Comparison between micronuclei and AgNORs in assessing the short-term genotoxic effects of panoramic radiography on oral mucosa: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Context: Accumulated evidence suggests that X-radiations can induce genotoxic effects and are not safe at any particular radiation dose level. Various assays have been proposed as potential tools in cytogenetic biomonitoring studies, but they have limitations. Aims of the Study: To assess the genotoxic effects of panoramic radiography on oral mucosa by estimating micronuclei count (using acridine orange) and AgNORs (using silver stain) from cytological smear cells and to compare these two biomarkers. Material and Methods: 100 subjects who underwent panoramic radiography for dental treatment with pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria formed the sample for this cross-sectional study. Two smears were prepared using a cytobrush from the buccal mucosa wet fixed using 95% ethyl alcohol. After 10 days and 40 days, the subjects were recalled for a similar repetition of smear preparations from the same site. Before all the procedures, ethical approval was obtained from the institute's ethical committee where the study was conducted, and written informed consent was taken from all the patients before they participated in the study. Statistical Analysis: The results obtained were further assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post Hoc Tukey's HSD for inter and intra observational comparisons. Results: Radiation exposure from panoramic radiography showed a statistically significant increase in micronuclei. However, the AgNOR count remained unchanged after radiation exposure. Conclusion: MN count is better for detecting the short-term genotoxic effect of panoramic radiation exposure on buccal mucosal cells than AgNORs.