Micronucleus Test in Exfoliated Buccal Cells of Barbecue Grillers in Marawi City, Philippines

Abstract

Exposure to fumes when grilling meat predisposes human to a significant level of cancer-causing compounds called PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. The DNA damaging capacity of PAHs can be rapidly and inexpensively evaluated by measuring and counting the micronuclei in various cells. In this study, the frequency of micronucleation (MN) in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells of thirty (N=30) barbecue grillers (exposed group) in Marawi City was compared with thirty (N=30) office workers and students of Mindanao State University (control). A total of 1000 buccal epithelial cells per individual were scored for MN frequency. Results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the MN frequency of barbecue grillers (18.97±3.77) compared with the control (12.6±3.58). In addition, possible effect of the established confounders which include smoking, drinking habits, age, gender and number of years of exposure to PAHs on the frequency of micronucleation was further analysed. Confounding factors that could have caused higher MN frequency in the exposed group are age (ρ=0.000) and length of exposure to grilling fumes (P=0.002). The current study confirms that chronic exposure to grilling fumes increases micronucleation, hence the necessity of biological monitoring and appropriate health interventions.