Work

In vitro chromosome damage induced by quaternary mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives using Doehlert experimental design

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Humans are continuously exposed to complex mixtures of environmental contaminants. This kind of multiple exposure occurs when reclaimed asphalt pavements are recycled, since the fumes contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives (PAHs+) that are primarily been investigated as single compounds. In this study, we assessed the genotoxic potential of an environmentally relevant quaternary mixture composed of 1-nitropyrene, quinoline, 2-naphthol, and 6H-benzo[c,d]pyrene-6-one (6H-BPO) using the human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cell line. Cells were exposed according to a Doehlert experimental design and chromosomal damage was evaluated using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Response surface methodology was applied to model both cytostasis and micronucleus induction and their values were calculated in the whole domain. All quaternary exposure conditions produced acceptable cytostasis (<55%), enabling reliable genotoxicity assessment. The models revealed that 1-nitropyrene was the main driver of cytostatic effects, while oxygenated PAHs, 2-naphthol and 6H-BPO, mainly contributed to chromosomal damage. Moreover, significant response surfaces showed concentration-related interactions, demonstrating that genotoxic responses could not be explained by additive effects. By combining in vitro genotoxicity testing with innovative experimental design, this study provides a robust framework for investigating complex contaminant mixtures while significantly reducing the number of required experimental conditions. These findings also improve the mechanistic understanding of PAHs + mixture toxicity and support the integration of mixture-based approaches into environmental hazard assessment and human health risk evaluation.

Source: Chemosphere

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145112

Authors: Bosc Olivia, Tassistro Virginie, Fortugno Clémence, Doumenq Pierre, Claeys-Bruno Magalie, Orsière Thierry

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie Marine et Continentale, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement

Language: English

Topic: Carcinogens and Genotoxicity Assessment

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,010