Abstract :
Introduction: Micronuclei are intracytoplasmic chromatin bodies seen as a result of cytogenetic damage or mitotic abnormality. Assessment of micronuclei in exfoliated oral epithelial cells is a marker for genotoxic damage due to various reasons such as lifestyle factors such as alcohol, tobacco and areca nut, occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens and radiation.
Aim and objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the micronuclei count in oral cytosmears of petrol station attendants chronically exposed to petroleum vapors using DNA specific and non specific stains.
Materials and Methods: 40 subjects in the study group working in petrol pump stations for more than 5 years and 40 healthy subjects in the control group without any history of past occupational exposure to petroleum products were included in the study. Percentage micronuclei count and micronuclei index were calculated after observing 1000 cells in oral cytosmears prepared from buccal mucosa of each subject and stained with Papanicolaou (PAP- non DNA specific stain) and Acridine orange stain(DNA specific stain).
Results: Percentage micronuclei count and micronuclei index were increased in study group as compared to the control group. The results were statistically significant. The values were lower in smears stained with DNA specific stain (acridine orange) as compared to non DNA specific stain(PAP).
Conclusion: Micronuclei assay is useful tool to assess and monitor cytogenetic damage due to occupational exposure to petroleum vapors in petrol station attendants. DNA specific stains are better as compared to non DNA specific stains in evaluation of micronuclei.
Keyword :
Biomarker, Cytogenetic damage, Exfoliative cytology, Micronuclei.