Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Research Articles

Occupational exposure to graphene and silica nanoparticles. Part II: pilot study to identify a panel of sensitive biomarkers of genotoxic, oxidative and inflammatory effects on suitable biological matrices

The available biomonitoring studies on workers producing/handling nanomaterials (NMs) focused on potential effects on respiratory, immune and cardio-vascular system. Aim of this study was to identify a panel of sensitive biomarkers and suitable biological matrices to evaluate particularly genotoxic and oxidative effects induced on workers unintentionally exposed to graphene or silica nanoparticles during the production process. These nanomaterials have been chosen for ‘NanoKey’ project, integrating the workplace exposure assessment (reported in part I) with the biomonitoring of exposed workers reported in the present work. Simultaneously to workplace exposure characterization, we monitored the workers using: Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay, fpg-comet test (lymphocytes), oxidized DNA bases 8-oxoGua, 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodGuo measurements (urine), analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), FENO measurement and cytokines release detection (serum). Since buccal cells are among the main targets of NM occupational exposure, particular attention was posed to the BMCyt assay that represents a noninvasive assay. This pilot study, performed on 12 workers vs.11 controls, demonstrates that BMCyt and fpg-comet assays are the most sensitive biomarkers of early, still reparable, genotoxic and oxidative effects. The findings suggest that these biomarkers could represent useful tools for the biomonitoring of workers exposed to nanoparticles, but they need to be confirmed on a high number of subjects. However, such biomarkers don’t discriminate the effects of NM from those due to other chemicals used in the NM production process. Therefore, they could be suitable for the biomonitoring of workers exposed to complex scenario, including nanoparticles exposure.

Cytogenetic biomonitoring of road tunnel construction workers: buccal micronucleus cytome assay.

Road tunnel construction workers revealed higher frequencies of cells with genotoxic damage (i.e., MN and NBUD). MN and NBUD resulted to be Poisson distributed and counts of these genotoxicity biomarkers were then analysed by Poisson regression. The frequency ratio (FR) for MN was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.84-2.04), with an increase in the exposed subjects; this finding, though indicating a higher genotoxic risk in the exposed subjects, did not reach statistical significance. On the other hand, the FR for NBUD was 3.49 (95% CI: 1.86-6.56), with a statistically significant increased risk of chromosomal damage. Even the frequencies of binucleated cells (a marker of cell proliferation) and pyknotic cells (a cell death biomarker) were significantly higher in tunnel workers. Tunnel construction workers are exposed to complex mixtures of toxic agents, some of which are known to be genotoxic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic risk in this occupational setting by comparing tunnel workers with a control group for frequencies of nuclear aberrations in oral exfoliated cells. To evaluate the genotoxic effects of tunnel air pollutants, we conducted a cross-sectional, molecular epidemiological study (35 tunnel workers and 35 healthy controls) using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information about demographic variables, lifestyle, dietary habits, anthropometric data, and occupational history. Buccal mucosa cells were collected by scraping the buccal mucosa with a small-headed toothbrush. Coded slides were examined blind by trained scorers for micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NBUD), and other nuclear abnormalities. Our observations provide further knowledge and understanding of the occupational hazards of tunnel workers and confirm the complexity of effects (cytotoxic and genotoxic) probably induced by fumes and dust produced in underground operations.

Buccal micronucleus cytome assay: Inter-laboratory scoring exercise and micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities frequencies in different populations from Brazil

The Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay (BMCyt) has become an important biomonitoring tool for assessing cytogenetic damage in many studied populations. Each laboratory applies protocols that vary according to the method of collecting and preparing samples. Besides, Brazil is a country of great territorial extensions that received immigrants from various parts of the world with different genetic backgrounds. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the inter-laboratory variation in scoring the same set of slides using the more comprehensive scoring criteria, to standardize the BMCyt protocol, to observe the basal alterations in populations of different Brazilian regions and to compare it with other places around the world. Our results showed that a valuable number of laboratories participated, ten laboratories from different regions of the country, for the validation of the BMCyt in human biomonitoring studies, resulting in the 804 healthy individuals. This was possible because we observed: a range of measures needs to be considered, such as the baseline frequency of DNA damage and cell death in non-exposed individuals; age when grouped showed an influence on DNA damage, although when evaluated by group we did not see an influence; association between smoking habit and all endpoints of the BMCyt (except karyolytic cells) was evident; the basal MN frequency, in the majority of groups, follows those around the world; and the BMCyt was confirmed as a good health status biomarker. We emphasize the need for constant discussions on the parameters of cell death due to greater difficulty among the analyzers.

Application of the buccal micronucleus cytome assay on child population exposed to sinus X-ray

PurposeDiagnostic X-ray examinations of paranasal sinuses use a low-dose ionizing radiation to achieve medically indicated purposes. The effects of low-dose radiation are still controversial, making it a highly prioritized field of research. As there is a need to evaluate the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation and that children might be a more vulnerable population, we performed simultaneous physical dosimetry and buccal cell micronucleus cytome assay on pediatric patients before and after an X-ray examination of the sinuses. MethodsThe study comprised 20 subjects aged 11.9 ± 3.6 years, and BMI < 25 kg/m2. Physical dosimetry was performed using radiophotoluminiscent (RPL) glass dosimeters placed on four positions on the head. The buccal cell micronucleus cytome assay was performed before and 14 ± 1 days after the X-ray exam, to monitor DNA damaging, replicative, cytostatic, and cell death effects. ResultsThe doses in the primary beam ranged 371–1106 μGy and were several fold higher than at the other positions on the head. As for biological changes, we did not observe any DNA damaging effects. However, a significant increase in cells with condensed chromatin was observed, indicating more cells undergoing early stages of apoptosis. We also observed inter-individual differences between the subjects. A correlation between the doses detected and biological effects was not observed. ConclusionAlthough we did not observe significant increase in DNA damage, further studies are needed to increase the statistical power of the results and ensure patients’ safety and optimal health care.

Integrated study of genotoxicity biomarkers in schoolchildren and inhalable particles in areas under petrochemical influence

This study aimed to evaluate genotoxicity effects of inhalable particulate matter from areas influenced by a petrochemical complex on exposed children population. Peripheral blood and buccal mucosa exfoliated cells were collected from 54 children (5–12 years) at two public schools, 2.5 Km (Site NW) and 35 km (Site NWII) from the main industrial emission source. These areas lie in the first wind direction from a petrochemical complex. Blood samples were used to Comet Assay (CA) evaluating the tail intensity and to the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay (CBMN-cyt), assessing the frequency of micronucleus (MN), nuclear buds (NBUDs) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs). Buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) was used to detect MN and nuclear abnormalities. Mutagenicity of particulate matter (PM) organic extracts from these two sites, besides from one in the second wind direction (NE) was evaluated by Salmonella/microsome assay, microsuspension method, strains TA98, YG1021 and YG1024 with and without metabolic activation (S9). The site closest to the petrochemical complex (NW) presented worse air quality, evidenced by greater PM mutagenicity and more toxic PAHs profile (ΣTEQ). Also, Tail intensity was significantly higher at this site (10.65 ± 0.78) compared to site NWII (6.73 ± 0.92). MN frequencies in CBMN-cyt did not differ among groups, but was significantly higher than an external reference site. NBUDs were significantly higher at site NWII. BMCyt showed no difference among the groups for MNs and NBUDs. Site NWII showed higher frequencies of karyorrhexis and karyolysis. All samples, even within the PM limits, presented genotoxic potential. Results showed that the children are exposed to a mixture of contaminants from different sources, and that the proximity of the petrochemical industry gives a cause of concern. Actions must be taken to identify and reduce emissions and hazardous effects, since air quality standards are not enough to ensure the exposed population health.

Genomic Instability Decreases in HIV Patient by Complementary Therapy with Rosmarinus officinalis Extracts.

Genomic instability is associated with increased oxidative stress in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intake of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis on genomic instability in HIV patients. We studied 67 HIV patients under pharmacological treatment with ATRIPLA who were divided into three groups: group 1, patients under ATRIPLA antiretroviral therapy; group 2, patients with ATRIPLA and rosemary aqueous extract (4 g/L per day); and group 3, patients with ATRIPLA and rosemary methanolic extract (400 mg/day). The genomic instability was evaluated through the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Oral epithelial cells were taken at the beginning and 1 and 4 months later. The groups that received the pharmacological therapy with ATRIPLA and the complementary therapy with R. officinalis extracts showed a decrease in the number of cells with micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities compared with the group that only received ATRIPLA. The complementary therapy with R. officinalis decreased the genomic instability in HIV patients.

Indicators of Genotoxicity in Farmers and Laborers of Ecological and Conventional Banana Plantations in Ecuador.

Banana farming represents an important segment of agricultural production in Ecuador. The health of farmworkers might be compromised by the extensive use of pesticides in plantations applied under poorly regulated conditions. Due to an increased awareness of pesticide-related problems for nature, as well as for worker and consumer health, ecological farming has been established in some plantations of Ecuador. We set out to investigate the occupational health of workers in both conventional and ecological farming. Nuclear anomalies in buccal epithelial cells were used as short-term indicators for genotoxicity and a potentially increased cancer risk in the two groups of farmworkers. By application of the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay (BMCA), we found the frequency of micronuclei in conventional pesticide using farmworkers significantly increased by 2.6-fold, and other nuclear anomalies significantly increased by 24% to 80% (except pyknosis with a non-significant increase of 11%) compared to the farmworkers on ecological plantations. These results demonstrate that ecological farming may provide an alternative to extensive pesticide use with significantly reduced indicators of cancer risk. In conventional farming, improvements in education and instruction regarding the safe handling of pesticides and protective equipment, as well as regulatory measures, are urgently needed.

Correlation of Buccal Micronucleus with Disease Activity Score Using Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Analysis (BMCA) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Background:A disease activity score obtained by using systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) has traditionally been a reliable method to assess the SLE status of patients. More recently, a buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCA) has been developed for use as a biomarker of DNA damage in patients with SLE. There has been a very limited number of studies pertaining to the oral lesions in Arab population suffering from SLE in Asir region. Hence, it became utmost important to study epidemiological data of oral mucosal lesions in SLE patients. Distribution of oral lesions in SLE patients could also be helpful in better management of oral complications.Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the existence of a correlation between SLEDAI score and the degree of micronuclei (MN) formation using BMCA.Materials and Methods:After thorough oral examination of adult Saudi SLE patients of Asir hospital and that of healthy control subjects, the subjects underwent BMCA from normal unaffected bilateral buccal mucosae.Results:Pearson's correlation test showed that MN count did not significantly correlate with either disease activity or duration of SLE.Conclusions:Controlled state SLE does not lead to a significant increase in MN formation. Thus, the occurrence of premalignant lesions in the oral cavity could be minimized using proper management protocols.

Genomic Instability in Exfoliated Buccal Cells among Cement Warehouse Workers.

Background: Workers in cement warehouses of Kerala are enduring long-standing exposure to cement dust, which is considered genotoxic. Objective: To evaluate the extent of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity caused due to exposure of cement dust among those working in cement warehouses. Methods: The study included 82 cement warehouse workers and 82 age-matched individuals with no exposure to cement dust. Exfoliated buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) was performed to analyze the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects caused by inhalation of cement dust. Results: The frequency of various genotoxic and cytotoxic end markers (micronucleated cells [2-fold increase, p<0.001], nuclear buds [4-fold increase, p<0.001], binucleated cells [4-fold increase, p<0.001], karyorrhectic cells [2-fold increase, p<0.001], pyknotic cells [3- fold increase, p<0.001], and karyolytic cells [2-fold increase, p<0.001]) were higher in the exposed workers compared with unexposed group. Increase of these parameters represented an increased level of chromosomal damage, nuclear disintegration and increased cell death among exposed group compared with unexposed group. Conclusion: Continuous exposure to cement dust results in increased frequency of nuclear aberrations and cellular apoptosis. This may lead to defects in genome maintenance, accelerated ageing, increased chance of oral cancer and neurodegenerative disorders in those occupationally exposed to cement dust.

DNA damage assessment with buccal micronucleus cytome assay in Turkish coal miners.

The aim of this study was to assess DNA damage in Turkish coal miners with the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt assay as the least invasive and therefore most practical method that may find wider application in coal miner biomonitoring. Buccal epithelial cell samples were taken from 54 coal miners and 42 controls from Zonguldak, Turkey to establish their micronucleus (MN), binucleus (BN), condensed chromatin (CC), karyorrhectic (KHC), karyolytic (KYL), nuclear bud (NBUD), and pyknotic (PYC) frequencies. We also analysed the effects of confounding factors such as age, years of work at the mine, smoking, alcohol drinking, and use of protective equipment on differences in MN frequencies. Two miners had confirmed and three suspect pneumoconiosis, whereas 49 displayed normal chest radiographs. MN, BN, KHC, and NBUD frequencies were significantly higher in coal miners than controls. Years of work at the mine also showed a significant effect on buccal MN frequencies in coal miners, but we found no correlation between MN frequencies and age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In conclusion, BMCyt assay proved itself an accurate and practical screening method, as it can detect DNA damage much earlier than pneumoconiosis develops.

Buccal micronucleus cytome assay in complex genetic-hygienic study of preschool children

There are presented results of the cytome analysis of epithelium of buccal mucosa in 167 children aged of 5-7 years, permanently residing in the city of Magnitogorsk and visiting municipal kindergartens. Frequencies of the main indices of genotoxic and toxic effects were: cells with micronuclei - 0.29±0.04 %, with protrusions ofnuclei - 1.47±0.17 %, with double nuclei -1.96±0.13 %, with two nuclei - 3,28±0,16 %, with perinuclear vacuole - 9.66±0.86 %, with pycnosis of nucleus - 4.60±0.31 per 1000 cells, with karyorrhexis - 0.86±0.15per 1000 cells, with lysis of nucleus - 54.34±3.90 per 1000 cells, the condensed chromatin cells - 10.59±1.35 per 1000 cells. Most of these indices didn’t differ from the same detected earlier in buccal epithelial cells from children of the same age in Moscow, except cells with perinuclear vacuole, which frequency in Moscow cohort was twice higher. Frequencies of cells with these anomalies were associated with the content of 19 out of 326 revealed components of contamination of the total-winter snow samples, taken on the territories of the kindergartens, which were visited by examined children. There was shown lack of differences from basic values of main indices previously establishedfor the children of the same age in Moscow, with the exception of cells with perinuclear vacuole, the rate of which in Moscow was twice higher. There were revealed confounding factors associated with test indices: gender of the child, the annual number of acute respiratory diseases, health group, income per one person in family, alcohol intake by parents.

Chromosomal stability in buccal cells was linked to age but not affected by exercise and nutrients - Vienna Active Ageing Study (VAAS), a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of six months strength training with or without supplementing protein and vitamins, on chromosomal integrity of buccal cells in institutionalized elderly.One hundred seventeen women and men (65–98 years) performed either resistance training (RT), RT combined with a nutritional supplement (RTS) or cognitive training (CT) twice per week for six months. Participants’ fitness was measured using the 6 min walking, the chair rise, and the handgrip strength test. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity parameters were investigated with the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMcyt) assay.Six minutes walking and chair rise performance improved significantly, however, no changes of the parameters of the BMcyt were detected. Age and micronuclei (MN) frequency correlated significantly, for both women (r = 0.597, p = 0.000) and men (r = 0.508, p = 0.000). Squared regressions revealed a significant increase in the MN frequency of buccal cells with age (R2 = 0.466, p = 0.000).Interestingly and contrary to what was shown in blood lymphocytes, chromosomal damage in buccal cells increases until very old age, which might qualify them as a valid biomarker for aging. Unexpectedly, in this group of institutionalized elderly, resistance training using elastic bands had no effect on chromosomal damage in buccal cells.

GCMS analysis of sadagura (smokeless tobacco), its enhanced genomic instability causing potential due to arsenic co-exposure, and vitamin-C supplementation as a possible remedial measure: a study involving multiple model test systems

North-eastern states of India, including Assam, have a high prevalence of head and neck cancer cases. In these regions, Sadagura is a unique form of smokeless tobacco (SLT). There are fewer reports regarding the effects of simultaneous sadagura and arsenic co-exposure. Analysis of chemical compounds present in sadagura aqueous extract was done using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Estimation of arsenic contamination in groundwater and bioaccumulation in human tissues was performed by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay and analysis of various peripheral blood parameters were performed among study volunteers. Chronic exposure (90 days) experiments were performed in mice test system in vivo to determine any possible protective potential of vitamin C (Vit-C) supplementation against sadagura and arsenic co-exposure. BMCyt assay results revealed a higher incidence of micronucleated cells (p < 0.001), and cell death biomarker among sadagura consumers residing in arsenic affected areas. Comet assay of mice femur bone marrow cells following chronic exposure of the test substances revealed a reduction in DNA damage due to Vit-C supplementation. Histological examination of the hepatic and renal tissues revealed marked improvement due to Vit-C supplementation in mice against sadagura and arsenic chronic co-exposure. Indiscriminate consumption, presence of various harmful compounds in sadagura along with arsenic co-exposure might be a vital link for the higher incidence of oral cancer in the region. Chronic Vit-C supplementation study results in mice show its effective remedial potential against combined sadagura and arsenic co-mediated genotoxicity and ultrastructural changes in major organs.

Buccal epitelium cytogenetic status in schoolchildren living in high and middle latitudes.

The Russian northern regions development is associated with the extraction and processing of natural resources, which leads to environmental pollution and makes the task of sanitary-hygienic monitoring relevant. Buccal micronucleus cytome assay is one of the toxicological methods for human population studies. Studies on the inter-latitudinal comparison of Buccal micronucleus cytome assay are lacking, therefore there are difficulties in comparing the results obtained in the Russian Arctic with data from more southern regions. The aim of this study is to compare cytogenetic abnormalities in the buccal epithelium in two groups of older schoolchildren living in high and middle latitudes. The study was conducted in the city of Apatity (Murmansk region, 67 ° 34'03 ″ N, 33 ° 23'36 ″ E) and the city of Serpukhov (Moscow region, 54 ° 54 '56 ″ N, 37 ° 24 '40 "E). A total of 61 children were examined: 41 children from the Apatity and 20 children from the Serpukhov (16-18 years old). The Buccal micronucleus cytome assay was carried out according to an international protocol. It was shown that the average frequency values of the cells with micronucleus in the comparison groups of schoolchildren living in high and middle latitudes did not significantly differ and did not exceed the values for the average population norm. The frequency of cells with nuclear buds and two nucleus was significantly higher in the group of schoolchildren living in middle latitudes, which, in turn, is compensated by a higher rate of elimination of cells with impaired. Therefore, when comparing Buccal micronucleus cytome assay data, it is quite possible not to take into account the breadth of the studied groups.

Antineoplastic drug occupational exposure: a new integrated approach to evaluate exposure and early genotoxic and cytotoxic effects by no-invasive Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay biomarker

Health-care personnel handling antineoplastic drugs could be at risk for adverse health effects. We aimed to evaluate genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of antineoplastic drug exposure of personnel preparing and administering such drugs in three Oncology Hospitals in Italy enrolling 42 exposed subjects and 53 controls. Furthermore, we aimed to study the possible influence of XRCC1 and hOGG1 DNA repair genes polymorphisms on genotoxicity induced on buccal cells. We performed workplace and personal monitoring of some drugs and used exposure diary informations to characterize the exposure. Urinary 5-FU metabolite (α-fluoro-β-alanine) was measured. Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay was used to evaluate DNA damage and other cellular anomalies. GEM and 5-FU contamination was found in 68% and 42% of wipe/swab samples respectively. GEM deposition was found on workers’ pads while no α-fluoro-β-alanine was found. BMCyt-assay showed higher genotoxicity and cytotoxicity on nurses administering antineoplastics than on preparators and controls. Among micronucleus (MN) positive (with MN frequency higher than 1.5‰) exposed subjects, the percentage of those carrying XRCC1 mut/het genotype was higher than in MN positive-controls. Using the sensitive BMCyt assay, we demonstrated that handling antineoplastics still represents a potential occupational health risk for workers that should be better trained/informed regarding such risks.

Early Effect Markers and Exposure Determinants of Metalworking Fluids Among Metal Industry Workers: Protocol for a Field Study.

BackgroundExposure to aerosols from metalworking fluids (MWF) has previously been related to a series of adverse health outcomes (eg, cancer, respiratory diseases). Our present epidemiological study focuses on occupational exposures to MWF and a panel of exposure and effect biomarkers. We hypothesize that these health outcomes are caused by particle exposure that generates oxidative stress, leading to airway inflammation and ultimately to chronic respiratory diseases. We aimed to assess whether MWF exposure, in particular as characterized by its oxidative potential, is associated with biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation as well as genotoxic effects.ObjectiveThe ultimate goal is to develop exposure reduction strategies based on exposure determinants that best predict MWF-related health outcomes. The following relationships will be explored: (1) exposure determinants and measured exposure; (2) occupational exposure and preclinical and clinical effect markers; (3) exposure biomarkers and biomarkers of effect in both exhaled breath condensate and urine; and (4) biomarkers of effect, genotoxic effects and respiratory symptoms.MethodsAt least 90 workers from France and Switzerland (30 controls, 30 exposed to straight MWF and 30 to aqueous MWF) were followed over three consecutive days after a nonexposed period of at least two days. The exposure assessment is based on MWF, metal, aldehyde, and ultrafine particle number concentrations, as well as the intrinsic oxidative potential of aerosols. Furthermore, exposure biomarkers such as metals, metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamine are measured in exhaled breath condensate and urine. Oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine, nitrates, and nitrites) and exhaled nitric oxide, an airway inflammation marker, are repeatedly measured in exhaled breath condensate and urine. Genotoxic effects are assessed using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. The statistical analyses will include modelling exposure as a function of exposure determinants, modelling the evolution of the biomarkers of exposure and effect as a function of the measured exposure, and modelling respiratory symptoms and genotoxic effects as a function of the assessed long-term exposure.ResultsData collection, which occurred from January 2018 until June 2019, included 20 companies. At the date of writing, the study included 100 subjects and 29 nonoccupationally exposed controls.ConclusionsThis study is unique as it comprises human biological samples, questionnaires, and MWF exposure measurement. The biomarkers collected in our study are all noninvasive and are useful in monitoring MWF exposed workers. The aim is to develop preventative strategies based on exposure determinants related to health outcomes.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/13744

PM10-related DNA damage, cytokinetic defects, and cell death in COPD patients from Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Exposure to PM10 generated by biomass burning may reduce lung function and induce cytogenetic effects, especially in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. This study investigated the frequency of DNA-damaged cells, cells with cytokinetic defect, and different types of cell death using a buccal micronucleus cytome assay. The correlations between each biomarker and lung function were investigated. The changes in these biomarkers associated with high pollutant levels (PM10 > 50μg/m3) and low pollutant levels (PM10 < 50μg/m3) were evaluated to explore whether PM10 exposure induced genotoxic damages and cytokinetic defects in COPD patients when the daily average PM10 concentration reached above 50μg/m3. Fifty-eight COPD patients and 26 healthy subjects living in Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai, Thailand, were recruited in this study. The results revealed that buccal cells with micronuclei (high vs low 1.09 ± 1.95 vs 0.29 ± 0.64 in COPD patients) and binucleated cells (high vs low 11.43 ± 18.68 vs 1.60 ± 1.31 and 7.77 ± 12.76 vs 1.00 ± 1.17 in COPD and healthy subjects, respectively) observed during the high pollutant period were more frequent than in the low pollutant period. Moreover, exposure to PM10 increased the risk of micronucleus induction in COPD patients 295.23-fold.

Assessment of Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash influence on possible DNA damage measured by buccal micronucleus cytome assay-preliminary results

Listerine is a brand of mouthwash most used worldwide in oral hygene maintainance. With its antimicrobic and antifungal characteristics, it can stop/diminish plaque and gingivitis development. Among different types of this mouthwash, all 5 ingredients of Listerine Cool Mint, 21.6% ethanol and 4 herbal extracts-thymol, menthol, eucalyptol and methyl salicylate, have shown capacity to cause cell damage and buccal epithelial cells are in direct contact. Buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMN) measures changes in differentiation as the frequency of basal/differentiated, binuclear, and cells in different phases of cell death-apoptosis/necrosis (cells with condensed chromatin, karriorhectic, pycnotic and karyolitic cells) and changes in genomic instability measured as micronucleus or nuclear buds/broken eggs frequency. Samples from 10 healthy individuals using Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash twice/day during two-week treatment were analyzed before and after the treatment. There was no significant influence on cell differentiation and genomic instability on the group level, although micronucleus frequency (MN) of entire group was higher after the treatment (1 vs. 1.5). We found interindividual differences and showed that strong alcoholic drinks consumers had higher MN. Future studies should include more individuals, especially with regular alcohol consummation for analysis of possible synergistic influence and therefore higher risk of genomic instability, together with genetic polymorphisms in enzymes responsible for metabolism of ethanol, since they can drastically influence the time duration of ethanol exposure and its metabolite acetaldehyde and also have an impact on genomic instability and possible development of oral squamous cell cancer.

Evidence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of X-rays in the oral mucosa epithelium of adults subjected to cone beam computed tomography.

Evidence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of X-rays in the oral mucosa epithelium of adults subjected to cone beam computed tomography.

Results of buccal micronucleus cytome assay in pesticide-exposed and non-exposed group.

Since many different pesticides have been used occupationally, there have been inconsistent results regarding DNA damages among greenhouse workers. Thus, the aim of the study is to evaluate DNA damages, cell death, and chromosomal instability by using the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMcyt) assay in greenhouse workers and to compare those with a non-exposed group. The BMcyt assay was applied to the exfoliated buccal cell samples collected from 66 pesticide-exposed and 50 non-exposed individuals. We evaluated the frequency of micronucleus (MN), nuclear bud (NBUD), binucleated (BN) cells, and karyolitic (KL), pyknotic (PY), and karyorrhectic (KH) cells. The results showed that the MN, BN, PY, and KH frequencies of the pesticide-exposed group were significantly higher than those of the controls (P˂0.05, P˂0.05, P˂0.01, and P˂0.05, respectively). We observed that the MN, BN, PY, and KH frequencies in the autumn were statistically different compared with those in the control group (P = 0.037 for MN, P = 0.001 for BN, P = 0.016 for PY, and P = 0.033 for KH). The same comparison was done in the spring for the control, and there was a statistically significant difference for MN (P = 0.046) and PY (P= 0.014). We can conclude that pesticide exposure in greenhouse workers was one of the factors that altered DNA damages, cell death, and chromosomal instability in oral mucosa cells.