Oral Exfoliated Cells Research Articles

Assessing Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity Induced by X-Ray Exposure From Cone Beam Computed Tomography at Varied Fields of View.

The practice of dentistry benefits greatly from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and advantages should be prioritized over hazards; even modest doses of X-rays have the potential to have cytotoxic effects, damage DNAthrough their clastogenic impact, and stimulate the creation of micronucleialong with further nuclear changes. To assess the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of X-rays in exfoliated oral mucosal cells from patients who underwent CBCTscans at different fields of view (FOV), and to examine and assess the extent of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity caused by X-rays in oral exfoliated cells of people who were subjected to CBCT at different fields of view (FOV). Following CBCT exposure, 66 patients were chosen from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at the SVS Institute of Dental Sciences, Mahbubnagar. Cells from the buccal mucosa were then extracted using the exfoliative cytology method, and the samples were examined under a microscope to look for nuclear and cytological abnormalities. A paired t-test analysis revealed that mean micronuclei increased significantly in each study group from before to after exposure. It increased in Group I from 93.59 to 96.05, in Group II from 83.27 to 91.86, and in Group III from 86.05 to 97.00. Various test analyses revealed an important relation between exposure status and the presence of karyorrhexis in Group III. There was no association in other groups. The study revealed a significant increase of micronuclei in subjects after exposure to radiation at various FOVs.There was an increased karyorrhexis following radiation exposure in all groups at various FOVs. The significant association between exposure and karyorrhexis in the larger size FOV group was noticed further potentiating the extent of increased damage as the size of FOV is increased.

Genotoxicity in Analog and Smart Mobile Phone Users by Assessing Micronuclei in Oral Exfoliated Cells – A Comparative Study

Abstract Aim: The number of micronuclei in oral exfoliated buccal mucosal cells of analog (basic) and smart mobile phone users was evaluated and compared. Materials and Methods: The study population constituted 30 individuals using basic and smartphones within the age group of 45–55 years. They were divided into two groups: Group 1–15 participants using basic mobile phones and Group 2–15 participants using smart mobile phones. Exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were collected from both right and left buccal mucosa, stained with Papanicolaou stain, and evaluated microscopically for the estimation of micronuclei count. Mean micronuclei count was compared statistically between the study groups and also between the sides of frequent usage and opposite sides within the study groups. Results: There was a significant increase in the mean micronuclei count in Group 2 compared to Group 1 and the comparison of mean micronuclei count between the side of frequent phone usage (right side) and opposite side (left side) also showed significant difference in both Groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: Despite technological advance and high-end features, the use of smartphones causes more genotoxicity compared to basic model or analog phones. Although this technology-dominated era mandates use of such phones as a part of routine lifestyle, it is imperative to adopt safety precautions such as use of headphones while talking, carrying a separate pouch for mobile phones to minimize the genotoxic damage.

Prevalence and risk factors of oral human papillomavirus infection among 4212 healthy adults in Hebei, China

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an essential cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma that is increasing in incidence worldwide. However, little is known about the epidemiology of oral HPV infection among healthy adults in China.MethodsA study in northern China was conducted in 2021 as baseline data of Diverse Life-Course Cohort (DLCC). Residents who aged above 20 were eligible to participate. Oral swab specimens and questionnaires were collected from 4226 participants. HPV DNA in oral exfoliated cells was tested by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction approach and sequencing. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the associations between exposure factors and oral HPV infection.ResultsOverall prevalence of oral HPV infection was 4.08% (95%CI, 3.69%-4.68%). The most prevalent HPV type detected was HPV-81 (1.35%; 95% CI, 1.00%–1.70%), followed by HPV-16 (0.64%; 95% CI, 0.40%–0.88%). Oral HPV infection presented a bimodal pattern with respect to age in male and female participants. Oral HPV prevalence of male participants was significantly higher than prevalence of female participants (5.0% versus 3.6%, P = 0.041). Prevalence of oral HPV was higher among current smokers (OR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.11–2.29; P = 0.039) and current drinkers (OR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.14–2.25; P = 0.023). Current alcohol consumption was independently associated with oral HPV infection (OR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.22–2.50; P = 0.010).ConclusionsAmong healthy adults aged above 20 in Hebei, China, the prevalence of high-risk HPV infection was 1.92% (95%CI, 1.51%-2.34%). Oral HPV prevalence was independently associated with alcohol consumption. More tailored prevention strategies are needed to prevent oral HPV infection through smoking cessation, reduction of alcohol consumption, and HPV vaccination.

Epidemiology of oral human papillomavirus infection among diverse Chinese adults in typical areas of China: Findings from the DLCC study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a predominant cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, there is limited knowledge about the epidemiology of oral HPV infections among adults in China. We collected data from a prospective cohort that enrolled participants in mainland China. A total of 9867 participants aged at least 20 years provided oral swab specimens in typical areas of China (Hebei and Guangdong provinces) in 2021. HPV DNA in oral exfoliated cells was tested using Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction and sequencing. Prevalence among sub-populations was compared. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess possible factors influencing oral HPV infection. The overall prevalence of oral HPV infection was 3.0% [95% confidence interval (CI):2.68%-3.36%]. Among those infected, 1.3% (1.08%-1.53%) were infected with high-risk HPV types. Men had a higher age-standardized HPV infection prevalence (3.6%, 2.96-4.29%) compared to their female counterparts (2.7%, 2.35-3.12%). People in Hebei had a higher age- and sex-standardized prevalence (4.1%, 3.50%-4.70%) than those in Guangdong (2.2%, 1.80%-2.56%). Generally, men (odds ratio [OR] and 95% CI: 1.42, 1.09-1.85) and people in Hebei (2.01, 1.53-2.65) had higher odds of any type of HPV infection. Additionally, people living in urban areas had a 2.15-fold (1.43-3.26) higher odds of high-risk HPV infection. This study reveals a low prevalence of oral HPV infection with significant geographic and sex differences among Chinese population. This is the first study to report the epidemiological characteristics of oral HPV infection among Chinese adults in diverse geographic areas with large sample size.

EVALUATION OF CYTOGENIC DAMAGE IN ORAL EXFOLIATED BUCCAL CELLS OF TOBACCO USERS AND PATIENTS WITH POTENTIALLY MALIGNANT DISORDERS USING MICRONUCLEUS ASSAY - A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Cytogenic methods acts with complex type mutations, known as structural mutations (aberrations)and a special type of chromosomal damage, known as micronucleus. So, micronucleus (MN) assay has been used as a biomarker of genetic damage in buccal mucosa cells. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate micronucleus in the exfoliated cells of buccal mucosa of individuals with potentially malignant disorders and different tobacco related habits and in control group. To observe the incidence of micronucleus count based on duration, frequency and type of tobacco usage and also auto immune condition of Lichen planus. Materials and Method: The study population is divided into 3 groups. Group I : 15 healthy subjects (control), Group II : 15 smokers or chewers with habits andno evidence of lesion Group III : 30 Patients clinically diagnosed as having PMD of the oral cavity. Smears stained with DNA specific Feulgen stain. Association of micronucleus between all groups and its mean and standard deviation was assessed with ANOVA with p<0.05 was considered as significant level. Results: The mean MN revealed that individuals with potentially malignant disorders had 26.8±5.1, individuals with tobacco habit (smokers/chewers) had 11.0±5.5 and controls had 0.2±0.5. The ANOVA test for association and mean frequency of micronucleus between all groups revealed significant value of <0.001. Conclusion: Hence, MN assay in oral exfoliated buccal cells can be conveniently used as a biomarker for screening of potentially malignant disorders of oral cavity. And also provides an insight into the importance of early detection and prevention of OPMDs.

Evaluation of the accuracy of hTERT gene aberrant methylation using electrochemical hybridization assay and liquid‐based cytology in screening for oral squamous cell carcinoma

AbstractIn order to improve the survival rate of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, a reliable diagnostic method for early OSCC detection is required that is minimally invasive, less burdensome to the patient, and has high sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, we performed the detection of abnormal methylation at three locations in the hTERT promoter region of oral exfoliated cells by employing the ferrocenylnaphthalene diimide (FND)‐based electrochemical hybridization assay (FND‐EHA) using three types of DNA probe‐immobilized electrodes. We also performed liquid cytology using oral exfoliated cells and compared these obtained data to evaluate whether FND‐ EHA can be used as an OSCC screening system. The results showed a good correlation between this method and conventional OSCC screening, and cytology. In addition, FND‐EHA was also able to determine samples that had been ambiguously determined by liquid cytology. This indicates that FND‐EHA may be useful as an OSCC screening system.

Bloom syndrome: an oral potentially malignant disorders aiding in malignancy vigour.

Bloom syndrome: an oral potentially malignant disorders aiding in malignancy vigour.

Does cone-beam computed tomography examination increase the micronuclei frequency in the oral mucosa exfoliated cells? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the frequency of micronuclei in the oral mucosa exfoliated cells after cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination.MethodsWe performed language-independent computer-assisted data searches using PubMed databases, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science all databases, and Google Scholar. The literature on micronucleus (MN) frequency of clinical trials before and after CBCT examination was included. The frequency of MN in exfoliated cells of the human oral mucosa was the primary outcome of the study. All statistical analyses were performed with R (version 4.1.0), RStudio (version 2022.02.2 + 485) software, and Meta packages (version 5.2–0). Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies by the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project) Modified scale with minor modifications. The heterogeneity of the data was analyzed using I2 statistics, in which I2 > 50% was considered substantial heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 559 articles were selected through the search strategy. After screening titles and abstracts, nine full-text manuscripts were assessed for eligibility, and six observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The present study showed a significant increase in MN frequency of human oral mucosal exfoliated cells 10 days after CBCT examination compared to baseline (SMD = − 0.56, 95%-CI = − 0.99 ~ − 0.13, p = 0.01). Because of the high heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 72%), after removing one study that was the main source of heterogeneity, excluding the study (I2 = 47%), the common-effect model was chosen, and the meta-analysis also showed that the frequency of MN in human oral mucosa exfoliated cells increased significantly 10 days after CBCT examination (SMD = − 0.35, 95%-CI = − 0.59 ~ − 0.11, p = 0.004).ConclusionThis review suggested that CBCT examination increases the frequency of micronuclei in oral mucosal exfoliated cells.

Is micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells a useful biomarker for biomonitoring populations exposed to pesticides? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis aimed to infer if micronucleus assay using oral mucosal cells a useful biomarker for biomonitoring populations continuously exposed to pesticides (EP). The SR has been made in accordance with the PRISMA-P guidelines. The PICOS strategy has focused to answer the following question: "Does exposure to pesticides cause genetic damage in oral cells?" The literature search was made in the following scientific databases: Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and Scopus. The approach was defined as follows: standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality assessment of manuscripts was obtained by the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project). The GRADE tool was chosen for assessing the quality of evidence. A total of 108 articles were selected in this setting. After screening abstracts and titles, 23 manuscripts were evaluated for eligibility. After reviewing the studies, two were considered weak and 22 were classified as moderate or strong. The meta-analysis data pointed out statistically significant differences in volunteers exposed to EP (SMD = 1.23, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.77, p < 0.001), with a Tau2 = 1.44; Chi2 = 566.38, and p < 0.001, so that the selected manuscripts were considered heterogeneous and the I2 of 97% indicated high heterogeneity. Taken together, this review was able to validate the micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells as a useful biomarker in individuals continuously exposed to EP because the studies categorized as moderate and strong have demonstrated positive response related to mutagenesis.

What are the criteria and conditions for performing the micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells from children continuously exposed to environmental pollution?

What are the criteria and conditions for performing the micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells from children continuously exposed to environmental pollution?

MICRONUCLEI IN SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Micronuclei are small chromatin bodies that appear in the cytoplasm by the condensation of acrocentric chromosomal fragments or by whole chromosome, lagging behind the cell division.Micronuclei in oral exfoliated epithelial cells are widely used as a biomarker of chromosomal damage, genome instability and cancer risk in humans.In oral exfoliated cells these micronuclei are induced by variety of carcinogenic compounds ,which have been suggested to be most common cause of premalignant lesion ,conditions and oral cancer and thus can be used as a biomarker for cytogenetic damage.In this review ,the formation of these important nuclear anomalies that are commonly seen in cancer and are indicative of genome dmage that could increase the risk of developmental and degenerative diseases.

Life Course Tobacco Smoking and Risk of HPV-Negative Squamous Cell Carcinomas of Oral Cavity in Two Countries

BackgroundTobacco smoking remains one of the major risk factors for oral cavity cancers (OCC), a subgroup of head and neck cancer (HNC) less attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Although a strong dose-dependent association between tobacco smoking and OCC exists, several important questions on the age-dependent effects of this habit remain unanswered. We investigated which life course hypothesis best describes the association between tobacco smoking and HPV-negative (HPV−ve) OCC in Canada and India.MethodsWe used data from the HeNCe Life study, a hospital-based case-control study conducted in Canada and India, using similar protocols. Cases were newly diagnosed subjects with primary squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region. Control subjects were patients with non-cancer selected from various outpatient clinics in a hospital located in the same catchment area as the cases and frequency-matched to cases according to age and sex. We collected information on an array of life course exposures using a structured questionnaire with the help of a life grid. Tobacco exposure (pack-years) during three life periods (≤ 30, 31−50, and >50 years of age) was calculated from the entire life course history of smoking. We used CDx brushes to collect oral exfoliated cells. Alpha HPV DNA detection and genotyping were performed for 36 HPV genotypes using the linear array. Participants who tested positive for HPV were excluded from the analysis. We used the Bayesian relevant life course exposure model (BRLM) to identify the life course hypothesis that best described the relationship between tobacco smoking and HPV−ve OCC.ResultsWe show evidence for a late-life sensitive period (>50 years of age) for tobacco smoking in relation to the risk of HPV−ve OCC in both Canada and India. An increase of 1 pack-year of tobacco smoking increased the risk of OCC by ~3% in both countries.ConclusionOur findings from the Canadian and Indian data suggest that smoking tobacco after 50 years of age may carry a higher risk of developing oral cancer than earlier in life. Further studies are warranted to confirm the results.

Micronucleus in oral exfoliated cells and associated factors among young adults in the far south of Brazil

There is an increasing interest in the application of micronucleus (MN) assays in the clinical setting to investing the impact of environmental, genetic, life style and socioeconomic conditions on DNA. However, the evaluation of mutagenic damage among young population had not been studied and early intervention in this population can prevent several health comorbidities. Thus, the present study aimed in investigate the MN presence in young adults and its associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study, composed by 155 young adults (between 18 to &lt; 30-year-old) of both sexes. The socioeconomic and life style data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Oral exfoliated cells were collected to evaluate the frequency of MN cells. Socioeconomic conditions and life style factors were not associated with the presence of MN. Twenty percent of the participants reported some chronic noncommunicable disease and almost twelve percent reports continued use of medication, both variables present a risk factor to prevalence of MN. Although mutagenesis is a process generally more related to older individuals, this study highlights the importance of monitored DNA damage between young adults and promote healthy habits to prevent the development and worse prognosis of chronic non-transmissible diseases and the consequent use of drugs.

Epstein- Barr viral load in exfoliated cells of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders - A cross-sectional study

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) has varied etiology. Among the etiological factors, genetic predisposition or the presence of oncogenic viruses can cause impairment in the physiological mechanisms of cellular proliferation control. The present study was chosen to determine the association of Epstein- Barr virus (EBV) with oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Oral exfoliated cells were collected from the subjects diagnosed with OSCC (n = 19), OPMD (n = 23) and healthy subjects without any deleterious condition (n = 39). The DNA extraction was performed with DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kits (Qiagen, Germany). Quantitative Real-Time PCR was then carried out with QuantiNova® SYBR® Green PCR Kit (Qiagen, Germany). Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test. EBV DNA was detected in all samples of all the three groups. Compared to healthy subjects, very high EBV load was observed in the oral exfoliated cells of OSCC and OPMD patients. The presence of EBV DNA in all the subjects of all the three groups reveals that EBV is an oral resident. Besides its presence, the abundance of EBV DNA among OSCC and OPMD suggests it's association to these pathologies. The high odds and risk ratio obtained for EBV copy number further supports a strong association of this virus to OSCC and OPMD. This may be the first study to quantify EBV DNA in oral exfoliated epithelial cells of OSCC and OPMD.

Is micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells a suitable tool for biomonitoring children exposed to environmental pollutants? A systematic review.

The aim of this review was to evaluate if micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells is a suitable tool for biomonitoring children exposed to environmental pollutants. Through the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, all published studies until April 2021 that examined the relationship between exposure to environmental pollutants and micronucleus frequency in oral cells were searched. All relevant articles using a combination of the following keywords-"children," "micronucleus," "oral cells," and "environmental pollution"-were considered. A total of 20 papers met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. The results regarding the cytogenetic damage induced by environmental pollutants are conflicting. Some authors have demonstrated that environmental pollution induces mutagenesis in oral cells while others did not. Following the parameters of the Project for Effective Public Health Practices (EPHPP) and after extensive reading of all the articles included, a total of 12 articles had moderate and strong scores and 8 had a classification considered weak. Taken together, this review was able to demonstrate the association between micronucleus frequency and exposure to environmental pollutants in oral exfoliated cells of children.

Quantitative assessment of micronuclei in oral exfoliative buccal squamous cells in smokers, chewers and healthy individuals using Giemsa Stain and Papainicolous Stain

Context: The main reason for oral cancer is tobacco consumption in various forms, such as chewing and smoking. Micronuclei in oral exfoliated cells are markers of chromosomal damage caused by toxic genetic agents from tobacco-related substances, alcohol, etc. The number of micronuclei indicates the cell's genotoxic effect and can be used as a biomarker to assess the changes in the cellular changes. Recently research is focused on determining early genotoxicity changes using exfoliative cytology in human buccal epithelial cells. Aim: Quantitative analysis of micronuclei in oral exfoliated oral, buccal mucosal cells using Papainicolous stain with Giemsa stain in tobacco users in the form of chewing and smoking in comparison with healthy individuals. Materials and methods: A total of seventy-five cases were selected for this study. Among seventy-five participants divided into three groups based on habits tobacco smokers (n=25), tobacco chewers (n=25), and healthy individuals (n=25). Results: The mean number of micronuclei in Giemsa stain was 255.2 ± 78 compared with PAP stain155.12 ± 78.5. The increased mean number of micronuclei in chewers 273.24 ± 80.7, and different stain comparison Giemsa stain showed highest in chewers. A mean number of micronuclei showed statistically highly significant (p≤0.05). Pair-wise comparison of micronuclei inter and intra groups in all three groups, smokers and chewers showed highly statistically substantial (p≤ 0.0001) compared with healthy individuals. Conclusion: Micronuclei provide evidence that consumption of smokeless tobacco may be developing oral cancer, and micronuclei assay can be used as biomarkers of genotoxicity and carcinogenesis progression. Key word: Cytological smear, Genotoxicity, Micronuclei, Oral cancer, Tobacco chewers

Does Panoramic X-ray Induce Cytogenetic Damage to Oral Cells? A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific literature regarding the cytogenetic damage in oral exfoliated cells of adult patients submitted to panoramic X-ray. An extensive search of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases for all studies published until April 2021 using combinations of the following keywords: "panoramic X-ray," "DNA damage," "genetic damage", "genotoxicity", "mutagenicity", cytotoxicity", "buccal cells", "oral mucosa", "tongue", "gingiva", "micronucleus assay", according to the PRISMA guidelines. All clinical studies in English language were included in the study. A total of 10 studies were identified. As expected, the results regarding the cytogenetic damage induced by panoramic X-ray are conflicting. Some authors have demonstrated that panoramic X-ray induces mutagenesis in oral cells, whereas others did not. After reviewing the 10 studies, two were classified as strong, four were considered moderate, and four were considered weak, according to the quality assessment components of the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). Meta-analysis data revealed a negative response related to mutagenicity in oral cells by panoramic X-ray. Taken together, this review failed to demonstrate the association between micronucleus frequency and panoramic X-ray.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL GRADING OF ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA BY MICRONUCLEI ASSAY, A POTENTIAL BIOMARKER IN ORAL EXFOLIATED CELLS

Background: Micronucleus is a microscopically visible round or oval cytoplasmic chromatin mass in the extra nuclear vicinity, originated from aberrant mitosis, which consists of eccentric chromosomes that have failed to reach spindle poles during mitosis and are used as biomarkers for assessment of DNA damage. Micronuclei in exfoliated oral epithelial cells have been shown in some studies to correlate with severity of this genotoxic damage. This severity can be measured in terms of grading of the lesions. Aim: To correlate frequency of micronuclei (MN) in oral exfoliated cells in clinically diagnosed cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) followed by a histopathological grading. Materials and Methods : The study subjects consisted of clinically diagnosed cases of OSCC. Healthy subjects without any tobacco consumption habits formed the control group.The cytosmears from both groups were stained with rapid Papanicolaou stain. MN were identified according to the criteria given by Tolbert et al. Results: The frequency of MN was three to four times higher in patients with OSCC as compared to patients in the control group and the difference was found to be highly significant. In 75% cases, the cytological grade as determined by the frequency of micronuclei correlated with the histopathological grade and this observation was statistically significant. Conclusions : The MN is potentially an excellent candidate to serve as such a biomarker for prediction of the grade of OSCC.

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

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

Raman microspectroscopic study for the detection of oral field cancerisation using brush biopsy samples.

Field cancerisation (FC) is potentially an underlying cause of poor treatment outcomes of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). To explore the phenomenon using Raman microspectroscopy, brush biopsies from the buccal mucosa, tongue, gingiva and alveolus of healthy donors (n = 40) and from potentially malignant lesions (PML) of Dysplasia Clinic patients (n = 40) were examined. Contralateral normal samples (n = 38) were also collected from the patients. Raman spectra were acquired from the nucleus and cytoplasm of each cell, and subjected to partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). High discriminatory accuracy for donor and PML samples was achieved for both cytopalmic and nuclear data sets. Notably, contralateral normal (patient) samples were also accurately discriminated from donor samples and contralateral normal samples from patients with multiple lesions showed a similar spectral profile to PML samples, strongly indicating a FC effect. These findings support the potential of Raman microspectroscopy as a screening tool for PML using oral exfoliated cells.