EVALUATION OF MICRONUCLEI IN EXFOLIATED BUCCAL CELLS OF SMOKERS AND NON SMOKERS - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Dr. Varsha R Shetty J; Dr. Frankantony Britto

Volume : VII, Issue : XI, November - 2017

EVALUATION OF MICRONUCLEI IN EXFOLIATED BUCCAL CELLS OF SMOKERS AND NON SMOKERS - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Dr. Varsha R Shetty J, Dr. Frankantony Britto

Abstract :

Cigarette smoking, tobacco chewing and their derivatives are considered a major risk factor for cancers involving the oral cavity. Cigarette contain several carcinogens that induces an array of genetic aberrations, including gene mutations, chromosome aberrations, micronuclei, sister chromatin exchanges, DNA strand eaks, and oxidative DNA adducts.

The micronucleus test is used as an indicator of genotoxic exposition, since it is associated with chromosome aberrations. The buccal cell micronucleus assay provides information on the cytogenic damage in the tissues that are targets of human carcinogens and from which carcinomas can develop.

Aim and Objective: The present study assesses the micronuclei in the exfoliated cells from the buccal scrapings in smokers and non smokers using Giemsa and Acridine Orange stains.

Material and Methods: 31 smears were taken from both smokers and nonsmokers and stained with Giemsa and Acridine Orange. After the evaluation of the slides the results were compiled and subjected to statistical analysis.

Result: A significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in smokers was noted compared to non smokers. The mean micronucleus frequency in the oral exfoliated cells was significantly increased in smokers than non smokers (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The present study concludes that, the micronucleus assay in exfoliated buccal cells holds promise as a specific biomarker of genotoxicity, for screening of oral cancer and as prognostic indicator.