Immunolocalization of Surfactant Proteins SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D in Infantile Labial Glands and Mucosa

Surfactant proteins in different glandular structures of the oral cavity display antimicrobial activity for protection of invading microorganisms. Moreover, they are involved in lowering liquid tension in fluids and facilitate secretion flows. Numerous investigations for studying the occurrence of surfactant proteins in glandular tissues were performed using different methods. In the oral cavity, minor salivary glands secrete saliva continuously for the maintenance of a healthy oral environment. For the first time, we could show that infantile labial glands show expression of the surfactant proteins (SP) SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D in acinar cells and the duct system in different intensities. The stratified squamous epithelium of the oral mucosa revealed positive staining for SPs in various cell layers.

Cytotoxic effect of chlorpyrifos is associated with activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 system and inflammatory response in tongue of male Wistar rats

Repeated administration of chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate pesticide, can increase the risk of oral cytotoxicity. The current study was designed to assess the mechanism by which CPF mediates its cytotoxic effect on lingual mucosa of rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used in the present study and divided into three groups: group I: healthy rats (negative control), group II: rats treated with CPF 1/40 LD50 (3.375 mg/kg, orally/daily) for 28 days, group III: rats treated with CPF 1/10 LD50 (13.5 mg/kg, orally/daily) for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under ketamine anesthesia. Tongue samples were dissected out at their base for detection of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) by western blotting and histopathological and electron microscopic studies. Immunostaining was used to determine cleaved caspase 3 and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) localization. Structural and ultrastructural examination of treated lingual mucosa with CPF demonstrated degenerative changes that involved both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the tongue as well as the lingual glands. CPF-treated rats demonstrated a significant increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in addition to a significant dose-dependent activation of NF-κB and cleaved caspase 3. Furthermore, CPF activated HO-1 and Nrf-2 pathway in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, this data suggests that the CPF-induced cytotoxicity may be explained by NF-κB activated inflammatory cascade. In addition, CPF triggers an adaptive activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Preserving Basement Membranes during Detachment of Cultivated Oral Mucosal Epithelial Cell Sheets for the Treatment of Total Bilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency

Total bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency leading to loss of corneal clarity, potential vision loss, pain, photophobia, and keratoplasty failure cannot be treated by autologous limbal transplantation, and allogeneic limbal transplantation requires subsequent immunosuppressive treatment. Cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cells have been shown to be safe and effective alternatives. These cells can be transplanted on supports or without support after detachment from the culture dishes. Dispase, known for epidermal sheet detachment, is reported as not usable for oral mucosa. The objective was to find an optimized detachment method providing a sufficiently resistant and adhesive cultured oral mucosal epithelium (COME), which can be grafted without sutures. Enzymatic treatments (dispase or collagenase at different concentrations) were compared to enzyme-free mechanical detachment. Histological immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blotting (WB) were used to examine the impact on adhesion markers (laminin-332, β1-integrin, and type VII collagen) and junctional markers (E-cadherin, P-cadherin). Finally, the COME ability to adhere to the cornea and produce a differentiated epithelium 15 d after grafting onto an ex vivo porcine stroma model were investigated by histology, IF, and transmission electron microscopy. Collagenase at 0.5 mg/mL and dispase at 5 mg/mL were selected for comparative study on adhesive expression marker by IF and WB showed that levels of basement membrane proteins and cell-cell and cell-matrix junction proteins were not significantly different between the 3 detachment methods. Collagenase 0.5 mg/mL was selected for the next step validation because of the better reproducibility, 100% success (vs. 33% with dispase 5 mg/mL). Grafted onto porcine de-epithelialized corneal stroma, collagenase 0.5 mg/mL detached COME were found to adhere, stratify, and continue to ensure renewal of the epithelium. For COME, collagenase 0.5 mg/mL enzymatic detachment was selected and validated on its resistance and adhesive marker expression as well as their anchorage onto our new ex vivo de-epithelialized stroma model.

Micronuclei assay in exfoliated buccal cells of radiation treated oral cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Micronuclei are suitable internal dosimeters for revealing tissue-specific genotoxic damage in individuals exposed to carcinogenic mixtures. Evaluation of radiation-induced cellular changes to predict radiosensitivity has invested many investigators since such changes were first found in biopsy material.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship of with histopathological grade and number of radiation therapy sittings with the frequency of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies among oral cancer patients.

MATERIAL & METHOD

Thirty male patients with histologically proven cases of oral cancer undergoing radiation therapy and age and sex matched 20 healthy controls were included in the study. Scrape cytology smears of exfoliated buccal cells were prepared and stained using Feulgen stain and frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies counts were evaluated with the help of light microscope expressed as per 1000 buccal cells.

RESULTS

The mean values of the micronuclei and nuclear anomalies were 14.03 and 21.30 respectively. There was a significant association and strong positive correlation of Radiation exposure and grades of squamous cell carcinoma with micronuclei and nuclear anomalies. There was no statistically significant association and correlation between nuclear anomalies in well differentiated and moderately differentiated carcinomas.

CONCLUSION

With increase number of radiation therapy sittings, there was increase in number of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies. Hence the result of this study highlights that increased number of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies provides information regarding radiosensitivity of epithelial cells.

Super-resolution structure of DNA significantly differs in buccal cells of controls and Alzheimer's patients

The advent of super-resolution microscopy allowed for new insights into cellular and physiological processes of normal and diseased cells. In this study, we report for the first time on the super-resolved DNA structure of buccal cells from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) versus age- and gender-matched healthy, non-caregiver controls. In this super-resolution study cohort of 74 participants, buccal cells were collected and their spatial DNA organization in the nucleus examined by 3D Structured Illumination Microscopy (3D-SIM). Quantitation of the super-resolution DNA structure revealed that the nuclear super-resolution DNA structure of individuals with AD significantly differs from that of their controls (p < 0.05) with an overall increase in the measured DNA-free/poor spaces. This represents a significant increase in the interchromatin compartment. We also find that the DNA structure of AD significantly differs in mild, moderate, and severe disease with respect to the DNA-containing and DNA-free/poor spaces. We conclude that whole genome remodeling is a feature of buccal cells in AD.

[INFLUENCE OF AGGRESSION AND RELATED PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ATHLETES IN THE FREQUENCY OF NUCLEAR VIOLATIONS IN EXFOLIATED CELLS OF THE ORAL CAVITY]

The frequency of cells with abnormal nuclear morphology (micronuclei, perinuclear vacuo-les, notches, protrusions, such as «tongue» and «broken egg») in the buccal epithelium of wrestlers on different days of the competition period was identified. The largest number of violations observed on the 3rd day after the competition. It was conducted psychological testing of athletes and it was determined 16 psychological characteristics associated with the aggressiveness of athletes. It was revealed the effect of psychoemotional state on the cytogenetic apparatus athletes. It was found associations of the dynamics of reactive anxiety athletes and frequency of nuclear aber- 327 rations. The hypothetical scheme of influence human aggression and related psychological characteristics of its genetic apparatus by neurohumoral system was constructed.

Cell Adhesion to Acrylic Custom Provisional Abutment Placed on an Immediate Implant: A Case Report

This article presents the results of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the surface of an acrylic custom provisional abutment following first disconnection from a post-extraction immediate implant placement. An implant was placed immediately after extraction, the site was grafted, and a barrier membrane was adapted for graft containment. A custom acrylic shell was then relined, polished, and steam-cleaned prior to being screwed onto the implant. After 5 months of undisturbed healing, the custom provisional abutment was disconnected for the first time and processed for SEM examination. The surface of the custom acrylic abutment revealed well-spread fibroblast-like cells with filopodia inserting into the porous surface. These observations suggest that the surface topography of the acrylic provisional restoration/ abutment can function as a substratum for cellular adhesion and may serve an important role in supporting peri-implant mucosa at the time of immediate implant placement.

Identification of AgNORs and cytopathological changes in oral lichen planus lesions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate cytopathological changes in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) compared with patients without OLP.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Swabs were collected from the oral mucosa of 20 patients with OLP (case group) and 20 patients without OLP (control group) using liquid-based cytology. After Papanicolaou staining, the smears were characterized based on Papanicolaou classification and degree of maturation. Nuclear area (NA) measurements, cytoplasmic area (CA) measurements, and the NA/CA ratio were determined from 50 epithelial cells per slide. For quantification of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs), the smears were stained with silver nitrate, and the number of AgNORs was counted in 100 cells.

RESULTS

In both groups, there was a predominance of Papanicolaou Class I nucleated cells in the superficial layer. The average values of NA (p>0.05) and CA (p=0.000) were greater in the case group (NA=521.6, CA=22,750.3) compared with the control group (NA=518.9, CA=18,348.0). The NA/CA ratio was 0.025 for the case group and 0.031 for the control group (p=0.004). There was no significant difference between the mean AgNORs values of both groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The oral mucosa of patients with OLP exhibited significant cytomorphometric changes. However, there was no evidence of malignancy.

IMPACT OF SMOKING HABITS ON THE STATE OF CHROMATIN AND MORPHOLOGY OF BUCCAL EPITHELIAL CELLS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

The cells of buccal epithelium were investigated in groups of smoking and non-smoking students. Cell samples were collected by scraping with blunt sterile spatula, stained with orcein and photographed. The smoking of cigarettes and hookah induces significant decrease in nuclear and cell perimeter and cell area in cells of buccal epithelium. Smoking of hookah induces, besides, the heterochromatization in cell nuclei and the decrease of nuclear area. The data obtained indicate stress reaction in cells (heterochromatinization) and apoptosis-related changes in cells (decrease of nuclear and cell perimeter and cell area). These data show unfavorable effects of smoking cigarettes and even more harmful effect of hookah smoking.

Ex vivo and in vivo modulatory effects of umbilical cord Wharton's jelly stem cells on human oral mucosa stroma substitutes

Novel oral mucosa substitutes have been developed in the laboratory using human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly stem cells -HWJSC- as an alternative cell source. In the present work, we have generated human oral mucosa substitutes with oral mucosa keratinocytes and HWJSC to determine the influence of these cell sources on stromal differentiation. First, acellular and cellular stroma substitutes and bilayered oral mucosa substitutes with an epithelial layer consisting of oral mucosa keratinocytes -OM samples- or HWJSC -hOM- were generated. Then, tissues were analyzed by light and electron microscopy, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry to quantify all major extracellular matrix components after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of ex vivo development, and OM and hOM were also analyzed after in vivo grafting. The results showed that bioengineered oral mucosa stromas displayed an adequate fibrillar mesh. Synthesis of abundant collagen fibers was detected in OM and hOM after 3 weeks, and in vivo grafting resulted in an increased collagen synthesis. No elastic or reticular fibers were found. Glycoprotein synthesis was found at the epithelial-stromal layer when samples were grafted in vivo. Finally, proteoglycans, decorin, versican and aggrecan were strongly dependent on the in vivo environment and the presence of a well-structured epithelium on top. The use of HWJSC was associated to an increased synthesis of versican. These results confirm the usefulness of fibrin-agarose biomaterials for the generation of an efficient human oral mucosa stroma substitute and the importance of the in vivo environment and the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction for the adequate differentiation of the bioengineered stroma.

Ultra structural study of the rat cheek epithelium treated with Neem extract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of neem extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) on the ultrastructure of the rat oral epithelium, because neem extract has been added in the tooth paste as an anti-plaque-forming substance in Asian countries. The non-toxic dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight of Neem extract (NBE) was applied daily to the surface of buccal epithelium for four weeks and controls did not receive Neem extract. After four weeks cheek epithelial tissues were excised and processed for light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Light microscopy did not show significant differences between NBE-treated and control epithelium. Difference between control and treated rats weight was non-significant. Moreover, time period was also non-significant. Irregular cell surfaces were noticed when compared to control specimens when examined by scanning electron microscopy. Under transmission electron microscopy, wider intercellular spaces were observed in the treated epithelial spinous cellular layers when compared to control. Further, more keratohyalin granules were present in experimental granular cells. It was concluded that present study showed differences between Neem-treated and control in epithelial tissues but these structural differences may not be related to adverse side effects of the Neem extract.

Graphite oral tattoo: case report

Pigmented oral lesions compose a large number of pathological entities, including exogenous pigmentat oral tattoos, such as amalgam and graphite tattoos. We report a rare case of a graphite tattoo on the palate of a 62-year-old patient with a history of pencil injury, compare it with amalgam tattoos, and determine the prevalence of oral tattoos in our Oral Pathology Service. We also compare the clinical and histological findings of grafite and amalgam tattoos. Oral tattoos affect women more frequently in the region of the alveolar ridge. Graphite tattoos occur in younger patients when compared with the amalgam type. Histologically, amalgam lesions represent impregnation of the reticular fibers of vessels and nerves with silver, whereas in cases of graphite tattoos, this impregnation is not observed, but it is common to observe a granulomatous inflammatory response, less evident in cases of amalgam tattoos. Both types of lesions require no treatment, but in some cases a biopsy may be done to rule out melanocytic lesions.

Interactions between nano-TiO2 and the oral cavity: impact of nanomaterial surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are available in a variety of oral applications, such as food additives and cosmetic products. Thus, questions about their potential impact on the oro-gastrointestinal route rise. The oral cavity represents the first portal of entry and is known to rapidly interact with nanoparticles. Surface charge and size contribute actively to the particle-cell interactions, but the influence of surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity has never been shown before. This study addresses the biological impact of hydrophilic (NM 103, rutile, 20 nm) and hydrophobic (NM 104, rutile, 20 nm) TiO2 particles within the buccal mucosa. Particle characterization was addressed with dynamic light scattering and laser diffraction. Despite a high agglomeration tendency, 10% of the particles/agglomerates were present in the nanosized range and penetrated into the mucosa, independent of the surface properties. However, significant differences were observed in intracellular particle localization. NM 104 particles were found freely distributed in the cytoplasm, whereas their hydrophobic counterparts were engulfed in vesicular structures. Although cell viability/membrane integrity was not affected negatively, screening assays demonstrated that NM 104 particles showed a higher potential to decrease the physiological mitochondrial membrane potential than NM 103, resulting in a pronounced generation of reactive oxygen species.

Actinomycotic sinus of the buccal mucosa: a rare complication of cheek dimple creation

Even though actinomyces are common oral commensals, actinomycosis is an uncommon oral infection. Cheek dimple creation is a common surgical procedure with rare complications. Bacterial infection with abscess formation and foreign body reaction were reported. We report a rare example-and, to our knowledge, the first-of oral actinomycosis after cheek dimple creation. A young woman complained of a chronic tender nodule of the right buccal mucosa with pus discharge after surgery for cheek dimple creation. Histologic examination showed a sinus tract with actinomyces microorganisms. This complication can be mimicked by other oral or dental sinus-forming lesions, can be chronic and insidious, and could therefore clinically be missed or mistreated. This might delay the diagnosis and cause scarring and disfigurement. The treatment of choice is early recognition and complete surgical excision to avoid irreversible complications and prevent recurrence. Awareness of this potential complication by aesthetic surgeons, oral clinicians, and dentists is important. Patients' adherence to preventive measures and plastic surgeons' application of inclusion criteria and contraindications, as well as their choice of best technique per patient, should help minimize such a problem in a simple and safe aesthetic procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5:

Neuropeptide analysis of oral mucosa in diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence indicates that different neuropeptide-containing nerve elements are involved in the immune system and influence the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological localization and distribution of the different immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibers and immunocompetent cells in the oral mucosa (e.g. tongue, gingiva) and compare the results with data received from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The different nerve elements and immunocytes were detected by ABC immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The IR nerve fibers were found in the tunica propria of oral mucosa with different densities. These IR nerve fibers were mainly located beneath the epithelial lining, around the blood vessels and glands, and some of them were also located in the taste buds. After 2 weeks of STZ treatment the total number of IR nerve fibers, especially the SP and neuropeptide Y (NPY) IR ones, was significantly increased (p < 0.05), as was also the number of immunocytes (lymphocytes, plasma cells, mast cells). Some of these cells also showed immunoreactivity for substance P (SP) and NPY. In several cases the SP IR nerve fibers were found in close proximity to the immunocytes. Electron microscopic investigation also revealed the close association between the IR nerve fibers and immunocompetent cells where the gap was 1 µm or even less.

CONCLUSIONS

The close anatomical associations suggest communication between nerve fibers and immune cells which can be crucial for maintaining mucosal homeostasis and for ensuring an appropriate response to injury.

[Fundamentals and principles of grafts and flaps]

Reconstructive surgery of large urethral stenosis and the management of congenital anomalies such as hypospadias and epispadias require covering large cutaneous and mucosal defects with different techniques. The objective of this work is to define the main differences between tissues to be transferred and to study the principles that must govern the management of the various flaps and grafts used for these techniques. We analyze the anatomical and physiological features that may be key to understand the success and possible failures of these procedures, and we review technical details that must accompany in every case, not only during the operation, but also during the preoperative and postoperative period. We conclude stating that grafts (mainly oral and preputial mucosa) and flaps are increasingly used for the repair of urethral stenosis. Grafts must be prepared adequately in the back table and thinned to the maximum, and also be fixed properly, to guarantee their immobility until neovascularization is assured.

Wharton's jelly stem cells: a novel cell source for oral mucosa and skin epithelia regeneration

Perinatal stem cells such as human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly stem cells (HWJSCs) are excellent candidates for tissue engineering because of their proliferation and differentiation capabilities. However, their differentiation potential into epithelial cells at in vitro and in vivo levels has not yet been reported. In this work we have studied the capability of HWJSCs to differentiate in vitro and in vivo to oral mucosa and skin epithelial cells using a bioactive three-dimensional model that mimics the native epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. To achieve this, primary cell cultures of HWJSCs, oral mucosa, and skin fibroblasts were obtained in order to generate a three-dimensional heterotypical model of artificial oral mucosa and skin based on fibrin-agarose biomaterials. Our results showed that the cells were unable to fully differentiate to epithelial cells in vitro. Nevertheless, in vivo grafting of the bioactive three-dimensional models demonstrated that HWJSCs were able to stratify and to express typical markers of epithelial differentiation, such as cytokeratins 1, 4, 8, and 13, plakoglobin, filaggrin, and involucrin, showing specific surface patterns. Electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of epithelial cell-like layers and well-formed cell-cell junctions. These results suggest that HWJSCs have the potential to differentiate to oral mucosa and skin epithelial cells in vivo and could be an appropriate novel cell source for the development of human oral mucosa and skin in tissue engineering protocols.

Adapting the buccal micronucleus cytome assay for use in wild birds: age and sex affect background frequency in pigeons

Micronucleus (MN) formation has been used extensively as a biomarker of damage from genotoxic exposures. The Buccal MN Cytome (BMCyt) assay provides a noninvasive means of quantifying MN frequency in humans, but it has not been developed for use in wildlife. We adapted the BMCyt assay for use in wild birds, with a focus on feral pigeons (Columba livia) as a potential indicator species. Five of six urban bird species sampled using oral cavity swabs produced sufficient buccal cells for the BMCyt assay. The body size of species sampled ranged almost 100-fold (~60 to 5,000 g), but was a not major factor influencing the number of buccal cells collected. Pigeon cells were stained and scored following published BMCyt assay protocols for humans, but with a modified fixation approach using heat and methanol. Pigeons had the same common nuclear abnormalities reported in human studies, and a similar background MN formation frequency of 0.88 MN/1,000 cells. Adult pigeons had on average a threefold higher rate of MN formation than juveniles, and males had a 1.4- to 2.2-fold higher frequency than females. Domestic and feral pigeons did not differ in overall MN frequency. Our results indicate that the BMCyt assay can be used on wild birds, and could provide a means of assessing environmental genotoxicity in pigeons, a useful indicator species. However, bird age and sex are important factors affecting background MN frequency, and thereby the design of environmental studies.

Analysis of oral mucosa of users of crack through micronucleus technique

BACKGROUND

The high consumption of crack has become a serious public health problem. The properties of this drug as well as the effects caused in the body have been approached in different research studies. However, there is no knowledge about the carcinogen level this substance can cause to the user. The presence of micronuclei as biomarkers of genotoxic action reflects the degree of cellular exposure to carcinogens. Considering this fact, the following research aimed to assess the frequency of micronuclei in the oral mucosa of those chemically dependent on crack.

METHODS

The sample consisted of buccal mucosa cells from 10 controls, non-smokers, and non-users of drugs and 10 individuals chemically dependent on crack admitted to a hospital. For cell staining, Feulgen technique was applied.

RESULTS

Of the 1000 cells analyzed for each sample, the exposed group had an average of 4.3 micronuclei, presenting significant difference (p < 0.01) when compared with the control group, which averaged 0.1 micronuclei. Regarding pictotic cells, the exposed group is also significantly different from the control group (p < 0.01). The karyorrhexis is the nuclear change with the greatest difference between the two groups. It has an average of 347.9 cells undergoing apoptosis for the exposed group, while the control group presented 34.4 cells, obtaining a significant difference, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

The results assessed by micronucleus technique suggested that crack together with other factors associated with the drug might be linked to an increased incidence of micronuclei.

Scanning electron microscopic study of surface epithelial cells in erosive and nonerosive oral lichen planus

AIM

Aim of the study is to study the surface epithelial cells of erosive, nonerosive lichen planus by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and to correlate it with that of normal mucosa and oral leukoplakia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty biopsies of lichen planus and five biopsies of normal mucosa were taken. Half piece of each biopsy was processed for H&E stain and another half for SEM study.

RESULT

Surface epithelial cells were showing different features.

CONCLUSION

Definite different features were seen in lichen planus-leukoplakia group than in normal oral mucosa. These changes are due to abnormality in cell maturation and differentiation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

SEM study is helpful in early detection of dysplasia. It can lead to early treatment of the lesion and thus prevention of squamous cell carcinoma.

[Reaction of gingival mucosa on the biodegradated film under chronic periodontitis treatment: morpho-functional correlation]

Purpose - to study the morphological justification of biopolymer film on the gingival mucosa in chronic periodontitis. The samples of gingival mucosa from 42 patients with moderate degree of chronic periodontitis in the acute stage were researched. We determined the specific stomatologic indices of oral cavity and periodontal pocket depth. Treatment started with application to the gingiva biopolymer film with different ingredients (antibiotics etc.). Morphology and ultrastructure of epithelial component was investigated after 24 hours, 7 days and 3 months. Clinical indicators were estimated in the dynamics (24, 48 hours, 7-10 days, 3 months). Based on histo-ultrastructural data of strutified squamous epithelium and stomatologic indices of the oral cavity, we can conclude that the use of biodegradable polymer film leads to the regression of the process, reducing periodontal pocket depth, repair germinal and upper layers of epithelium, and in general, activates the reparative and regenerative processes in the gingival mucosa.

[Cytogenetic disorders in the oral mucosa epitheliocytes of children and adolescents living in the areas with different degrees of environmental chemical pollution]

The frequency of micronuclei (MN) in the oral mucosal epitheliocytes, the health status, the environment, and living, upbringing, and education conditions were studied in 5-6-year-old children and 15-16-year-old adolescents living in Saint Petersburg.

OBJECTIVE

to identify cytogenetic disorders in the somatic cells of the buccal epithelium in the children and adolescents residing in the areas with different degrees of toxic ambient air and soil pollution.

METHODS

hygienic, sociological, mathematical-and-statistical, and cytogenetic (micronucleus test) studies. The method for studying the frequency of micronuclei in the buccal epithelial cells was used for the first time in the population-based studies to evaluate the cytogenetic effect of different levels of chemical ambient air and soil pollution. The genetic disorders have been identified in the somatic cells as the increased count of micronuclei-containing epitheliocytes, which characterize the adverse effect of the high content of toxicants in the air ground layer and soil, as well as a higher sensitivity to unfavorable exogenous factors in 5-6-year-old children, girls in particular.