Genotoxic damage in Maras powder consumers from Kahramanmaras province of Turkey

Abstract

In the present study, chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and micronucleus (MN) levels in the lymphocytes from 60 male individuals consisting of 40 habitues of Maras powder (a kind of smokeless tobacco) and 20 unexposed subjects were determined to investigate the possible inducing effect of Maras powder. The consumers of Maras powder had no exposure to any other known mutagens or toxicants. The mean exposure period to Maras powder was 12.25 + 0.93 years (range 3-22). Data obtained from microscopic examination of the slides was analyzed by SPSS (10.0) package programme. Mean frequency of CA and MN was found to be significantly higher in Maras powder consumers as compared to controls. Similarly, there was a significant elevation in the level of aberrant cells (Ab.Cells) with CAs and binucleated cells with MN (BNMN) in habitues. Spearman's rho correlation analysis indicated a significant increase in the frequency of CA and MN with increase in both age and years of exposure in consumers. Our finding of a significant elevation of CA and MN frequencies in peripheral lymphocytes from smokeless tobacco consumers demonstrated a potential cytogenetic hazard associated with Maras powder exposure.