Micronucleated Cells Research Articles

In vitro genotoxicity analyses of colibactin-producing E. coli isolated from a Japanese colorectal cancer patient.

Colibactin is a polyketide-peptide genotoxin produced by enteric bacteria such as E. coli, and is considered to contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. We previously isolated E. coli strains from Japanese colorectal cancer patients, and in the present study we investigated the genotoxic potency of the colibactin-producing (clb+) E. coli strains that carry the polyketide synthases "pks" gene cluster (pks+) and an isogenic clb- mutant in which the colibactin-producing ability is impaired. Measurement of phosphorylated histone H2AX indicated that DNA double strand breaks were induced in mammalian CHO AA8 cells infected with the clb+ E. coli strains. Induction of DNA damage response (SOS response) by crude extract of the clb+ strains was 1.7 times higher than that of the clb- E. coli in an umu assay with a Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 tester strain. Micronucleus test with CHO AA8 cells revealed that infection with the clb+ strains induced genotoxicity, i.e., the frequencies of micronucleated cells infected with clb+ strain were 4-6 times higher than with the clb- strain. Since the intestinal flora are affected by dietary habits that are strongly associated with ethnicity, these data may contribute to both risk evaluation and prevention of colorectal cancer in the Japanese population.

Buccal epithelial cell micronuclei: Sensitive, non-invasive biomarkers of occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation

We have evaluated buccal epithelial cell micronucleus formation as a biomarker of genotoxic damage following occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. Buccal epithelial cells were collected from 42 occupationally exposed medical personnel and 39 non-exposed individuals (reference group). Each individual in the exposed group was routinely monitored with a personal radiation badge. The frequency of micronucleated cells (MNC) was significantly higher in the exposed group (5.26 vs. 1.33 MNC/2000 cells) and correlated strongly with accumulated radiation dose (Annual Deep Dose, mSv). Occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation was associated with an 80% relative increase in the frequency of MNC (MRR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–2.8), suggesting that such exposures cause DNA damage. This non-invasive biomonitoring method should be generally applicable to studies of workers who are exposed occupationally to low doses of IR.

GENOTOXICITY AND CYTOTOXICITY OF CBCT X-RAYS IN ORAL EXFOLIATED CELLS OF ADULTS

Background Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become an important diagnostic tool in dentistry but has the disadvantage of exposing the patient to ionizing radiation, which may induce base damage, single- and double-strand breaks, and DNA protein crosslinks. Objective The aim of this study was to assess cytologic evidence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of x-rays in the oral exfoliated cells of adults subjected to partial and total (stitching module) CBCT by determining micronuclei frequency, associated with counting of degenerative nuclear alterations (pyknosis, karyolysis, karyorrhexis, buds, and broken eggs), and comparing partial and total (stitching module) CBCT in search of possible differences in the nature and/or intensity of the effects. Methods Thirty adults who were referred for total or partial CBCT were selected. Material collection was performed immediately before scanning and 10 days later, by scraping the vestibular mucosa with a plastic spatula. Statistical analysis was performed by using the paired t test for intragroup analysis and Student's t test for the intergroup data, with a significance level of 5%. Results No statistically significant difference was noted in the mean frequency of micronucleated cells before and after partial CBCT (P = .403). However, there was a significant difference in micronucleus frequency before and after total CBCT (P = .003). With regard to cytotoxicity, there was a statistically significant difference between partial and total acquisitions (P = .007 and P Discussion/Conclusions Only total CBCT seems to have a risk of inducing genetic damage, although both forms of CT scanning have promoted the induction of cytotoxic nuclear alterations.

Effect of inter-individual variability in human liver cytochrome P450 isozymes on cyclophosphamide-induced micronucleus formation

We investigated the relationship between metabolic activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes present in microsomal fractions derived from the livers of 78 donors and micronucleus induction by cyclophosphamide (CPA). Consequently, a wide inter-individual variation in CYP activities was observed among the 78 donors. The CYP activities were partially correlated with the metabolic phenotypes predicted for the donors based on their single nucleotide polymorphisms. In addition, CPA induced micronucleus formation was seen for 47 out of 52 donors whose samples were tested with CPA doses ranging from 18.8 to 100 μg/mL. The CPA dose at which micronucleated cells were observed varied among the donors. Furthermore, a close correlation was identified between the catalytic activities of the CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 isozymes and micronucleus induction by CPA. To elucidate the mechanism underlying CPA-induced micronucleus formation in vitro tests were conducted on expression systems of CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Additionally, the metabolites of CPA generated by the expression systems were quantified by a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer. Interestingly, several metabolites including the 4-hydroxyl form of CPA (4-OH-CPA) and phosphamide mustard were detected in the CYP2B6, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 expression systems, but not in the CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 system. The presence of these metabolites was correlated with micronucleus induction by CPA. The absence of CPA metabolites in the CYP2C9 expression system might be associated with the lower 4-hydroxylase activity of this system.The present results suggest that inter-individual variability in the metabolic capacity of each donor was associated with potential micronucleus induction due to CPA. Additionally, CPA metabolites like 4-OH-CPA and phosphamide mustard produced by human CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 are suggested to be major determinants of micronucleus induction by CPA.

MICRONUCLEI AS BIOMARKERS OF GENETIC DAMAGE IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is a major health problem, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 90-95% of all oral malignancies. The prognosis of OSCC is often poor due to the late discovery of most lesions, after they have reached a large size. Here comes the role of biomarkers of genetic damage that can have excellent use in early diagnosis of cancer. Micronuclei are small extranuclear bodies formed by chromosome fragments or whole chromosomes that lag behind at anaphase and are not incorporated into the resulting daughter nuclei but are covered by a nuclear membrane and resemble a small nucleus. Many investigators have already called micronuclei (MN) an upcoming biomarker of tumorogenesis. More than 90% of human malignancies originate from epithelial cells. Thus the MN test in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells could be used as an objective, non-invasive tool for biomonitoring the genetic damage in high risk human populations and for screening cellular alteration in OSCC cases. OBJECTIVES: To assess the degree of genetic damage in the oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions using micronuclei as biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of thirty four participants; seventeen OSCC patients and17 healthy control subjects were included. Cytological smears were taken from the lesion of the OSCC cases as well as from the buccal mucosa of the control group subjects using a cytobrush. Cytological smears were stained using Papanicolaou stain and the number of micronucleated (MNed) cells per 1000 cells was determined for each subject. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the number of MNed cells in the cytological smears of OSCC cases and those of the healthy control subjects

Markedly enhanced micronucleus induction by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride in colonic cells of rats with bacterial colonization in the intestine

To investigate how intestinal bacteria affect host cytogenetic alterations in the early initiation step of colon carcinogenesis, we conducted a comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test using germ-free (GF) and conventionalized (Cvd) rats after a single subcutaneous injection of the carcinogen, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH). DNA damage was also determined in the liver in comet assays, as DMH is metabolized and activated in this organ. The time-response patterns of DNA damage in the liver and colon were similar in both rats, and maximum values were observed at 3 h after the treatment. In contrast, the maximum frequency of micronucleated (MNed) colonic cells was markedly higher in the Cvd rats than in the GF rats and was observed after 72 h and 120 h, respectively. The frequency of MNed cells in non-treated animals was similar in the GF and Cvd rats. In addition, we determined time-responses in the incidence of apoptosis and cell proliferation indices, i.e., the numbers of BrdU-labeled cells, mitotic cells in the crypts, and crypt column heights, using histological sections of the colons in these rats. Maximal incidence of apoptosis was observed at 6 and 24 h in the Cvd and GF rats, respectively. The value in the Cvd rats tended to be higher than that in the GF rats. Cell proliferation was suppressed until 24 and 48 h in the Cvd and GF rats, respectively, and increased subsequently. The rebound response of cell proliferation was more pronounced and occurred earlier in the Cvd rats than that in the GF rats. We demonstrated that cytogenetic alterations other than DNA damage, particularly the MNed colonic cell induction by DMH, were markedly enhanced in rats with bacterial colonization in the intestine compared to those in GF rats.

Comparative studies on the effect of environmental pollution on secondary metabolite contents and genotoxicity of two plants in Asir area, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To investigate the phytochemical contents and genotoxic effects of Ficus carica and Schinus molle grown in healthy and polluted environments in Asir area, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Extracts of the aerial parts of the plants were screened for phytochemical constituents. Genotoxicity tests were carried out in mice using Comet assay, micronucleus test and chromosomal analysis. Results: Extracts of the two plants grown in polluted soil showed elevations in phytochemical and heavy metal contents, when compared with extracts from non-polluted sites. In genotoxicity tests, F. carica and S. molle extracts produced significant increases in the number of micro-nucleated cells in mice, compared to control. Cytotoxicity tests showed that extracts from plants grown in non-polluted environments did not decrease polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) to normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) ratio in bone marrow cells, relative to control. Mice in the vehicle control group showed some aberrant metaphases and a few aberrations per hundred metaphases. Conclusion: Pollution has significant effects on phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and genotoxic potential of the two plants. Keywords: Ficus carica , Schinus molle , Pollution, Genotoxicity, Total phenolic compounds, Total flavonoids

Analysis of historical negative control group data from the in vitro micronucleus assay using human lymphocytes

A database of the micronuclei counts was built up for historical negative control data from human lymphocyte in vitro micronuclei tests (MnVit) carried out in 8 laboratories with experience of the method. The mean incidence of micronucleated cells (mnt)/1000 cells ranged from 2.2/1000 to 15.9/1000. There were no large differences in incidence between the presence or absence of S9 mix or between different treatment lengths. There was also little evidence that different solvents affected the numbers of micronuclei appreciably. A number of laboratories did show significant inter-experiment variability, indicating that there remained unidentified factors affecting frequencies. Donor variance may be one such factor. Inter-individual variability may explain some of these differences. The approximate 7.5-fold difference in mnt/1000 scores in a relatively small group of experienced laboratories illustrates the potential complications that can arise if a metric like a fold increase was considered the only biologically important finding. Although there is inherent variability between experiments, it was evident that within a laboratory the overall laboratory mean remains constant over time. It is believed that these findings will provide help to laboratories conducting studies using human lymphocytes in the MnVit and to those involved in the assessment of MnVit results.

ЦИТОГЕНЕТИЧЕСКАЯ ИНДИКАЦИЯ МУТАГЕННОГО ЭФФЕКТА В ДИАДАХ «МАТЬ – РЕБЕНОК» В ЗОНЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЙ АЛЮМИНИЕВОГО ПРОИЗВОДСТВА

It is important to conduct cytogenetic monitoring to assess the level and dynamics of the frequency of cells with genome damage in parents and their children, formed in response to the impact of aluminum. Material and methods. In dyads «mother – child», the content of aluminum in urine was determined and a morphological evaluation of changes in buccal epitheliocytes was carried out. Results. It was found that in children and adults the concentration of aluminum in urine was 6,8 times higher than in the comparison groups and up to 5,5 times the reference level. The content of aluminum in urine in children is 1,3 times higher than in adults. The concentration of aluminum in urine (more than 0,0065 mg/dm3) is justified as an exposure marker. In children with a concentration of aluminum in urine at a level of 0,032–0,040 mg/dm3 and higher, the indicator indicators of genetic disorders are: an increase in the frequency of multinucleated cells, an integral index of cytogenetic action, and the frequency of cells with karyorexis. In adults with an aluminum concentration in urine of 0,021–0,033 mg/dm3 and higher markers of genetic disorders is the increased frequency of micronucleated cells and cells with karyorexis. Conclusion. In the dyads «mother – child», the spectrum and degree of severity of deviations in the indicators of genetic disorders in children relative to those of their mothers is growing.

Buccal micronucleus cytome biomarkers in Algerian couples with idiopathic infertility

The buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay is a useful and a minimally invasive cytogenetic method for measuring genomic damage. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the extent of chromosomal damage in couples with idiopathic infertility using a BMCyt.This study included 54 patients (27 couples) with idiopathic infertility and 30 fertile subjects (15 couples). When evaluated by individual (each subject from the couple is considered separately), the frequencies of micronucleated cells (MNC), total micronuclei (TMN), nuclear buds (NBUD), and binucleated cells (BN) were significantly higher in the infertile individuals than in the fertile ones (p = 0.009, p = 0.009, p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Among the cells reflecting cell death events, condensed chromatin (CC), karyorrhectic (KHC) and pyknotic (PYK) cells were significantly higher in the infertile individuals (p = 0.0001, p = 0.003, p = 0.001, respectively). Identical results were obtained when data were analysed by couple (female + male). The frequencies of MNC, TMN, NBUD, and BN cells were significantly higher in the infertile couples (p = 0.019, p = 0.021, p = 0.013, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Likewise, CC, KHC and PYK cells were significantly higher in the infertile couples (p = 0.002, p = 0.034, p = 0.008, respectively). BN cells showed the most pronounced difference between the fertile and infertile groups. The basal (BAS) and karyolitic (KYL) cells did not show a significant difference. In conclusion, this study showed that, in comparison to controls, couples with idiopathic infertility had significantly higher frequencies of DNA damage biomarkers (MN and NBUD), biomarkers of cytokinesis-failure or arrest (BN cells) and cell death biomarkers (CC, KHC and PYK cells). These results suggest a possible role of chromosomal damage in idiopathic infertility that may be due to an imbalance between DNA damage rates and DNA repair mechanisms.

Genotoxic damage in end-stage renal disease

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular events and cancer, possibly due to genomic instability associated with renal disease and/or its therapy. Prognostic biomarkers of genomic instability may prove useful for initiating appropriate intervention strategies. We conducted a case-control study, performing the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (circulating leukocytes) and the micronucleus cytome assay (buccal epithelial cells). Cases (ESRD patients; n = 55) were on weekly/fortnightly dialysis therapy and controls (n = 39) were healthy adults. The patients had significantly elevated levels of DNA damage and micronucleated cells. DNA damage showed higher validity and sensitivity than did chromosome damage, for discriminating patients from controls. The patient group showed significant increases in cell proliferation, cytokinetic defects, and cell death, and a decrease in repair index. Correlations were seen between genetic damage and both time-on-medication and time-on-dialysis; between condensed chromatin cells and sex; and between pyknotic cells and dietary pattern. Following stratification by age, gender, and dialysis frequency, significantly elevated DNA damage and MN frequency were seen in the fortnightly dialysis patients, perhaps due to accumulated uremic toxicants. DNA and chromosome damage may be useful prognostic biomarkers for initiating timely interventions against co-morbidities in ESRD patients.

Micronuclei in Exfoliated Buccal Cells of Children Living in a Cluster Area of Salento (Southern Italy) with a High Incidence of Lung Cancer: The IMP.AIR Study.

During the years 2014–2016 the University of Salento performed the “Impact of Air Quality on Health of Residents in the Municipalities of Cutrofiano, Galatina, Sogliano Cavour, Soleto and Sternatia” (IMP.AIR) study, an epidemiological-molecular research project aiming to evaluate early DNA damage in children living in an area of Salento with high incidence of lung cancer among the male population. One hundred and twenty-two children aged 6–8 years attending primary school were enrolled and the frequency of micronucleated cells (MNC) in oral mucosa was evaluated. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to parents to obtain information about personal data, anthropometric characteristics and lifestyles (physical activity, food habits, family context) of the children and perform a multivariate analysis to detect any factors associated with MNC occurrence. Data on airborne pollutants detected in the study area were acquired by the Regional Agency for the Environmental Protection. The presence of MNC was highlighted in about 42% of children with a mean MNC frequency of 0.49‰. The frequency of MNC was associated to obesity, consumption of red or processed meat and having a mother who smokes. Moreover, the prevalence of biomarkers was higher than in another area of Salento not included in the cluster area.

Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia potentiates paclitaxel activity in sensitive and resistant breast cancer cells.

IntroductionOvercoming resistance to antimitotic drugs, such as paclitaxel (PTX), would represent a major advance in breast cancer treatment. PTX induces mitotic block and sensitive cells exit mitosis dying by mitotic catastrophe. Resistant cells remain in block and continue proliferation after drug decay, denoting one of the PTX resistance mechanisms. Mild hyperthermia (HT) triggers mitotic exit of PTX-pretreated cells, overcoming PTX resistance and suggesting HT-forced mitotic exit as a promising strategy to potentiate PTX.Methods and resultsSuperparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were used to deliver mild HT at 42°C in PTX-pretreated breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells sensitive and resistant to PTX. To evaluate mechanism of cell death, cells were classified based on nuclear morphology into interphase, mitotic, micronucleated, and apoptotic. The combined PTX→SPION treatment resulted in an increase in the percentage of micronucleated cells, an indication of forced mitotic exit. Importantly, in PTX-resistant cells, the combination therapy using SPION HT helps to overcome resistance by reducing the number of cells relative to the control.ConclusionSPION HT potentiates PTX by significantly reducing cell survival, suggesting potential of combined treatment for future clinical translation.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Pesticide Exposure in Male Coffee Farmworkers of the Jarabacoa Region, Dominican Republic.

Intensive agrochemical use in coffee production in the Global South has been documented. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of pesticide exposure in male farmworkers in the Dominican Republic comparing conventional farming using pesticides to organic farming. Furthermore, feasibility of the buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCA) for field studies under difficult local conditions was tested. In a cross-sectional field study, pesticide exposed (sprayers) and non-exposed male workers on coffee plantations were interviewed about exposure history, and pesticide application practices. Buccal cells were sampled, and BMCA was applied to assess potential effects on cell integrity. In total, 38 pesticide-exposed and 33 non-exposed workers participated. Eighty-four and 87%, respectively, of the pesticide-exposed respondents did not use masks or gloves at all. All biomarkers from the BMCA were significantly more frequent among exposed workers—odds ratio for micronucleated cells: 3.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–7.4) or karyolysis: 1.3 (1.1–1.5). Buccal cells as sensitive markers of toxic oral or respiratory exposures proved feasible for challenging field studies. Our findings indicate that the impact of pesticide use is not restricted to acute effects on health and wellbeing, but also points to long-term health risks. Therefore, occupational safety measures including training and protective clothing are needed, as well as encouragement towards minimal application of pesticides and more widespread use of organic farming.

River pollution in the Kosovo: Cyto- and genotoxic effects of water samples in the primary rat hepatocyte assay.

The actual stage of the development of Kosovo is characterized by the concerning levels of environmental pollution and the serious health problems attributed to the emission of pollutants into air, soil and water. In this context, river pollution is one of the main threats due to the discharge of untreated urban and industrial waste waters that affect the quality of surface and ground water. In addition, urban and agricultural discharges are affecting the river water quality. In this article, we are presenting data on the cyto- and genotoxic potential of water samples from three rivers (Sitnica, Drenica and Lepenci) in the Kosovo as determined in the cultures of primary rat hepatocytes. Sitnica and Drenica (as the most important Sitnica tributary) drain into the Black Sea, whereas the Lepenci river drains into the Aegean Sea. These rivers are polluted mainly by industry in the Kosovo together with municipal discharges. The results of this study show that the samples have primarily a cytotoxic potential by causing necrotic cell death that was not accompanied by any increase of the rate of micronucleated cells as an indicator for a genotoxic potential. The different effects in 2 consecutive years can be attributed to variations in physico-chemical parameters such as water levels, intake of pollutants, and so on, indicating the need for continuous monitoring and risk assessment.

Increased micronucleus count predicts malignant behavior in pleural effusion fluid

Background/aim: Micronucleus (MN) frequency is used as a biomarker of chromosomal damage, genome instability, and cancer risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of MN frequency to differentiate between malignant and benign pleural effusion samples. Materials and methods: Retrospectively, 78 pleural fluid cytology samples (including 20 cases of benign reactive mesothelial cells, 22 cases of suspicious cytology, and 36 cases of malignant cytology) were examined. The number of micronucleated cells in 1000 well- preserved cells was counted. Statistical tests were performed to compare the study groups. Recover operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to suggest a cut-off value for predicting malignant behavior. Results: We evaluated a total of 78 cases of pleural effusion cytology. The number of micronucleated cells was significantly higher in cases with malignant outcome compared to cases with benign outcome. We observed that malignant samples had more micronucleated cells than suspicious ones, and suspicious cases had more micronucleated cells than reactive ones. There was a significant difference among all study groups. In addition, the frequency of MN-containing cells in suspicious cases correlates well with their outcomes. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that there is an absolute, consistent, and proportional relationship between MN counts and malignancy in cytological samples of pleural effusions. MN scoring may be a helpful diagnostic tool for distinguishing malignant effusions from benign ones, and may be used as an adjunct tool to predict malignant behavior in challenging cases.

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.

Genotoxic effects of acrylamide in mouse bone marrow cells

AbstractAcrylamide (AA) is a human carcinogen generated in carbohydrate-rich foodstuffs upon heating. It has been shown to cause neurotoxic effects in humans, and genotoxic and carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of AA on the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA), frequency of micronuclei (MN) and mitotic index (MI). Four groups of four mice, each weighing approximately 20–25 g, were orally administered AA once daily for 30 days with doses of 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 mg kg–1 body weight of AA. The control group consisted of four animals orally administered deionized water. Bone marrow was collected 24 h after the last treatment following standard protocols. AA significantly increased (p < 0.05) the number of CA and the frequency of micronucleated cells and decreased the MI in exposed groups compared to the negative control. The results obtained in this study further support that AA induces genotoxicity in mouse bone marrow cells.

BUCCAL MICRONUCLEUS CYTOME ASSAY IN THE SYSTEM OF THE HYGIENIC EVALUATION OF LEARNING CONDITIONS OF STUDENTS OF DIFFERENT FACULTIES OF THE SAME UNIVERSITY

The article presents the results of the second fragment of the complex genetic and psychological examination of 177 students of the chemical (CD) and economic (ED) departments of the Russian D.I. Mendeleev Chemical-Technological University. The design of the whole work included the analysis of conditions, socio-economic characteristics and the quality of life, multi-parameter psychological testing (177 students) and the buccal micronucleus cytome assay (146 students). The results of the first stage of the study showed the state of health and emotional state of the students not to be affected by the socio-economic factors that were taken into account, but the determined ones were: on CD, the duration of weekly laboratory work and, in both departments, the attitude of students to their future specialization. The purpose of this publication is to test the hypothesis of the relationship between the status of genome instability determined by the micronucleus test on buccal epithelium cells, the current exposure to chemical compounds during the work in the chemical laboratory, the presence of diseases, the influence of socioeconomic factors and the state of the emotional sphere. The research is a priority. In young men trained in CD,the total frequency of cells with micronuclei and cells with nuclear buds was demonstrated to be significantly greater in comparison with young men studying at EF. In contrast, the frequency of cells with the pyknosis of the nucleus was higher in young men from the EF. At both departments, the frequency of cells with condensed chromatin in the nucleus in young men was higher than in girls and was directly related to the practical work time in the chemical laboratory (hour/week). The frequency of micronucleated cells was shown to be associated with the student’s emotional state and the frequency of cells with the pycnosis of the nucleus was related with the way of life (mobile or sedentary).

ENSAYO DE MICRONÚCLEOS DE CITOMA BUCAL EN TRABAJADORES DE FINCAS FRUTÍCOLAS QUE HAN APLICADO PLAGUICIDAS ALREDEDOR DE QUINCE AÑOS

The application of pesticides is a common practice in agriculture. Many of these chemicals are associated with the induction of genetic damage. The chemical groups used and the methods of application vary from one region to another, what makes it difficult to transfer the evidence of genotoxicity detected in other geographical zones. In this research, the level of genetic damage was evaluated in people that have applied pesticides in fruit plantations of Mendoza, Argentina, for 15 ± 3.15 years. Buccal micronucleus cytome assay was used to determine the frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear alterations. Forty people participated in the study (field workers and a control group). Genetic damage in exposed workers showed an increase in micronucleated cells (p ≤ 0.01), nuclear buds and binucleated cells (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. Sixty five per cent of workers have used between one and three personal protection elements, and 70 % have applied pesticides through a turbo disperser. The type and amount of personal protection elements, as well as the machinery used by these groups should be registered systematically in order to compare the results obtained elsewhere. The detected anomalies did not show statistical associations between the confounder factors and the types of agricultural practices. Biomarkers of genotoxicity that showed statistically significant increases in the exposed group can help to understand the current and future problems of health in the human group studied.