Role of micronucleus in oral exfoliative cytology

Genotoxicity in the oral cells of older people from a Brazilian rural area: a population-based study

The purpose of this population-based, observational, and cross-sectional study was to evaluate alterations in the oral cells of a population of older people from a Brazilian rural area, using the micronucleus technique to investigate possible associated genotoxic factors. A questionnaire was applied and clinical examination and collection of oral mucosal cells were performed for all older people (≥ 60 years) from a town in southern Brazil. Demographic and socioeconomic variables, deleterious habits (drinking and tobacco use), presence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were considered the exposure variables, whereas metanuclear changes (MCs) and the prevalence of cell micronuclei (MN) were considered outcomes. Out of 489 older people, 447 were included in the study, among whom 50.8% were men with a mean age of 70.9 years and 83.9% had a monthly family income greater than US$ 500.00. GERD symptoms were present in 36.2% of the individuals, and 29.1% used PPIs daily, 53.3% consumed alcoholic beverages, and 46.7% used tobacco. The analysis of 1,000 oral mucosal cells per subject showed a MN frequency of 0-2 per individual, and MCs were detected with an average of 15 units per individual (median = 11 per individual). Poisson regression did not show statistical association between the exposure variables and the outcomes (presence of MN and MCs), except for the use of PPIs, which was a protective factor for the prevalence of MN [PR 0.6 (CI 0.3-0,9)]. Age, sex, family income, tobacco use and drinking, and GERD were not associated with the number of MN and MCs in oral mucosal cells of the investigated older people.

Cytomorphometric Analysis of Oral Buccal Mucosa of Dental Colleges' Students in Sulaimani City

This study evaluates the cytomorphometric measures of cells obtained from the buccal mucosa of dental students to assess the fluctuation of the cellular characteristics among relatively normal subjects, with any potential correlations with demographic information, different habits, and hormonal disturbance. This prospective study included 100 dental students with no detectable oral alterations submitted to brush cytology. The smears were fixed with 95% ethyl alcohol and stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. The stained section was observed under an image analyzer for cytomorphometric analysis. Cytopathological observations were recorded, including inflammation, microbial colonies, micronuclei, keratinization, overlapping, and hemorrhage. Chi-square tests were applied for non-parametric variables. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the cytometric parameters to habits and hormonal disturbances. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed close proximity among subjects in the matter of cytomorphometric measures; no significant influence of sex, smoking, alcohol drinking habits, and menstruation was found on cytomorphometric diameters or cytopathological observation, and vice versa, while polycystic ovary syndrome impacted nuclear and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (p = 0.003, p = 0.02), respectively. Oral exfoliative cytology combined with cytomorphometric analysis for the studied normal individuals can be helpful in various investigations of oral and systemic diseases.

Mean Micronuclei Score in Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Patients with Malignant Breast Lump in the Department of Pathology in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction

Micronucleus is used as a biomarker of chromosomal instability, which is one of the hallmarks of neoplastic transformation. As micronuclei score increases with malignancy, it can be an effective and inexpensive adjunct to breast fine needle aspiration cytology, in diagnosing breast lumps, especially detecting grey lesions between benign and malignant tumours. The aim of this study is to find out the mean micronuclei score in fine-needle aspiration cytology of patients with malignant breast lumps in the Department of Pathology in a tertiary care centre.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with malignant breast lumps in the Department of Pathology in a tertiary care centre between 1 May 2020 to 31 May 2021 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC/2139/021). The fine-needle aspiration cytology of breast lumps was diagnosed as per National Health services breast screening program guidelines. The mean micronuclei score was calculated. Convenience sampling was done and data were collected from the hospital records in the Department. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated.

Results

Among 20 malignant breast aspirates, the mean micronuclei score was found to be 8.30±3.75 (3-19, 95% Confidence Interval).

Conclusions

The mean micronuclei score in fine-needle aspiration cytology of malignant breast lumps was found to be similar when compared to similar studies conducted in similar settings.

Keywords

biomarker; breast neoplasm; chromosomal instability; fine-needle aspiration.

Environmental Impacts of Coal Nanoparticles from Rehabilitated Mine Areas in Colombia

With the possible increase in mining activities and recently projected population growth in Colombia, large quantities of nanoparticles (NPs) and potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) will be of major concern to mine workers, indigenous residents, and surrounding communities. This study highlights the need to regulate the pollution from Colombian mining activities that comply with regional regulations and global strategies. Colombian coal rejects (CRs) from the Cesar Basin, Colombia, were studied primarily by advanced electron microscopic and analytical procedures. Therefore, the goal of this research is to evaluate the role of NPs in the alteration of CRs’ structure in a renewed zone at Cerrejón coal area (La Guajira, Colombia) through advanced electron microscopic (AEMs) methods. The objective of the analysis is to evaluate the incidence mode of nanoparticles, which contain potentially hazardous elements. The bulk crystallography (X-ray diffraction), chemical structure, and morphologies of NPs were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), micro-beam diffraction (MBD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) procedures. The AEMs provided comprehensive insights into the geochemical evolution of CRs. Consequently, the AEMs can be used as essential tools for CR management in coal mining areas. The regular dimension of detected NPs was found to be above 2 nm. Ultrafine particles of quartz were identified by the advanced electron microscopy. Furthermore, the findings also revealed aluminium, calcium, potassium, titanium, iron oxides, and PHEs in the CRs. The extensive water practice in the coal extraction process combined with atmospheric oxygen supports oxidations of iron sulphide, thus releasing PHEs to the surrounding environment. Dehydration of sulphate salts fluctuate at consistent humidity in the coal mine environments. The study demonstrates the great influence of coal mining activities on the environment and human health.

Biomonitoring of Genotoxic Effect in Children Exposed to Dental Radiographs during Pulpectomy Procedure—BMCyt Assay

Background

Radiography is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools used in comprehensive dental care. Radiation from dental radiographs was thought to cause cytogenetic changes and its plausible effects can remain for some hours, months, or generations especially in children.

Aims and objectives

To evaluate and compare the possible genotoxic effect of routinely used intraoral periapical radiographic exposure and radiovisiographic exposure in exfoliated epithelial cells as measured by the formation of micronuclei during single visit pulpectomy procedure using Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay in children.

Materials and methods

Study comprised 60 healthy children who has undergone either intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR; group 1, n = 30) or radiovisiography (RVG; group 2, n = 30) during various steps of single visit pulpectomy procedure. Cytological smears were taken from the buccal mucosa immediately before the X-ray exposure and 10 ± 2 days after exposure. The cells were stained with Feulgen and evaluated for micronuclei by scoring 1,000 cells per sample.

Results

The genotoxic effect of radiation exposure from intraoral periapical radiography higher than that of RVG showing significant increase in micronucleus (MN) formation.

Conclusion

The X-ray radiation emitted during IOPAR or RVG does induce genotoxic changes in the form of increased frequency of micronuclei. So, great care and standard protocol should be followed to advice radiographs if necessary and reduce the cumulated biological effects of radiation exposure.

Keynote

Taking into account the strong evidence of a relationship between DNA damage and carcinogenesis and the extensive application of intraoral radiographs in pediatric dentistry, it would be useful to know to what extent these dental X-rays cause genotoxic effects resulting in DNA damage on oral mucosa.

How to cite this article

Julu Y, Nagarathna C. Biomonitoring of Genotoxic Effect in Children Exposed to Dental Radiographs during Pulpectomy Procedure—BMCyt Assay. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-1):S63-S70.

Early Diagnosis of Oral Mucosal Alterations in Smokers and E-Cigarette Users Based on Micronuclei Count: A Cross-Sectional Study among Dental Students

The presence of micronuclei in oral epithelial cells is considered a marker of genotoxicity, which can be identified using exfoliative cytology. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxic damage through the evaluation of micronuclei in the oral mucosa of smokers and e-cigarette users compared to nonsmokers. We obtained smears from the buccal mucosa of 68 participants divided in 3 groups (smokers, e-cigarette users and nonsmokers), which were further processed with Papanicolaou stain. The frequencies of micronuclei and micronucleated cells were recorded and statistically analyzed at a level of significance of p < 0.05. The mean micronuclei values per 1000 cells were 3.6 ± 1.08 for smokers, 3.21 ± 1.12 for e-cigarette users and 1.95 ± 1.05 for nonsmokers. The mean values of micronucleated cells per 1000 cells were 2.48 ± 0.91 for smokers, 2.39 ± 1.07 for e-cigarette users and 1.4 ± 0.68 for nonsmokers. Smokers and e-cigarette users had significantly higher values of micronuclei and micronucleated cells compared to nonsmokers, but there were no significant differences between smokers and e-cigarette users. We concluded that the micronuclei count can be used as an early indicator for alterations of oral mucosa and exfoliative cytology represents an accessible tool which could be applied for mass screening.

Clinical utility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in dentistry

This fuller impact of the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy within dentistry is taking greater notice with newer research findings. There are new advancements in research regarding postradiotherapy cases, osteonecrosis of the jaw, osteomyelitis, periodontal disease, and dental implants. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can even be used in conjunction with other procedures such as bone grafting. Although the research and clinical utility has come a long way, there are several complications to be mindful of during the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

In vivo assessment of genotoxicity in buccal cells of children undergoing tooth restoration

OBJECTIVES

Whereas dental materials came in direct or close contact with oral tissue, it is a great concern about the biocompatibility of those materials. This study was performed to evaluate possible DNA damage to buccal cells exposed to dental materials.

METHODS

This prospective, longitudinal clinical study was conducted over a three months period. Class II restorations were placed in 60 young patients with no previous filling using one of three tested dental materials (two glass ionomers; Ketac Molar and Ionofil Molar and one compomer material; Twinky Star). DNA damage was analysed by micronucleus assays, in buccal exfoliated epithelial cells.

RESULTS

In patients treated with Ketac Molar, a significant frequency of micronuclei (p = 0.027) and binucleated cells in samples taken 30 days following restoration (p = 0.029) was confirmed. In patients treated with Twinky Star, a statistically significant increase in the number of binucleated cells in samples taken after 7 and 30 days following restoration (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) was observed. In all samples collected 90 days after treatment, there was no statistical difference in the number of any cell changes.

CONCLUSION

In this study long-term biocompatibility of tested materials was confirmed. Glass ionomers and compomers are widely used materials in paediatric dentistry, and this study has proved their safety for usage in children.

Progress in Drug and Formulation Development for the Chemoprevention of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a life-threatening global problem with high incidence rates. Prioritizing the prevention of cancer, chemopreventive agents have drawn much attention from the researchers.

OBJECTIVE

This review focuses on the discussion of the progress in the development of chemopreventive agents and formulations related to the prevention of oral cancer.

METHODS

In this perspective, an extensive literature survey was carried out to understand the mechanism, control and chemoprevention of oral cancer. Different patented agents and formulations have also exhibited cancer preventive efficacy in experimental studies. This review summarizes the etiology of oral cancer and developments in prevention strategies.

RESULTS

The growth of oral cancer is a multistep activity necessitating the accumulation of genetic as well as epigenetic alterations in key regulatory genes. Many risk factors are associated with oral cancer. Genomic technique for sequencing all tumor specimens has been made available to help detect mutations. The recent development of molecular pathway and genetic tools has made the process of diagnosis easier, better forecast and efficient therapeutic management. Different chemical agents have been studied for their efficacy to prevent oral cancer and some of them have shown promising results.

CONCLUSION

Use of chemopreventive agents, either synthetic or natural origin, to prevent carcinogenesis is a worthy concept in the management of cancers. Preventive measures are helpful in controlling the occurrence or severity of the disease. The demonstrated results of preventive agents have opened an arena for the development of promising chemopreventive agents in the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The Micronuclei Scoring as a Biomarker for Early Detection of Genotoxic Effect of Cigarette Smoking

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the micronuclei scoring as a biomarker for early detection and screening of genotoxic effect of cigarette smoking in the peripheral blood T- lymphocytes.

METHODS

A total number of eligible 148 individuals have participated in the study; 78 Current smokers and 70 never smokers. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was performed for all the participants in the peripheral blood T-lymphocytes. Assessment of the smoking status of the participants was conducted through the detailed smoking history, Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) scoring, and determination of the urinary cotinine creatinine ratio (CCR).

RESULT

A significantly higher frequency of  micronuclei  in the binucleated T-lymphocytes(BMNi) was identified in the smokers group as compared to the nonsmokers; OR=4.9, 95% CI=1.9-12.5), P-value=0.006. Both of the pack years and the smoking duration of the smokers could significantly predict the BMNi scoring; P-value=0.001, 0.002 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate the association between BMNi and cigarette smoking, suggesting that BMNi Scoring can be a useful biomarker for early detection and screening of the genotoxic effect of cigarette smoking as a primary preventive measure for various smoking induced cancers.
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In vivo evaluation of fluoride and sodium lauryl sulphate in toothpaste on buccal epithelial cells toxicity

OBJECTIVES

The present study addresses the effect of fluoride and sodium lauryl sulphate content of toothpaste on oral epithelial cells in vivo conditions.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD

Forty volunteers were assigned into two experimental groups, each of them applying the different brand of toothpaste. Every group has been using three different types of toothpaste (non-fluoride and non-SLS, fluoride and non-SLS, and the fluoride and SLS) of the same brand for 6 months, each for 2 months. The buccal epithelial cells were sampled at baseline and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days after the beginning of the research. Effect on DNA damage was analyzed by micronucleus assay Results: After 60 days of use, for both tested kinds of toothpaste with fluoride and without SLS, all studied parameters were not significantly different from the results obtained at the time when the participants used a non-fluoride toothpaste. While, after 60 days of use, for one kind of toothpaste with SLS and fluoride, was observed significantly higher incidence of pyknotic cells (2.20 ± 0.95, 0.00 ± 0.00 vs. 0.05 ± 0.22, respectively; p = .001), cells with karyorrhexis (2.35 ± 1.14, 0.85 ± 0.93 vs. 0.40 ± 0.68, respectively; p = .001), and nuclear buds (1.35 ± 0.68, 0.45 ± 0.51 vs. 0.45 ± 0.60, respectively; p = .001), compared to toothpastes of the same brand with fluoride and without SLS, and without fluoride and without SLS, for the same period.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, can be concluded that there is no fluorine-dependent cytotoxic or genotoxic effect, while SLS dentifrice increases the number of nuclear morphological changes in buccal epithelial cells.

Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate possible DNA damages to oral epithelial cells exposed to whitening kinds of toothpaste considering the effect of conventional non-whitening toothpaste.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty volunteers were assigned into three experimental groups, each of them using a different regular toothpaste for the initial 2 months, followed by the use of whitening kind of toothpaste of the same brand for next 2 months. The oral epithelial cells were sampled prior and 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after the beginning of the use of tested kinds of toothpaste. Chromosomal damages were analyzed by micronucleus assay.

RESULTS

For just one kind of tested whitening toothpaste was observed the significant increase in the number of micronucleated cells after 60 days of use compared values obtained 60 days of usage of conventional non-whitening toothpaste (6.35 ± 3.67 and 2.8 ± 1.91; p < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in other micronucleus assay endpoints between tested types of toothpaste at either of the sampling times during the period of toothpaste application.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, it can be concluded that the use of certain whitening kinds of toothpaste may cause a limited biologically insignificant genotoxic effect on buccal epithelial cells.

Evaluation of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in buccal mucosa cells of welders in the cities of Cubatão and Santos, state of São Paulo, Brazil

Background

Approximately 5 million workers are estimated to be occupationally exposed to welding fumes worldwide. Nickel and chromium are genotoxic metals found in welding fumes, therefore welders are exposed to these metals at the workplace.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to investigate the frequency of cytotoxic and genetic damage in cells harvested from the oral mucosa of welders and also from a group of workers not exposed to metallic fumes.

Methods

A total of 44 individuals, divided into 2 groups - welders and non-welders - were compared using the micronucleus assay technique and cell death (pyknosis, karyorrhexis and karyolysis) on buccal mucosa cells of welding workers. The examined cells were stained with Feulgen/Fast Green. Results: Welders exhibited higher frequency (p<0.05) of cytotoxicity than the group of volunteers not exposed to metallic fumes.

Conclusion

The results of this preliminary study suggest that the frequency of cytotoxic damage in buccal mucosa cells might be higher among welders compared to non-welders.

Cytomorphological Study of Oral Exfoliated Cells in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine metabolic disorders and its prevalence has been increasing worldwide. It is a third leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Diabetes affects several organs including the oral cavity. The oral complications of uncontrolled DM can include xerostomia, infection, poor healing, increased incidence and severity of caries, candidiasis, gingivitis, periodontal disease, periapical abscesses, and burning mouth syndrome. Early diagnosis of the DM is an important aspect of health care. Exfoliative cytology is considered a moderate, straightforward, and noninvasive diagnostic marker for DM. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate cytologic changes of the exfoliated oral mucosal cells of diabetic patients using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique to establish its role as diagnostic criteria.

Results

The frequency of micronuclei, enlarged nucleus, perinuclear halo, binucleation, cytoplasmic streaks, Candida, and inflammation were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

Clinical observations and results suggested morphologic and functional alterations in oral epithelial cells in diabetic patients, detectable by microscopic and cytomorphometric analysis using exfoliative cytology and can be used in diagnosis.

Clinical significance

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate cytologic changes of the exfoliated oral mucosal cells of diabetic patients using H&E staining technique to establish its role as diagnostic criteria.

How to cite this article

Srinivasan S, Priya NS, Rao K, Umadevi HS, Smitha T, Sheethal HS. Cytomorphological Study of Oral Exfoliated Cells in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients. J Health Sci Res 2017;8(1):38-41.