Karyorrhectic Cells Research Articles

Impact of cigarette smoking on genetic stability, cell division and cytotoxicity in buccal cells of old and young woman.

We investigated the impact of cigarette smoking, daily exposure to tar and nicotine, and the duration of smoking on genetic instability (chromosomal damage - micronuclei, MN, nuclear buds - gene amplification) as well as on disturbances in mitosis (resulting in binucleated cells). Furthermore, we analyzed markers of cytotoxic effects (such as the formation of condensed chromatin, pyknotic, karyolytic, and karyorrhectic cells) and the mitotic activity of the oral mucosa. These parameters were monitored in groups of old (postmenopausal) and young (premenopausal) smoking and non-smoking women (n= 25/group). We found no differences of the MN frequencies in the non-smoking groups and only a moderate (not significant) increase of MN in both groups of smokers. However, we observed a clear increase of markers of genomic instability in both smoking groups. Furthermore, the mitotic activity of cells in the mucosa and of anomalies caused by acute cytotoxicty was higher in both smoking groups. Nicotine uptake was associated with pronounced acute toxic effects and increased the cell division rate. Chromosomal damage (MN) was higher in individuals which consumed high amounts of tar (this effect was not significant) and caused moderate acute toxicity. Our findings indicate (i) that age and hormonal status have no strong impact on the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in smoking women, (ii) consumption of up to 30 cigarettes/day does not cause chromosomal damage in buccal cells, however positive results were found in earlier studies in heavy smokers, (iii) smoking increased markers which reflect genetic instability and the division rate of oral mucosa cells. These effects may play a role in neoplastic transformation of cells in the upper respiratory tract in smokers. The duration of smoking was associated with a slight (not significant) increase of the mitotic activity and of chromosomal damage and with moderate acute cytotoxicity.

Uterine leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei – A series of four cases

Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign mesenchymal tumor of the uterus occurring in females of reproductive age group and are derived from smooth muscle. Degenerative changes are usual in leiomyoma. There is a wide spectrum of morphological patterns in leiomyomas, among them 90% of leiomyomas are the conventional type or usual type. Leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei is an unusual variant of uterine leiomyoma with presence of marked nuclear atypia and pleomorphism. However, there is low mitotic activity (< 5 mitoses/10 high power fields), absence of tumor cell necrosis and intermixed normal spindled smooth muscle cells. The present study describes histopathological analysis of 4 cases of leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei. All these cases underwent abdominal hysterectomy for leiomyomas in the uterus. The age range was 47 to 52 years. On gross examination the cases had well-defined masses with grey white, whorled areas and microscopic impression was leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei. These cases had low mitotic activity ranging from 1 to 3/ 10 high power fields and absence of tumor necrosis. Ki 67 index was 0.5 -1.0%. Leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei can create a diagnostic dilemma due to marked nuclear atypia, multinucleated tumor cells and karyorrhectic cells resembling mitotic figures. Hence it is important to rule out more aggressive and malignant mesenchymal tumors.

Utilization of p53 and p16 Immunohistochemistry in the Classification of Human Papillomavirus–Associated, p53 Wild-Type, and p53 Abnormal Oral Epithelial Dysplasia

p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) has recently been shown to be a clinically useful marker for predicting risk of progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). The literature supports the use of p53 IHC as a marker to identify TP53 mutation in in situ and invasive vulvar lesions and as a surrogate marker for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, but there is little documentation for similar use in OED. The purpose of this study was to determine whether p53 IHC is a reliable surrogate marker for detecting both TP53 mutation and high-risk HPV infection in OED. We studied 57 cases of OED (11 mild, 18 moderate, and 28 severe), and all were stained for p16 and p53 IHC. High-risk HPV RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) was performed in selected cases (all p16-positive cases and all OED showing abundant apoptotic cells and karyorrhectic cells; N = 27). Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed in 33 p16-negative cases and all high-risk HPV RNA ISH–negative cases (N = 36). We identified 21 cases with p53 basal sparing patterns (mid-epithelial and markedly reduced [null-like]), 14 cases with p53 wild-type patterns (scattered basal and patchy basal/parabasal), and 22 cases with p53 abnormal patterns (18 overexpression, 3 null, and 1 novel cytoplasmic pattern). Among cases with p53 basal sparing patterns, 20 were positive for p16 (20/21, 95%), and all were positive for high-risk HPV RNA ISH (21/21, 100%). The 36 sequenced cases had IHC patterns concordant with TP53 mutation status in 92% (33/36) of lesions. This study demonstrates that p53 IHC expression patterns are sensitive and specific for detection of both high-risk HPV infection and TP53 mutation. Coupled with selective p16 IHC testing, this IHC panel can accurately subclassify OED into HPV-associated, p53 wild-type (conventional), and p53 abnormal OED.

Evaluation of Respiratory, Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects from Occupational Exposure to Typography Activities

This cross-sectional study was structured to allow the evaluation of the respiratory, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects of occupational exposure to products resulting from the activity of printers in typographies and, to determine the risk of genotoxicity associated with such exposure. This study comprised 69 subjects, 25 individuals occupationally exposed to the products of typographies (study group), and 44 individuals non-exposed to the environment studied (reference group). The frequency of micronucleated cells and other nuclear anomalies (binucleated, karyolitic, pyknotic, and karyorrhectic cells) in the oral epithelia of each subject were analyzed. The frequency of micronucleated cells was significantly higher in the study group when compared to the reference one (12.96 MN/2000 cells vs. 4MN/2000 cells, respectively). Occupational exposure to products of typography is a risk factor for the occurrence of micronucleated cells in the study group (RR = 3.2; 95% CI, 2.7–3.9; p < 0.001). The results of the spirometry test did not reveal significant respiratory effects between the reference and study groups.

What is your diagnosis? Perineal swelling in a dog.

What is your diagnosis? Perineal swelling in a dog.

Persea americana Mill.: Evaluation of cytogenotoxicity and phytochemical prospection of leaf extracts

Persea americana Mill., belonging to the family Lauraceae, is noteworthy for the large amount of ethnopharmacological information in its regard, attributing to it many and varied medicinal properties. The tea and alcoholic extracts made from its leaves are used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. This study was designed to analyze the cytogenotoxicity and underlying chemistry of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of avocado leaves, using the Allium cepa and micronucleus tests. The results obtained by applying the experimental models demonstrate that the extracts did not have a genotoxic effect at any of the concentrations analyzed, and even demonstrated a certain protective effect, possibly due to the presence of flavonoids and phenols, both of which are antioxidant substances. However, the extracts did present a cytotoxic effect. There were numerous karyorrhectic cells and those with nuclear alterations related to cell death. At the highest concentrations, it was possible to observe cytoplasmic alterations and binucleated cells. The extracts also caused a significant reduction in the number of cells undergoing division. These effects can be a response to the phytochemical agents present in the extracts. The results suggest that the extracts contain bioactive components that deserve further studies related to cancer therapies.

Investigations concerning the impact of consumption of hot beverages on acute cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in oral mucosa cells

Consumption of very hot beverages and foods increases the incidence of oral and esophageal cancer but the mechanisms are not known and the critical temperature is not well defined. We realized a study with exfoliated cells from the oral cavity of individuals (n = 73) that live in an area in Iran which has the highest incidence of EC worldwide. Consumption of beverages at very high temperatures is a characteristic feature of this population. We analyzed biomarkers which are (i) indicative for genetic instability (micronuclei that are formed as a consequence of chromosomal damage, nuclear buds which are a consequence of gene amplifications and binucleated cells which reflect mitotic disturbances), (ii) markers that reflect cytotoxic effects (condensed chromatin, karyorrhectic, karyolitic and pyknotic cells), (iii) furthermore, we determined the number of basal cells which is indicative for the regenerative capacity of the buccal mucosa. The impact of the drinking temperature on the frequencies of these parameters was monitored with thermometers. We found no evidence for induction of genetic damage but an increase of the cytotoxic effects with the temperature was evident. This effect was paralleled by an increase of the cell division rate of the mucosa which was observed when the temperature exceeded 60 °C. Our findings indicate that cancer in the upper digestive tract in drinkers of very hot beverages is not caused by damage of the genetic material but by an increase of the cell division rate as a consequence of cytotoxic effects which take place at temperatures over 60 °C. It is known from earlier experiments with rodents that increased cell divisions lead to tumor promotion in the esophagus. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation and indicate that increased cancer risks can be expected when the drinking temperature of beverages exceeds 60 °C.

Micronucleus frequency in buccal mucosa cells of patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases show an increase in prevalence and incidence, with the most prominent example being Alzheimer’s disease. DNA damage has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis, but the exact mechanisms remain elusive. We enrolled 425 participants with and without neurodegenerative diseases and analyzed DNA damage in the form of micronuclei in buccal mucosa samples. In addition, other parameters such as binucleated cells, karyolytic cells, and karyorrhectic cells were quantified. No relevant differences in DNA damage and cytotoxicity markers were observed in patients compared to healthy participants. Furthermore, other parameters such as lifestyle factors and diseases were also investigated. Overall, this study could not identify a direct link between changes in buccal cells and neurogenerative diseases, but highlights the influence of lifestyle factors and diseases on the human buccal cytome.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can establish productive infection in dysplastic oral mucosa, but HPV status is poorly predicted by histological features and p16 expression.

Previous studies have reported the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in a subset of dysplastic oral epithelial lesions. Many cases show a histological spectrum of atypia similar to that seen in non-human papillomavirus (HPV) severe epithelial dysplasia, but some studies have suggested that HPV status can be inferred on the basis of histological features. We aimed to assess the utility of such histological features and p16 as surrogate markers of HPV infection in a retrospective cohort of 33 cases of severe epithelial dysplasia, with matched clinicopathological data and histological features. Tissue sections were assessed for the expression of p16, minichromosome maintenance 2, HPV E4 and HPV L1 by the use of immunohistochemistry. HPV16/18 E6 and E7 expression was assessed by the use of RNA in-situ hybridisation (RNAScope). In the cohort, 18.2% of cases (6/33) were HR-HPV-positive, with no age/gender differences between the HPV-positive and HPV-negative groups. HPV E4 and HPV L1 were expressed in surface keratinocytes in four of six (66%) HPV-positive cases, indicative of productive HPV infection. Lack of p16 expression was predictive of HPV-negative status, but sensitivity and specificity varied according to the cut-off. Histologically, the presence of karyorrhectic nuclei and abnormal mitotic figures was higher in HPV-positive lesions (P<0.05), but the predictive specificity and sensitivity were suboptimal (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.52). This study demonstrates, for the first time, that a minority of severely dysplastic oral lesions harbour productive, biologically relevant HPV infection. Consideration should be given to the specific assessment of HPV status in severe epithelial dysplasia cases, as both p16 status and the presence of karyorrhectic cells are poor predictive markers of HPV status.

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.

The Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of CT Scan on Buccal Epithelial Cells.

Background:Diagnostic radiation is reported to cause significant damage in buccal cells, while the same effects after natural cell turn over cycle were not checked for in previous studies. The buccal cells were studied in patients exposed to computed tomography (CT) scans for evaluating the cells with micronuclei and cytotoxic changes, namely, pyknotic cells, karyorrhectic cells and karyolytic cells. The pre-exposure counts were compared with postexposure counts on 10 and 20 days corresponding to first and second cell turnover cycles.Aim:The aim of this study is to estimate the counts of micronucleus and cytotoxic changes in buccal cells post-exposure to CT scans and report on variance of the same with first and second buccal cell turnover cycles.Materials and Methods:This is an observational study, wherein the buccal smears of patients undergoing CT scans were made before and after CT scan exposures as needed. Papanicolaou (PAP) staining and analysis were performed as per standard criteria for micronuclear and cytotoxic changes, respectively. Statistical test used was paired t-tests.Results:The micronuclear counts revealed 0.4% positive cells before exposure and 1.4% positive cells post 10 days and 20 days of exposure were significant (P < 0.005). The cytotoxic changes showed around 2.5% positive cells before and 5.7% positive cells 10 days after CT exposure (P < 0.005). The cytotoxic cell values from baseline to 20th day were not significant (P < 0.25).Conclusion:CT scans have caused genotoxic effects notable after two cell turnover cycles but the cytotoxic changes have significantly decreased naturally after 2nd cell turnover as per our study.

Biochemical and genotoxic effects in women exposed to pesticides in Southern Ecuador

Toxicity refers to the potential of a substance such as a pesticide to cause damage to the structure or functions of an exposed organism. Pesticides can lead to harmful biological effects in exposed animals and their offspring over the medium and long term. They can affect the immunological, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. DNA damage has also been linked to exposure to pesticides, and this damage can cause abortions, degenerative diseases, and cancer. The aim of this work was to establish whether women who are indirectly exposed to pesticides exhibit a compromised health status, including genotoxic effect. Women exposed indirectly to pesticides in Chimchanga and Colaisaca in the south of Ecuador underwent hematological and biochemical tests and micronucleus assay in buccal cells. The subjects were also genotyped for GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and PON1 polymorphisms, which can modify an individual's capacity to metabolize pesticides and relation with damage of DNA. The study revealed hepatic toxicity in Colaisaca women (AST and ALT) and an increase in the rate of micronucleus (MN) in Colaisaca individuals. In addition, genetic polymorphisms in PON1 and GSTP1 showed effects of modulating the frequency of karyolytic cells, karyorrhectic cells, and condensed chromatin cells.

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.

Evaluation of the DNA damage in lymphocytes, sperm and buccal cells of workers under environmental and occupational boron exposure conditions

Industrial production and use of boron compounds have increased during the last decades, especially for the manufacture of borosilicate glass, fiberglass, metal alloys and flame retardants. This study was conducted in two districts of Balıkesir; Bandırma and Bigadic, which geographically belong to the Marmara Region of Turkey. Bandırma is the production and exportation zone for the produced boric acid and some borates and Bigadic has the largest B deposits in Turkey. 102 male workers who were occupationally exposed to boron from Bandırma and 110 workers who were occupationally and environmentally exposed to boron from Bigadic participated to our study. In this study the DNA damage in the sperm, blood and buccal cells of 212 males was evaluated by comet and micronucleus assays. No significant increase in the DNA damage in blood, sperm and buccal cells was observed in the residents exposed to boron both occupationally and environmentally (p = 0.861) for Comet test in the sperm samples, p = 0.116 for Comet test in the lymphocyte samples, p = 0.042 for micronucleus (MN) test, p = 0.955 for binucleated cells (BN), p = 1.486 for condensed chromatin (CC), p = 0.455 for karyorrhectic cells (KHC), p = 0.541 for karyolitic cells (KLY), p = 1.057 for pyknotic cells (PHC), p = 0.331 for nuclear bud (NBUD)). No correlations were seen between blood boron levels and tail intensity values of the sperm samples, lymphocyte samples, frequencies of MN, BN, KHC, KYL, PHC and NBUD. The results of this study came to the same conclusions of the previous studies that boron does not induce DNA damage even under extreme exposure conditions.

Increased genetic damage found in waste picker women in a landfill in Paraguay measured by comet assay and the micronucleus test

Cateura landfill located in Asunción-Paraguay is the site of final disposal of tons of garbage of all kinds coming from urban, industrial and commercial areas. Due to an inadequate waste management system, there is a big concern in our country on how it can affect people working within the landfill as waste pickers. When a high risk of exposure affecting workers in their work places is supposed, defining biomarkers of genotoxic damage is obligatory. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic damage in occupationally exposed women in their work environments through two established biomarkers: the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (SCGE) accomplished in peripheral blood and the micronucleus test performed in exfoliated cells from oral mucosa (BMCyT). This is an analytical observational cohort study involving 50 women occupationally exposed and 34 unexposed women. A statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the parameters to measure genotoxicity was observed in the garbage recyclers of the landfill, compared to the control group. The frequency of Micronuclei (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities such as karyolytic and karyorrhectic cells were higher in exposed women. In addition, significant differences in the % of DNA in the tail of comets between exposed and control groups were found. Our results suggest that the increase in DNA damage and nuclear alterations found in exposed-waste pickers women can be explained as a result to their direct contact with chemicals, many of them identified as genotoxic and other alleged mutagens. This chronic exposure could be diminished by using safety procedures and suitable personal protective equipment inside the workplace. The burden of morbidity due to occupational exposure to genotoxic agents in this place is unknown, therefore, these types of studies should be addressed in order to advice to authorities on social policies of protection of landfills workers.

Genotoxic Effects of Exposure to Gasoline Fumes on Petrol Pump Workers.

Background: Petrol pump workers are occupationally exposed to gasoline and its fumes consisting of several mutagenic chemicals. Objective: To evaluate the genotoxic effects of exposure to gasoline fumes on petrol pump workers. Methods: The study groups included 70 petrol pump workers (exposed group) and 70 healthy age-matched individuals with no known exposure (comparison group). Buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) was performed to check the genotoxicity caused due to inhalation of gasoline fumes. Results: The frequencies of micronucleated cells, nuclear bud, condensed chromatin cells, karyorrhectic cells, pyknotic cells, and karyolytic cells were significantly higher in the exposed workers compared to the comparison group. Conclusion: Exposure to gasoline fumes is associated with increased frequency of cell abnormalities. This may lead to various health consequences including cancer in those occupationally exposed to gasoline fumes.

Assessment of the health status and risk of genotoxic and cytotoxic damage in Argentinian adolescents living near horticultural crops.

In some rural areas in Argentina, adolescents may be considered as a group indirectly exposed to agrochemicals because their parents plant small crops near their homes. This could become a health risk to children and adolescents who may be more sensitive to exposure to chemicals than adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the health status of two different groups of Argentinian adolescents using biochemical parameters, dietary information, and cytogenetic biomarkers of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. The study groups included 32 adolescents from Montecarlo, who were indirectly exposed to agrochemicals, and 30 unexposed adolescents from Exaltación de la Cruz. The values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, gamma glutamyltransferase, and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were higher (p < 0.05) in males from Exaltación de la Cruz compared with those from Montecarlo. The BuChE activity was also higher (p < 0.05) in females from this region. Furthermore, the consumption of citrus, vegetable-like fruits, tubers, and red meat was more frequent (p < 0.05) in Montecarlo. On the other hand, differences in frequency of biomarkers of genetic damage in lymphocytes were not found (p > 0.05). However, the cytome assay in buccal cells showed that karyorrhectic and pyknotic cells were more frequent (p < 0.05) in the Montecarlo group; whereas, the frequencies of cells with nuclear buds, condensed chromatin and karyolysis were higher (p < 0.05) in the Exaltación de la Cruz group. Despite the differences between the parameters and biomarkers evaluated, the adolescents of Montecarlo did not present health impairment probably due to the type and level of exposure to agrochemicals.

High Content, Multi-Parameter Analyses in Buccal Cells to Identify Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder and is the most common form of dementia. Minimally invasive approaches are required that combine biomarkers to identify individuals who are at risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, to appropriately target clinical trials for therapeutic discovery as well as lifestyle strategies aimed at prevention. Buccal mucosa cells from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing cohort (n=60) were investigated for cytological markers that could be used to identify both MCI and AD individuals. Visual scoring of the buccal cytome demonstrated a significantly lower frequency of basal and karyorrhectic cells in the MCI group compared with controls. A high content, automated assay was developed using laser scanning cytometry to simultaneously measure cell types, nuclear DNA content and aneuploidy, neutral lipid content, putative Tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) in buccal cells. DNA content, aneuploidy, neutral lipids and Tau were similar in all groups. However, there was significantly lower Tau protein in both basal and karyolytic buccal cell types compared with differentiated buccal cells. Aβ, as measured by frequency of cells containing Aβ signal, as well as area and integral of Aβ signal, was significantly higher in the AD group compared with the control group. Buccal cell Aβ was correlated with mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores (r = -0.436, P=0.001) and several blood-based biomarkers. Combining newly identified biomarkers from buccal cells with those already established may offer a potential route for more specific biomarker panels which may substantially increase the likelihood of better predictive markers for earlier diagnosis of AD.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects following dental and panoramic radiography

Aim: To evaluate the effects of diagnostic radiation on the epithelial cells of oral mucosa. Objective: To evaluate and compare the possible cellular changes seen in oral epithelium after panoramic and periapical radiography. Materials and Methods: The patients who are advised for panoramic radiography and intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR) were included in the study with 20 subjects in each group. Smear from the buccal mucosa was taken immediately before and 10 days after the radiation exposure. The cellular changes were studied under the compound microscope. Results: The mean value of micronuclei, condensed chromatin, karyorrhectic cells, pyknotic cells, karyolytic cells, and cells with nuclear bud was found to be increased after IOPAR and panoramic radiographic exposure. Conclusion: The genotoxic effect induced by periapical radiography exposure is more when compared to panoramic radiograph exposure. The cytotoxic effects caused by panoramic radiography on oral epithelial cells are more compared to that of IOPAR.

Buccal Cytome Biomarkers and Their Association with Plasma Folate, Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine in Alzheimer's Disease

Background/Aims: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and is the commonest form of dementia. One aim of this study was to determine whether AD individuals have altered plasma folate, vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine (Hcy) levels compared to controls. The other aim was to investigate correlations between B vitamins and buccal biomarkers to test whether they are influenced by B vitamin status. Methods: Folate, vitamin B₁₂ and Hcy were measured using ARCHITECT® and AxSYM® assays. Genomic stability was measured using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for AD basal cells was 0.96 (p < 0.0001), for karyorrhectic cells 0.88 (p < 0.0001) and for basal and karyorrhectic cells 0.91 (p < 0.0001). Hcy was significantly increased (p = 0.0003) compared to controls. Plasma vitamin B₁₂ in controls showed a positive correlation with pyknosis (r = 0.5365, p = 0.004), karyolysis (r = 0.5447, p = 0.004) and condensed chromatin (r = 0.5238, p = 0.006). Plasma vitamin B₁₂ in AD cases showed a positive correlation with micronuclei (r = 0.3552, p = 0.04) and basal cells (r = 0.3448, p = 0.04), whilst plasma Hcy showed a negative correlation with karyorrhectic cells (r = -0.4107, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Hcy was significantly increased in AD cases relative to controls. The lower frequency of basal cells and karyorrhectic cells observed in AD cases may be explained by lower vitamin B₁₂ and higher Hcy levels, respectively.