Nuclear anomalies in the buccal cells of calcite factory workers

Abstract

The micronucleus (MN) assay on exfoliated buccal cells is a useful and minimally invasive method for monitoring genetic damage in humans. To determine the genotoxic effects of calcite dust that forms during processing, MN assay was carried out in exfoliated buccal cells of 50 (25 smokers and 25 non-smokers) calcite factory workers and 50 (25 smokers and 25 non-smokers) age- and sex-matched control subjects. Frequencies of nuclear abnormalities (NA) other than micronuclei, such as binucleates, karyorrhexis, karyolysis and ‘broken eggs', were also evaluated. Micronuclei and the other aforementioned anomalies were analysed by two way analysis of covariance. The linear correlations between the types of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities were determined by Spearman's Rho. There was a positive correlation between micronuclei and other types of nuclear abnormalities in accordance with the Spearman's Rho test. Results showed statistically significant difference between calcite fabric workers and control groups. MN and NA frequencies in calcite fabric workers were significantly higher than those in control groups (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that calcite fabric workers are under risk of significant cytogenetic damage.

Assessment of genetic toxicity with major inhalable mineral granules in A549 cells

“…Silicon dioxide and Nano-sericite caused the greatest increase in the micronucleus formation rate in A 549 cells. The stability of the chromosomes and their integrity decreased in cells treated with quartz and feldspar (Brown, 2009;Diler and Ergene, 2010;Dominici et al, 2013) when compared with the negative control group. Ranking the rate of appearance of micronuclei for the granule treatments revealed the following trend in descending order: nano-SiO 2 , KWC-S, KWC-C, KWC-D, KWC-Q and KWC-M (Fig.…”

Evaluation of methyl methacrylate monomer cytotoxicity in dental lab technicians using buccal micronucleus cytome assay

“…Increased MN frequency in the buccal mucosa cells of fire fighters after prolonged exposure to combustion fumes unveiled their heightened susceptibility to cancer 16) . Similarly, increased MN frequency detected in petrol station attendants 17) and calcite factory workers 18) put them under significant risk of developing several types of cancer. Individuals that should periodically undergo biological monitoring and proper care include hairdressers 19) , car battery repair workers and car painters 20) because of their daily exposure to harmful chemicals.…”

Radiation Risk Assessment in Professionals Working in Dental Radiology Area using Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay

“…Apart from monitoring radiation risk through BMCA, the MN frequency has been widely used as an indicator in analyzing risk of various genotoxic factors in exposed individuals. Hair dressers, 15 painters, battery renovation workers, 16 fire fighters, 17 petrol station attenders 18 and workers exposed to calcite dust 19 have been reported to be at risk. Oral habits utilizing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, betel quid, 20 snuff, 21 gutkha, pan masala, 22 areca nut 23 and gasp 24 have also placed the users in high risk group for developing oral cancer.…”