mass concentration are less toxic than conventional diesel.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology (Washington)
Volume45
Issue number19
Pages (from-to)8545-51
Number of pages7
ISSN0013-936X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2011

ID: 35372791