Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions Research Articles

Ribosomal DNA transcription is increased in the left nucleus accumbens of heroin-dependent males.

Opioid addiction is a worldwide problem accentuated in the USA and European countries by the COVID-19 pandemic. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays an outstanding neurobiological role in opioid addiction as a part of the striatum and key component of brain reward system. The striatal GABAergic medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs) are the main neuronal type in the NAc where addiction-specific synaptic plasticity occurs. The activity of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription is crucial for neural plasticity and molecular studies suggest its increase in the NAc of heroin addicts. Silver-stained argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) areas visualised in neuronal nuclei in paraffin-embedded brain sections are reliable morphological estimators of rDNA transcription and thus surrogate markers for the activity of brain regions. Our study revealed increased AgNOR areas in MSNs of the left NAc in 11 heroin addicts versus 11 healthy controls from the Magdeburg Brain Bank (U-test P = 0.007). No differences were observed in another investigated part of the striatum, namely the head of caudate nucleus, which is located closely to the NAc. The results were not confounded by significant differences in the age, brain volume and time of formalin fixation existing between compared groups. Our findings suggest an increased NAc activity in heroin addicts, which is consistent with human and animal experimental data.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00406-022-01423-7.

Adapted technique for demonstrating argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions in the cytologic samples of canine mast cell tumors.

Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) are nonhistone argyrophilic nucleolar proteins associated with ribosomal genes found in the nucleolar organizer region that reflect cell proliferation and have an affinity for silver. AgNOR staining may be useful to evaluate prognosis in several neoplasms because higher AgNOR counts are related to higher grade tumors, metastases, and shorter survival times. We aimed to report on a quick and practical technique to identify AgNORs adapted for use in routine cytology. The cytopathologic diagnosis of mast cell tumor (MCT) in samples collected by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was determined. Next, slides were impregnated with a solution containing silver nitrate; the main modification of our technique included incubation of these slides at a controlled temperature of 25 °C. Some slides were previously stained with Diff-Quik and others were only fixed with methanol. The slides were analyzed under a microscope, and the number of blackened intranuclear points (AgNORs) was counted. Slides prestained with Diff-Quik were easily counted compared with slides only fixed in methanol. Technical issues encountered with the methanol-fixed slides included insufficient cellularity, background precipitation, and an absence of silver impregnation. The technique reported in this study showed satisfactory results for AgNOR counting in cytologic smears from MCT, such as good impregnation and the elimination of background interferents. Further evaluation of this method comparing AgNOR counts with histologic examinations, tumor grades, other prognostic markers, and survival times are needed to fully evaluate the benefit of this technique.

Τhe Effect of Opioid Administration on Cytologic and Histopathologic Diagnosis of Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors Treated by Surgical Excision.

Mast cell tumor (MCT) is a frequent cutaneous tumor in dogs, with a variable biological behavior. Studies correlate cytologic and histopathologic features of MCTs with their biological behavior, prognosis, and response to treatment. The use of preoperative opioids is common in canine patients undergoing surgical removal of these tumors. Certain opioids can induce or downregulate mast cell degranulation and influence cancer progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the administration of morphine or butorphanol during surgical excision of canine cutaneous MCTs affects their cytologic and histopathologic appearance, thus influencing cytologic and histopathologic grading. This was a prospective, blinded, randomized, cohort clinical study. Forty-five dogs with cutaneous MCTs were randomly allocated into three groups according to preanaesthetic medication: dexmedetomidine combined with morphine (group M) or butorphanol (group B) or normal saline (group C). Cytologic specimens and histopathologic samples were obtained both prior to and after surgery. Samples were graded according to Kiupel’s and Patnaik’s systems, examined immunohistochemically for Ki-67 protein (Ki-67) and c-kit proto-oncogene product (KIT) expression, and histochemically for argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNORs). Based on both Kiupel’s and Patnaik’s systems, no statistically significant differences were noted concerning the number of cases with grading discrepancies in grades allocated prior to versus after surgery among the groups. The same applied for cytological grading and immunohistochemical and histochemical evaluation. It seems that administration of morphine or butorphanol as part of the preanesthetic medication for surgical removal of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors does not influence histopathologic and cytologic grading of MCTs.

“STUDY OF PROLIFERATIVE INDICES USING MITOTIC INDEX AND AGNOR AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH VARIOUS GRADES OF BREAST CARCINOMA”

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women. The objectives of this study were to compare the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) count and mitotic index with various histological grades of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast. Aim: To study the relationship of the proliferative indices and various grades of breast carcinoma. Objective: "Study of proliferative indices using mitotic index and Agnor and their correlation with various grades of breast carcinoma" Material and Method: In this prospective study all specimens of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of female breast belonging to all age groups received in the department of histopathology of Gajra Raja Medical College,Gwalior during the period of three years were graded using Bloom and Richardson score and correlated with proliferative indices mitotic index and AgNOR counts. Result: The mean Age (Years) was 46.16 ± 8.68.The mean B&R Score was 6.52 ± 1.20.The mean Mitotic Index was 8.51 ± 2.61.The mean AgNOR Count was 4.24 ± 2.34.There was significant correlation between AgNOR count,mitotic index and histological grades. Conclusion: AgNOR count and mitotic index can be used as reliable proliferative indices which correlate well with the histological grades and are cost effective too.

Analysis of Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions (AgNORs) in Acute Leukemia in Adults.

The evaluation of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) uses a simple method used in research into neoplasm. Bone marrow aspirates from 70 patients with acute leukemia underwent morphological, immunophenotypic, and genetic assessment and were stained with silver nitrate. In leukemic cells, the mean AgNORs number, mean AgNORs area, and mean AgNOR-area-to-nucleus-area ratio were calculated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and selected risk groups. A higher value of all measured AgNOR parameters was observed in patients with AML compared to the ALL group. In AML patients, a higher mean AgNOR area was found in the ELN3 cytogenetic group compared to the ELN2 cytogenetic group. A higher value of the mean AgNOR count was observed in patients with white blood cells (WBCs) > 12 × 109/L than in the group with WBCs ≤ 12 × 109/L, as well as in patients with >20% blasts in peripheral blood (PB) than in patients with ≤20% blasts in PB. In the ALL group, a higher mean AgNOR-area-to-nucleus-area ratio was found in group with the presence of Philadelphia chromosome Ph(+) than without the Philadelphia chromosome Ph(−). AgNOR parameter analysis is a valuable method for differentiation of AML and ALL in adults.

The Effect of Thelison Use in The Etiology of Lung Disorders among Homeless People

Background: Thelison, the adhesive synthetic material that bind surface together, is widely used in industry and domestic purpose along with epoxy, glue and putty. The aim of this study was to detect the effect of thelison use in the etiology of lung disorders among homeless people in Khartoum State, Sudan.Materials and method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted in homeless people in Khartoum State.Sputum smears samples from 80 alcohol fixed homeless thelison user were collected. After the collection of the sample, Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Region (AgNOR) technique and papanicolaou (PAP) stains were applied to each sample. A questionnaire to obtain essential data about respondents was also provided for each participant.Results: Participant’s ages range was 10-37, while the mean age was 17. The range of participants duration of use per years was 1-10, while the mean was 3 years. Number of thelesion dose use per day was ranged between 1-10, while the mean was 5 years. The majority of participants (80%) showed no cellular change and 20 % showed chronic inflammation. Results showed that 31 of the study population were males (77.5%), while the female population of the study was 9 (22.5%). The mean of AgNoR score was ranged between 1-4, while the mean AgNOR score was 1. AgNoR showed insignificant association with gender, duration and number of thelesion dose used per day (p>0.05), but showed significant association with cytomorhpological and age (p<0.05).Conclusion: AgNoR score showed insignificant association with gender, duration and number of thelesion dose used per day (p>0.05), but showed significant association with cytomorhpological and age (p<0.05).Keywords: AgNoRs score, cytological changes, sputum, homeless thelison users

Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions as New Biomarkers in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

(1) Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an inflammatory disease in which neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes accumulate in the ischemic myocardium and have important functions. Nucleolar-organizing regions (NORs) are the site of the ribosomal genes composed of ribosomal DNA and proteins. We aimed to evaluate AgNOR proteins, which have never been studied in patients with STEMI in the literature. (2) Methods: A total of 140 participants (75 with STEMI and 65 volunteers without any diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome) were included in this study. Echocardiography was carried out, and mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/TNA) were evaluated for all individuals. (3) Results: The mean AgNOR number and TAA/TNA ratio were significantly higher in the STEMI group than the control (p < 0.001). Statistically significant relations between both TAA/TNA ratio and mean AgNOR number and interventricular septal thickness, fasting blood sugar, creatinine, HDL, hemoglobin (g/dL), WBC (µL/mL), monocytes, neutrophils, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were detected (p < 0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant relation between LDL (mg/dL) and mean AgNOR number (p = 0.005) was detected. (4) Conclusion: Both AgNOR protein amounts increase depending on the hypoxia that occurs in STEMI. The AgNOR proteins may thus be promising markers in STEMI.

Role of Ki-67 and Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organiser Region (AgNoR) Counts in Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Role of Ki-67 and Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organiser Region (AgNoR) Counts in Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Evaluation of antitumoral effect of mistletoe fruit extract on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells with muse cell analyzer and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region staining method

Abstract Introduction Mistletoe has been used alone or as a complementary therapy in the treatment of different diseases for years. In this study, the antitumoral effect of mistletoe fruit extract on Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells was evaluated. Materials and Methods EAT cells from preformed stock mice were transferred to culture dishes containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mistletoe extracts at different doses (100, 200, 400, and 800 μg/ml). These cells were incubated at 37 °C in an environment with 95% humidity and 5% CO2. At the end of the incubations, the apoptosis status of the cells, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential, and proliferation status with the argyrophilic (Ag) nucleolar organizer region staining (NORs) method were evaluated. Results As a result, it was observed that the mistletoe fruit extract and 5-FU induce apoptosis of EAT cells. It was concluded that the 5-FU substance arrests the cell cycle at the G0/G1 stage, while the mistletoe arrests the cell cycle at the S and G2/M stages. The depolarization rate of the mistletoe treated cells was higher. As a result of the evaluation made with the AgNORs method, it was seen that mistletoe and 5-FU could be effective in reducing the proliferation of EAT cells. Conclusions It was seen that mistletoe fruit extract could be effective in stimulating the apoptosis and depolarization of cancer cells. The results of other studies in the literature and our study support each other. It was concluded that the mistletoe plant may be useful in cancer treatment.

May Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions Be Used as a Biomarker for the Detection of the Degree of Ischemic Damage Instead of Tunel in Testicular Torsion?

Background and Objectives: It is of great importance to obtain information about the severity of ischemic damage and duration of testicular torsion for an effective treatment strategy. Nucleolar-organizing regions (NORs) are sites of the ribosomal genes composed of ribosomal DNA and proteins. Post-silver staining NORs are termed “AgNOR”. Since AgNORs clearly reveals the self-renewal potential of cells damaged in ischemic events, we performed the current study. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in four groups as control, sham, early, and late T/D. In the surgical groups, testes were corrected after a 4-h ischemia period. Testicular tissue samples were taken on the third day after detorsion in group 1, 2, 3, and on the tenth day after detorsion in group 4. TUNEL and silver stainings were applied to all samples. Results: The differences were significant among the groups for both mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/TNA). Moreover, the differences between control and early torsion-detorsion (T/D), between control and late T/D, between sham and early T/D, between sham and late T/D, and between early T/D and late were statistically significant for AgNOR amount. Furthermore, statistically significant differences among the groups for an average number of apoptotic cells per tubule and the percentage of apoptotic tubule values were detected. Discussion: The apoptotic index gives the ratio of cells that are damaged and will die in a programmed way and cells that remain intact, rather than show the viability of the returning testicle. However, by measuring cells that regenerate with AgNOR, we can show not only those that survive but also cells that can repair themselves. Conclusion: AgNOR proteins are usable for the early observation of ischemic injury levels. The amount of AgNOR protein can enlighten us about the extent of testicular damage after T/D treatment. It may also help the physician in the development of effective treatment strategies for cases.

Effect of 50-Hz Magnetic Fields on Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions in Bone Marrow Cells

Background: Exposure to an increasing amount of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (MFs) causes some adverse effects. Considering a direct association between the sizes and numbers of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) and cell proliferation, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 50-Hz MFs on the AgNORs of bone marrow (BM) cells. Methods: Eighty male rats were randomly divided into four exposed groups and one control group. The exposed groups received 50-Hz MFs with magnetic flux densities of 1, 100, 500, and 2000 µT two hours a day for two months. BM cells were aspirated from sacrificed rats’ femoral bones, smeared on glass slides, and then stained with silver nitrate for AgNORs. The area (AA), length (AL), and number (AN) of AgNORs were calculated by a microscope equipped with a camera and Scion Image software in 100 BM cells of each rat. The mean of AA, AL, and AN was computed for each group. Results: AA, AL, and AN significantly reduced in the 1 µT group compared with 2000 µT and control groups. Eventually, there was a nonlinear relationship between the effect of 50-Hz MFs and magnetic flux densities. Conclusion: Overall, 50-Hz MFs with a magnetic flux density of 1 µT reduced AgNORs in BM cells. However, 100, 500, and 2000 µT did not affect AgNORs. Therefore, 50-Hz MFs with low density may suppress BM cell proliferation.

Avaliação quantitativa da expressão da proteína PCNA e das AgNORs em ameloblastomas

In order to assess the proliferative behaviour of the ameloblastoma epithelium nine cases of this neoplasm were retrieved from the files of the Oral Pathology Service laboratory of Rio Grande do Sul Federal University School of Dentistry. Two proliferation marker techniques were employed: the AgNor - argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions staining and the proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical assessment technique. Each case was submitted to a quantitative and comparative statistical analysis of the results obtained for the two techniques. The conclusion arrived at shows ameloblastoma presenting benign behavior, an average AgNOR index of 1.612, and a PCNA proteindependent proliferative activity with average immunoreactivity of 51.61%. The histological patterns analyses of the neoplastic epithelial component demonstrates that cells resembling pre-ameloblasts have obtained figures statistically higher to those obtained for cells resembling the stellate reticulum of the enamel organ, in both techniques employed. Therefore, it might be inferred that cells resembling pre-ameloblasts hold the proliferative potential of ameloblastomas and are probably responsible for the growth characteristics and infiltrative ability of this tumour.

Effect of buscopan, a compound that alleviates cramps, on the developing nervous system of the chick embryo.

Buscopan is used to treat stomach cramps including those resulting from irritable bowel syndrome, bladder cramps, and pain related to menstruation. Its pregnancy category is determined as C. It has been shown in experimental animal studies that the drug has a negative effect on the embryo, but sufficient and well-controlled studies have not been conducted in humans. The aim of this study is to investigate effects of buscopan on the development of the neural tube (NT) in chick embryos. Sixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) fertilized eggs were used. SPF eggs were placed in an incubator and divided into six groups at 28 hr of incubation. Five different doses (low to high) of buscopan were injected sub-blastodermally.At the end of 48 hr, the embryos were evaluated morphologicallyand histopathologically. The argyrophilic nucleolar-organizing region (AgNOR) method was used in this study to determine the proliferation activity of cells in NT development in chick embryos. AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) were detected for each embryo. Depending on the dose, the embryo's crown-rump length and somite number decreased (p < .05). Significant differences were detected among all groups for mean AgNOR number (p < .05) and TAA/NA ratio (p < .05). Considering the average count of AgNOR cells and TAA/NA ratio, it was found that there was a decrease in cell division depending on the dose. It was determined that buscopan treatment on chick embryos adversely affected early nervous system and NT development.

Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions in Premalignant and Malignant Oral Lesion: A Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment

Background: Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) has been considered to be useful indiagnostic pathology, mainly to distinguish benign lesions from their malignant counterparts.Aim: This study was done to evaluate the significance of various AgNOR parameters in differentiatingpremalignant and malignant oral lesions.Materials and Methods: The study was performed on thirty five archival tissues consisting of samplecomprised of five normal mucosa, fifteen premalignant lesions and fifteen malignant oral lesions. AgNORswere assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Chi squaretest.Results: Quantitatively and qualitatively significant difference was noticed. Quantitatively significantdifference in the mean value of AgNORs noticed between the premalignant and malignant lesions. In termsof qualitatively, the premalignant and malignant oral lesions differed significantly from normal mucosa.Conclusion: To conclude, the AgNOR count is the most appropriate marker to differentiate betweenpremalignant and malignant oral lesions.

Application of histochemistry AgNORs in diagnosing benign lesion, premalignant and malignant prostate tissue

Objective: Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) count has been suggested as an objective method in differentiating of various non neoplastic lesions of the prostate. Material and Methods: This study was done on archival paraffin block consisting of 6 cases of each, benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions of the prostate. All specimens were studied and evaluated with Haematoxylyn and Eosin followed by AgNORs histochemistry staining and its expression was determined by counting AgNORs dot per nuclei in 100 nuclei using a 100x oil immersion lens. Results: The results showed a linear increasing trend of mean mAgNOR count according to prostatic lesion (benign to malignant). However, this is not statistically significance as the p-value > 0,05 (p- value=0,516). Conclusion: Based on this study, AgNOR cannot be use to determine prostatic lesion behavior. Futher study with larger samples should be done to get significant result.

Quantitative assessment of tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia and nuclear organizing region activity to validate the significance of the pattern of invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study.

Introduction:Pattern of invasion (POI) in scoring system of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) can predict local recurrence and overall survival rate. Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AGNOR) counts are considered to reflect the biosynthetic and nucleolar activity of a cell and thus serve as an indicator of the rapidity of the cell cycle thereby indicating the proliferative index of the tumor. It is implied that higher tumor associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) showed lesser venous invasion, lymph node metastasis and clinical recurrence. The aim of the study was to assess and evaluate the following criteria's: POI-1 to POI-4 as defined by Bryne et al. in OSCC, proliferative index by AgNOR stain and TATE with carbol chromotrope stain in OSCC, validity of POI by correlating the AgNOR proliferative index and TATE.Materials and Methods:Forty samples of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks diagnosed of OSCC were taken for the study. Three sections were taken from a single block and then the tissues were stained differently with H & E Stain, AgNOR stain and Carbol chromotrope stain. First section stained with H & E was observed for POI and grading was done according to Bryne's criteria. The second and third sections were stained with AgNOR stain and Carbol chromotrope stain for proliferative index and TATE. One way analysis of variance was used to test the significance.Results:Mean AgNORs count increases gradually from type 1 to type 4, depicting the increase in the nucleolar proliferative index of the cells and was statistically significant. In the case of the mean eosinophilic count, type 1 shows the highest mean eosinophilic count and the count shows drastic decrease till type 3 and from type 3 to type 4 the decrease is more gradual and was statistically significant.Conclusion:The study validated that POI is a good predictor for prognosis and also can be included in grading OSCC along with routine histopathological criteria.

The Utility of Nucleolar Organizer Regions Quantitation in Early Prediction of Lung Neoplastic Transformation.

Background: Cancer burden can be reduced by early detection of early neoplastic changes applying suitable screening methods. This study aimed to assess the utility of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) quantitation in early prediction of lung neoplastic transformation.Methodology: This study investigated 200 apparently healthy individuals categorized into two groups; smoking exposed individuals (N=100), and were categorized as cases, and smoking nonexposed (N=100), and were ascertained as controls. Sputum specimen was attained from each participant (paying all indispensable safety precautions and sample adequacy processes). Results: Out of the 200 volunteers assessed in the present study, mean NORs counts of >2.00 were identified in 16/200(8%) of the study subjects. All 16/16(100%) cases were found with lung epithelial metaplasia (squamous metaplasia). Out of the 100 cases, mean NORs counts of >2.00 were identified in 16/100(16%), hence, all the controls were identified with mean NORs counts of <2.00. The risk of lung cellular proliferative changes associated with smoking exposure are odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, CI) = 39.2485 (2.3199-664.0052), p = 0.0110, z statistic = 2.543.Conclusion: NORs count is a simple, specific, cost-effective, and reliable method that can give a quantitative measurement for the risk of lung neoplastic transformation. For at risk-population (tobacco users), it is recommended to perform the argyrophilic NORs (AgNORs) method beside sputum cytology.

Internal Tandem Duplication of Exon 8 of c-kit Is Associated With Longer Total Survival in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors.

Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (ccMCTs) have a highly variable biological behavior and accurate prognostication is essential for therapeutic intervention. Internal tandem duplications (ITD) of exon 11 are the most commonly detected c-kit mutation in ccMCTs and are associated with poor prognosis and increased cellular proliferation. The prognostic value of detecting mutations in other exons of c-kit has not been systematically examined. In this study, we analyzed the prognostic value of ITD mutations of exon 8 in c-kit of ccMCTs in comparison to ccMCTs with ITD mutations of exon 11 and ccMCTs without mutations of exon 8 or 11. The mutational status, histological grade, KIT expression pattern, Ki67 index, AgNOR (argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region) score, and Ag67 score were determined in 221 ccMCTs, and outcome was available for 101 dogs. ITD mutations of exon 8 were found in 73/221 (33%), of exon 11 in 100/221 (45%), and none of these mutations in 50/221 (22%) of ccMCTs. None of the dogs with mutations of exon 8 died due to suspected ccMCT-related cause, but 23% dogs with ccMCTs with mutations of exon 11 died due to suspected ccMCT-related cause. Prognostic parameters in ccMCTs with exon 11 mutations were commonly associated with a high proliferative activity and poor prognosis, while prognostic markers in ccMCTs with mutations of exon 8 had lower values similar to those observed in ccMCTs without mutations in exons 8 or 11 of c-kit. This study indicates that screening for ITD mutations in exon 8 in ccMCTs may be helpful to identify less aggressive ccMCTs and may be recommended as a supplementary prognostic test.

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AgNOR Count in Cervical Swab Under Cytological Normal and Other Pathologic Conditions: A Tumour Prolifirative Marker

To study the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) as a cell proliferative marker in cervical smears and to assess its counts with the severity of the lesions on Papanicolaou (PAP)-stained cervical smears. The present study was a prospective experimental study which was carried out in 50 samples of women attending at Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, a span of 1 year. The Student’s unpaired ‘t’ test was used to analyse the data. There was a progressive rise in the AgNOR counts with the severity of the lesions [normal cytology < inflammatory < low squamous intraepithelial lesion < high squamous intraepithelial lesion < malignant of cervix, i.e. 1.68 < 2.50 < 4.09 < 5.94 < 8.60, respectively]. Each lesion had a significant AgNOR value which helped in differentiating it from its precursor lesion. The AgNOR counts have been immensely helpful as they behave as a cell proliferative marker, aiding the diagnosis which is made through the cervical PAP-stained smears and letting the cytopathologist understand the exact stage of the cervical lesion.