Mucosa Cells Of Patients Research Articles

Viability and DNA Damage of Buccal Mucosa Cells in Patients Exposed to Panoramic X-ray

Panoramic X-ray is well known to cause DNA damage and induces cellular death. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of radiation exposure from panoramic radiography on human buccal mucosa cells by assessing the cell viability using the simple-trypan blue exclusion test. The genotoxicity effect was evaluated by assessing comet assay score. This research included a total of 20 healthy patients who had panoramic radiography for a routine dental examination. Buccal mucosa cells were collected from all participants before X-ray exposure and at 30 min or 24 h after exposure in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, and subjected to a comet assay and trypan blue exclusion test to assess cell viability and DNA damage. Cell viability was calculated as the ratio of live (translucent) to total counted cells. Comet assay output images were analysed using OpenComet software and a visual score by measuring the percentages of tail DNA and summing the visual score, respectively. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduce in cell viability was observed at 30 min after exposure, furthermore there is no more reduction after 24 h. Both comet assay measurements showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the percentage of tail DNA and visual score at 30 min after exposure, then tend to decrease after 24 h of exposure, although it was not significant (p > 0.05). The results showed that panoramic radiography interfered cell viability and induced DNA damage in buccal mucosa cells within 30 min after exposure, but these effects were ceased after 24 h.

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.

Effect of radon therapy on epithelial cells of the respiratory tract mucosa in patients with occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The influence of natural radon waters on the state of the respiratory tract mucosal cells in patients working in the coal and metallurgical industries with occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was studied. The positive effect of common radon baths on the restoration of cytological changes in the respiratory mucosa was revealed.Indicators of local immunity of the respiratory tract mucosa in patients with occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the background of the use of general radon baths.The aim of the study is to explore the effect of natural radon water in the form of shared baths on epithelial cells of the respiratory mucosa in patients with occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on the analysis of cytological changes in the respiratory mucosa. Patients of the main group with professional chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were given general radon baths from a natural source in sanatorium conditions. Patients in the control group had shared freshwater baths. All patients before and after treatment studies were conducted cytologic changes in the smears from the mucous membrane of the nose and phlegm. The use of common radon baths in the main group revealed a pronounced corrective effect on the function of cellular protection of the respiratory mucosa, which was expressed in a significant decrease in destructive processes in cells of all types with an increase in their functional activity, normalization of mucociliary clearance. There were no significant changes in indicators in the control group.The use of common radon baths at the stage of rehabilitation in workers of the coal and metallurgical industry with professional chronic obstructive pulmonary disease leads to the restoration of the integrity of the cellular composition of the epithelial cover of the respiratory tract mucosa, preserves the functional activity of cells of local protection factors.The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Cellular Alteration of the Oral Mucosa due to Orthodontic Appliances and Tobacco Smoking: A Cytomorphometric Study

Introduction: Fixed orthodontic treatment causes chronic low grade irritation on the oral mucosa. Tobacco smoking is considered to be a risk factor in the development of oral cancer. This study involves a cytomorphometric analysis on the buccal mucosal cells in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment who are tobacco smokers.
 Methods: Exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were obtained from orthodontic patients (smokers & non-smokers) as well as smokers and non-smokers who are not undergoing any orthodontic treatment. Smears were stained with rapid PAP stain and digital images of 50 cells were analysed using the Image J software.
 Results: Statistical analysis revealed that there were significant increase in the values of nuclear and cell diameter between non-smokers undergoing orthodontic treatment and smokers (p<0.001 & p=0.014 respectively), and between non-smokers undergoing orthodontic treatment and smokers undergoing orthodontic treatment (p<0.001 & p=0.015 respectively). Also, nuclear area and cell area showed significant differences between many of the study groups.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that there are nuclear and cellular alterations in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment who are smokers

CELLULAR ALTERATIONS OF THE ORAL MUCOSA DUE TO ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES AND TOBACCO SMOKING: A CYTOMORPHOMETRIC STUDY

<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: Fixed orthodontic treatment causes chronic low grade irritation on the oral mucosa. Tobacco smoking is considered to be a risk factor in the development of oral cancer. This study was designed to do a cytomorphometric analysis on the buccal mucosal cells in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment who are tobacco smokers.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were obtained from orthodontic patients (smokers & non-smokers) as well as smokers and non-smokers who are not undergoing any orthodontic treatment. Smears were stained with rapid PAP stain and digital images of 50 cells were analysed using the Image J software.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusion</strong>: Statistical analysis revealed that there were significant increase in the values of nuclear and cell diameter between non-smokers undergoing orthodontic treatment and smokers (p<0.001 & p=0.014 respectively), and between non-smokers undergoing orthodontic treatment and smokers undergoing orthodontic treatment (p<0.001 & p=0.015 respectively). Also, nuclear area and cell showed significant differences between many of the study groups. Based on these results, it can be concluded that there are nuclear and cellular alterations in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment who are smokers. <strong></strong></p>

Caspase-3 as an important factor in the early cytotoxic effect of nickel on oral mucosa cells in patients treated orthodontically.

The effect of fixed orthodontic appliances on biochemical changes in saliva and pathophysiological status of the oral cavity is not clear. Recent data showed that nickel (Ni) released from orthodontic appliances can decrease cellular viability, induce DNA damage and apoptosis in oral mucosa cells. Since the mechanism of these Ni effects is unknown, the aim of our study was to analyze the expression of caspase-3 in epithelial cells of oral mucosa in healthy individuals treated orthodontically. Twenty-eight volunteers participated in the study. Epithelial cells were collected from oral mucosa directly before appliance insertion, one week after the insertion, and 24 four weeks after the insertion of fixed appliances. Cellular identification and measurements were conducted by light microscopy. Caspase-3 expression was evaluated immunochemically. Nickel concentration in saliva was also determined. A significantly higher number of oral epithelial cells with caspase-3 immunoreactivity in was found one week, but not 24 weeks, after orthodontic treatment. The enhanced expression of caspase-3 was accompanied by increased nickel concentration in saliva. Our data suggests that nickel released from orthodontic appliances can activate caspase-3 and this mechanism may be partially responsible for the cytotoxic action of nickel in the oral cavity of orthodontically-treated individuals.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic biomonitoring in patients exposed to full mouth radiographs – A radiological and cytological study

Background: In the past decades, X-rays have been used widely for diagnosis in dentistry. However, it is well-known that ionizing radiation causes damage (including single- and double-strand breaks) to DNA and DNA–protein crosslinks and induces cellular death. Therefore, outlining the cytogenetic effects induced by X-rays is necessary to identify the degree of cancer risk and minimize potential risks to patients and clinicians. Objectives: To evaluate and compare mutagenicity (micronucleus) and cytotoxicity (karyorrhexis, pyknosis, and karyolysis) in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of patients following conventional full mouth series of radiographs. Study Design: The study group consisted of 30 patients exposed to conventional full mouth radiographs. Materials and Methods: Cytological smears were taken from the buccal mucosa and gingiva of the study group just before exposure to X-rays and 10 days after exposure to X-rays. The samples were stained with the paponicolaou method and accessed for micronuclei and karyolysis, pyknosis, and karyorrhexis. Results: The mean micronuclei frequency in buccal mucosa and gingiva of the group was increased after exposure but the difference was not significant statistically (P > 0.05). The mean of other nuclear alterations indicating cytotoxicity after exposure to full mouth radiographs was significant (P

Micronuclei frequencies in oral mucosal cells in patients undergoing nickel–titanium orthodontic archwires therapy

51st Congress of the European-Societies-of-Toxicology (EUROTOX) -- September 13-16, 2015 -- Portuguese Soc Pharmacol, Sect Toxicol, Porto, Portugal

Immunocytochemical Study of p53 Protein in Exfoliated Cells of Oral Mucosa in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Background: There is a potential risk for malignancy in patients with diabetes mellitus. Theoretically, a noninvasive method for detection of precancerous changes can be conducted on oral exfoliated cell smears. Objectives: In this study, the immunocytochemistry of p53 in exfoliated oral mucosal cells in patients with type 2 diabetes was investigated. Patients and Methods: Oral mucosal smears were prepared from 50 patients with type 2 diabetes (D) and 50 healthy participants (C). The immunocytochemistry of p53 was assessed according to the kit instructions on oral smears. The Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was used to compare the p53 expression in D and C groups. Results: The results showed a significant increase in p53 expression in exfoliated cells of oral mucosa in D group compared with C group (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the intensity of p53 expression and level of fasting blood sugar (FBS) (r = 0.816, P < 0.001), as well as between the percentage of p53 positive cells and FBS. The nucleus area (NA) and the cytoplasm to nuclear ratio (CNR) had significant correlations with p53 expression (r = 0.272, P = 0.08) NA, and CNR (r = -0.434, P = 0.005). Conclusions: This study showed that there was a significant expression of p53 in oral mucosal exfoliated cells of group D patients compared with C group. It seems that this noninvasive technique could be useful to detect premalignancy changes of oral mucosa as well as for early detection of malignancies.

Genetic and metabolic determinants of methotrexate-induced mucositis in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Methotrexate (MTX) is an effective and toxic chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL). In this prospective study, we aimed to identify metabolic and genetic determinants of MTX toxicity. One hundred and thirty-four Dutch pediatric ALL patients were treated with four high infusions MTX (HD-MTX: 5 g m(-2)) every other week according to the DCOG-ALL-10 protocol. Mucositis (National Cancer Institute grade ⩾ 3) was the most frequent occurring toxicity during the HD-MTX phase (20%) and occurred especially after the first MTX course. Mucositis was not associated with plasma MTX, plasma folate or plasma homocysteine levels. Patients with mucositis had higher erythrocyte folate levels at the start of protocol M than patients without mucositis (median 1.4 vs 1.2 μmol l(-1), P<0.008), this could reflect an increased MTX uptake in mucosal cells of patients with mucositis. From 17 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the MTX pathway, only patients with the wild-type variant of rs7317112 SNP in the ABCC4 gene had more mucositis (AA (39%) vs AG/GG (15%), P=0.016). We found no evidence that erythrocyte folate levels mediate in the association between the rs7317112 and mucositis.

Micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in buccal mucosa cells in patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of micronucleated cell (MNC) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) in the buccal mucosa cells of females with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN), compared with healthy women. Individuals with AN and BN have inadequate feeding and compensatory behaviour to avoid weight gain. These behaviours can cause extreme body stress, thereby inducing DNA damage. In a cross-sectional study, we assessed the frequency of MNC and NA in the buccal mucosa cells of female participants with AN or BN. All of these patients had been admitted to a private clinic for the treatment of eating disorders after diagnosis with AN (n = 10) or BN (n = 7) according to the DSM-IV. Age-matched healthy female participants (n = 17) composed the control group. Oral mucosa samples were collected, fixed, stained by aceto-orcein/fast green and microscopically examined. Normal cells, MNC and NAs were counted within a 2000 cell sample. The results were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Differences were observed in the frequency of MNC in healthy females (1.2±0.9) versus that of patients with AN (3.4±1.5) (P < 0.0001) and BN (4.1±2.2) (P < 0.001). No differences were found among these groups in terms of NA. AN and BN are related to the loss of genetic material through chromosomal fractures and/or damage to the mitotic spindle (i.e. possibly a result of a deficiency in DNA precursors). Self-imposed compensatory behaviours in AN and BN, such as severe food restriction, potential malnutrition, vomiting, use of diuretics and laxatives and acute exhaustive exercise, are possible inducers of MNC and genotoxic damage. Of these compensatory behaviours, only vomiting has not been linked to genotoxic damage. This is the first report in women with BN, which should be studied in the future.

Relationship between changes in intestinal mucosal leptin/leptin receptor expression and proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal mucosal cells in patients with obstructive jaundice

Relationship between changes in intestinal mucosal leptin/leptin receptor expression and proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal mucosal cells in patients with obstructive jaundice

Development and validation of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for the determination of cobalt, chromium, copper and nickel in oral mucosa cells

The oral cavity is an ideal environment for the corrosion of fixed orthodontic appliances, leading to the release of metal ions that, eventually, could derive in adverse effects. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the biocompatibility of these materials for patient's safety. In vivo, oral mucosa cells are a valuable sample for this aim, however, analytical methods to quantify the liberation of metal ions are very scarce. Thus, the purpose of this work is to optimize and validate a sample preparation procedure to determine cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) in oral mucosa cells in patients with and without orthodontic appliances, based on the extraction and digestion of the samples and quantification of the elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method has been suitably validated: the regression equation was calculated from standards prepared in the same matrix without oral mucosa cells and the linear range was 2.0–100.0ngmL−1 for all elements. Limits of detection were 0.10, 0.38, 0.49 and 0.67ngmL−1 and limits of quantification were 0.20, 1.13, 0.98, and 1.81ngmL−1 for Co, Cr, Cu, and Ni, respectively. The recovery percentages (%) obtained ranged between 104 and 109 for Co, 103–107 for Cr, 106–113 for Cu and 84–110 for Ni. Intermediate precision (RSD%) data obtained were also adequate. The present method proved to be robust for the three factors considered: heating time, volume of deionized water, and volume of PlasmaPure 65% HNO3 used to dilute the samples. Thus, the proposed method passed in a satisfactory way the validation standards considered and could be used to evaluate in vivo the metal ion release in oral mucosa cells from orthodontic patients.

Validation of a method to quantify titanium, vanadium and zirconium in oral mucosa cells by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

The release of metal ions from fixed orthodontic appliances is a source of major concern. Various studies have evaluated the discharge of metals from these appliances in biological fluids, such as saliva or blood, overlooking the cells with prolonged contact with fixed appliances. The aim of this work is to develop and optimize an analytical procedure to determine Ti, V and Zr in oral mucosa cells in patients with and without orthodontic appliances by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analytical procedure is based on an extraction and digestion of the samples and quantification of the elements. A suitable and practical procedure for assessing the trueness and precision of the proposed method has been applied by using validation standards. The method has been suitably validated: the regression equation was calculated from standards prepared in the same matrix without oral mucosa cells and the linear range was 0.5-50.0 ng/mL for Zr and 5.0-50.0 ng/mL for Ti and V. Limits of detection were 0.9, 2.8 and 0.4 ng/mL and limits of quantification 1.8, 3.4 and 0.7 ng/mL for Ti, V and Zr, respectively. The recovery percentages (%) obtained oscillated between 101 and 108 for Ti, 98 and 111 for V, and 92 and 104 for Zr. Intermediate precision (RSD%) data obtained were also adequate. The present method showed to be robust for the three factors considered: heating time, volume of the deionized water, and volume of PlasmaPure 65% HNO₃ used to dilute the samples, which permits its validation and application to oral mucosa cells from orthodontic patients.

Abstract 5354: Nuclear spheres in developmental biology and diagnosis

Abstract Introduction: The nuclear content of individual spheres with identical luminal diameters in buccal mucosa cells of patients with a malignant neoplasm at a distant site was first described by the author in 1962. Their biologic etiology remains unknown however. Recent studies revealed data on their correlation with nuclear spheres of cancer stem cells in asymmetric division. Materials and Methods: Observation of nuclear micro spheres was made by means of the highest magnification of the light microscope using a 100x objective and 10x ocular with a microscopic tube length of 1.25. The hematoxylin-eosin stain was applied for histological sections and cytological specimens. Buccal mucosa spreads of 145 cases were examined in correlation with cancer stem cells. Nuclear spheres in buccal mucosa cells were compared to those in self-renewal daughter cells of cancer stem cells in asymmetric division. Results: In asymmetric division of cancer stem cells the self-renewal daughter cell nucleus consisted entirely of spheres with identical luminal diameters of 0.33 to 0.5 µm. The other daughter cell was well differentiated with a nucleus devoid of spheres. In the buccal mucosa specimens with a distant malignant neoplasm, the nuclear content of spheres with luminal diameters of &amp;lt; 0.5 µm were noted in 112 of 145 cases with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 86%. The primary tumors were diverse in type and location. Discussion: The scientific literature is silent as to the rationale for nuclear spheres that appear with their identical luminal diameters in the buccal mucosa cells distant from a primary malignant neoplasm and identical to those of self-renewal daughter cells in asymmetric stem cell division. Nuclear spheres in cells distant from the primary tumor may occur as a result of circulating blood DNA or through blood cell migration to the buccal mucosa. The systemic manifestation of nuclear spheres at distant sites from a primary tumor is in keeping with the systemic involvement of cancer described by numerous investigators including the teams led by M. Us-Krasovic and B. Palcic (2005) and D.S. Alberts and P.H. Bartels (2007). The identification of nuclear spheres as a result of an overt or occult cancer offers the potential of a non-invasive cancer test. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5354. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5354

Should Increased Levels of Urinary 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine in Chronic Gastritis Imply Intestinal Metaplasia or Gastric Atrophy?

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection induces chronic inflammation that can progress to gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric adenocarcinoma. We have examined oxidative damage caused by Helicobacter pylori, metaplasia, and atrophy of gastric mucosal cells in patients with chronic gastritis by measuring their urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels. We recruited 77 outpatients with chronic gastritis, confirmed by endoscopic examination. H pylori status was evaluated by histology (modified Giemsa staining), the H pylori stool antigen test (n=20), and the 13C urea breath test (n=27), as described in the Maastricht consensus report. The mean amount of 8-OHdG (microg/g creatinine) in 77 subjects was 18.07 +/- 13.49 x 10(-3) microg/g creatinine. The levels of urinary 8-OHdG in the H pylori-positive gastritis patients were also significantly higher than those in the H pylori-negative gastritis patients (P=0.003, respectively, 20.42 +/- 13.33 x 10(-3) microg/g creatinine, 13.16 +/- 12.71 x 10(-3) microg/g creatinine). The level of urinary 8-OHdG was markedly higher in patients with gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia than in those without (P=0.000, P=0.002, respectively). There were significant correlations between levels of urinary 8-OHdG and both the atrophy score (r=0.441, P=0.000) and the intestinal metaplasia score (r=0.436, P=0.000). Urinary 8-OHdG levels could be investigated in every patient with chronic gastritis, since it is a simple and completely noninvasive procedure. In patients with high levels of urinary 8-OHdG, endoscopic procedures or even pathological investigation may then be carried out, with the consideration that there is a high risk of intestinal metaplasia or atrophy.

Mutagen sensitivity and DNA repair of the EGFR gene in oropharyngeal cancer

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in several epithelial malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell cancer. Up to 90% of the tumour cases in this area exhibit EGFR overexpression. The reasons for overexpression are still not clear. Mutagen sensitivity, pre-existing conditions for genotoxic damage, gene amplification, and reduced DNA repair of the EGFR gene are possible causes for EGFR protein overexpression. DNA damage in macroscopically healthy pharyngeal mucosal tissue of 30 patients with (15) and without cancer (15) of the oropharynx was evaluated after incubation with Benz[a]pyren-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxid (BPDE), a tobacco-associated carcinogen. Emerging DNA fragmentation of the EGFR gene located on chromosome 7 was evaluated. The centromere of the chromosome served as a reference gene. Comet FISH was applied to assess the mutagen sensitivity in these regions. The extent of DNA repair was evaluated in the same samples after a 24-h repair-period. Differences in gene amplification and protein expression between the two groups were analysed by Interphase-FISH (I-FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. BPDE caused significant DNA damage compared to the negative control in oropharyngeal mucosa cells of patients with- and without carcinoma. DNA fragmentation of the EGFR gene in the two groups was comparable. Mutagen sensitivity was significantly higher in the EGFR gene than in the reference gene, but fragmentation of the EGFR gene was not enhanced compared to the DNA damage of the entire DNA. The DNA repair period led to a significant reduction in DNA damage levels in all groups, without preference for any of the groups or genes. EGFR amplification was found in 7.7% of the tumour patients but not in control patients. Of the patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma, 66.6% showed enhanced expression of EGFR protein (grades 2 and 3), whereas only 13% of tumour-free patients showed such protein expression. No significant differences in either mutagen sensitivity or DNA repair were shown between the two groups. Therefore, both factors do not seem to have any major impact on protein overexpression. Gene amplification might have moderate effects on protein expression, but other reasons such as dysregulation at transcriptional- and posttranscriptional levels require further investigation.

Expression of occludin and zona occluden-1 and their morphologic changes in vagina mucosal cells in patients undergoing vaginal construction by using sigmoid colon

In order to evaluate the changes of neovaginal defense function in the sight of physical barrier by investigating the changes in the histological morphology and expression of occludin, zona occluden-1 (ZO-1) in mucosal cells of the neovagina in patients undergoing vaginal construction by sigmoid colon. Fifteen cases with neovagina constructed by sigmoid colon matched with 15 cases' vaginal mocusa as control specimens were observed with light microscopic and electron microscopic methods. At the same time, the expression of occludin and ZO-1 were semiquantitatively measured by streptavidin-perosidase (SP) immunohistochemical method. (1) Squamous metaplasia was observed in colonic mucosa from lower one-third of the artificial vagina in 10 cases (67%, 10/15). (2) The intercellular tight junctions of neovaginal mucosa became shorter and wider, the number of them were decreased or disappeared by electron microscopic study. (3) In upper neovagina, the positive rates of occludin and ZO-1 expression in mucosal cells were 80% (12/15) and 73% (11/15), respectively. In lower neovaginal mucosa where squamous metaplasia occurred, the positive rates of two protein expression in cells were both 100% (10/10) and also was 100% (15/15) in control group, which showed significant difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In lower neovaginal mucosa where squamous metaplasia hadn't occurred, the positive expression of two protein in cells (4/5, 2/5) were significantly lower than those in lower neovaginal mucosa where squamous metaplasia had happened 100% (10/10), 100% (10/10) and in control group [100% (15/15), 100% (15/15)] (P < 0.05), while there were no significantly difference in positive expression of two protein in cells between this group and upper neovagina (P > 0.05). The squamous metaplasia had occurred in lower neovaginal mucosa. The decreased expression of occludin and ZO-1 in upper and lower neovaginal mucosa where squamous metaplasia didn't occurred. However, In lower neovaginal mucosa where squamous metaplasia occurred, the expression of occludin and ZO-1 in cells were similar to those in control group, which might play a role in the defense function of neovaginal mucosa.

In vivo study of metal content of oral mucosa cells in patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances

To compare the concentration of nickel, chromium and cobalt in oral mucosa cells of patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances. A total of 60 patients were included in this study. The control group consisted of 30 patients without any type of fixed orthodontic appliances or metal restoration in the mouth (20 females and 10 males from 16 to 20 years with a mean age of 18 years). The test group consisted of 30 patients who had fixed orthodontic appliance in their upper and lower arches (20 females and 10 male from 16 to 20 years with a mean age of 18.2 years). The metal content determinations were carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a graphite furnace. According to spectrophotometric analysis, no significant differences in chromium (p = 0.09) and cobalt (p = 0.10) content of oral mucosa cells were found between the test and control samples. The nickel content in mucosa samples was significantly higher (p = 0.003) in orthodontic patients compared with the controls. The mean levels of nickel in control and orthodontic patient group were 12.26 and 21.74 ng / ml, respectively. Our findings indicate that there was no difference in the concentration of chromium and cobalt in oral mucosa cells of patients with or without fixed appliances. However, a significantly higher concentration of nickel can be found in oral mucosa cells of patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. Continued follow-up is needed to determine the long-term significance of nickel release.

Micronucleus level in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of cancer patients

Micronucleus levels in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of patients with primary breast, lung, cervix uteri cancer, and patients with Hodgkin's disease were studied (n=59). Significantly increased number of micronuclei in cells of cancer patients was observed compared with healthy persons (n=45). The evaluation of micronuclei number in buccal mucosa cells shows genomic instability in somatic cells of humans.