ASSESSMENT OF CYTOGENETIC DAMAGE TO EXFOLIATED GINGIVAL CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS

Is micronucleus assay a useful marker in gingiva, tongue, and palate for evaluating cytogenetic damage induced by chemical, physical, and biological agents in vivo? A systematic review with meta-analysis

The present systematic review (SR) aims to evaluate manuscripts in order to help further elucidate the following question: is the micronucleus assay (MA) also a useful marker in gingiva, tongue, and palate for evaluating cytogenetic damage in vivo? A search was performed through the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, all studies published up to December 2023. The comparisons were defined as standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were established. Full manuscripts from 34 studies were carefully selected and reviewed in this setting. Our results demonstrate that the MA may be a useful biomarker of gingival tissue damage in vivo, and this tissue could be a useful alternative to the buccal mucosa. The meta-analysis analyzing the different sites regardless of the deleterious factor studied, the buccal mucosa (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI, - 0.49 to 1.88, p = 0.25) and gingiva (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI, - 0.11 to 0.72, p = 0.15), showed similar results and different outcome for the tongue (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.91, p = 0.001). In summary, our conclusion suggests that the MA can be a useful marker for detecting DNA damage in gingiva in vivo and that this tissue could be effective site for smearing.

Effect of tobacco use on cadmium accumulation in the oral keratinized mucosa

BACKGROUND

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the effect of tobacco use on the accumulation of cadmium (Cd), a carcinogenic element, in the oral keratinized mucosa (OKM).

METHODS

OKM samples were obtained by standard punch biopsy from nonsmokers (n = 19) and smokers (n = 21). Cd analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The calibration curve R2 values for three wavelengths (214,439, 226,502, and 228,802 nm) were at the level of 0.9999. The frequency of consumption of foods that are Cd sources, such as seafood, rice, and vegetables, was assessed in all patients. The age, sex, and nutritional habits of all patients and the frequency of tobacco consumption by smokers were recorded. The independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman correlation test were used for the statistical analyses, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Although the Cd levels in nonsmokers were higher than those in smokers, no statistically significant difference was found (p > 0.05). In smokers, a positive correlation was found between age and Cd level (r = 0.574, p = 0.006). No significant relationship was found between the groups in terms of nutrition or between the frequency of tobacco consumption and Cd accumulation.

CONCLUSION

The OKM may not have the characteristic cumulative accumulation in terms of toxic elements. Changes in the turnover rate, keratinization, and apoptotic mechanisms in the OKM with the thermal/chemical effects of tobacco may be responsible for the difference in Cd accumulation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

TCTR20230206001/06 Feb 2023 (TCTR: Thai Clinical Trials Registry).

Nuclear aberrations in the gingival epithelium of patients with chronic periodontitis

Context

Periodontitis characterized by mild symptoms in the early stages, which makes diagnostics problematic. The gingival epithelium can be used for micronucleus assay since gums are the area affected by the disease.

Aims

The aim of the study was to study the frequency of occurrence and the range of nuclear anomalies in gingival epithelium of healthy people and people with periodontitis.

Settings and Design

Scrapings of the gingival epithelium were made next to the central incisors (1.1) and molar teeth (1.7) in control and experimental groups (ten healthy males 35-50 years old and 10 males with periodontitis).

Materials and Methods

The preparations were stained by Romanowsky-Giemsa. The frequency of nuclear aberrations (‰), the accumulation index, and the repair index were determined.

Statistical Analysis Used

The differences in the medians of nuclear aberrations were determined using Wilcoxon and the Van-der-Waerden tests. The pathology proportions were compared using the Z-test. To determine the predictors of periodontitis, receiver operator characteristic analysis was used. For multiple comparisons, the Bonferroni correction was used.

Results

In the experimental group, the range of nuclear aberrations was wider, the ratio of karyolysis in the unaffected area was higher, than that in control; perinuclear vacuoles were fewer and macronuclei were more in the affected area. The frequency of cells with micronuclei over 1.33‰ in the affected area is the periodontitis marker.

Conclusions

Gingival epithelium can be used in micronucleus assay. Micronucleus test revealed a wider range of nuclear aberrations in the cells of the gingival epithelium and a higher frequency of occurrence of micronuclei in patients with periodontal disease compared to healthy subjects. Therefore, cytological signs of the inflammation appear earlier than the clinical ones and are verified more clearly. The markers of apoptosis and destruction of nuclei, and low repair index indicate normal elimination of damaged cells. An increased accumulation index in people with periodontitis may indicate the risk of malignant tumors.