Potential Uses, Limitations, and Basic Procedures of Micronuclei and Nuclear Abnormalities in Buccal Cells

Abstract

The use of biomarkers as tools to evaluate genotoxicity is increasing recently. Methods that have been used previously to evaluate genomic instability are frequently expensive, complicated, and invasive. The micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) technique in buccal cells offers a great opportunity to evaluate in a clear and precise way the appearance of genetic damage whether it is present as a consequence of occupational or environmental risk. This technique is reliable, fast, relatively simple, cheap, and minimally invasive and causes no pain. So, it is well accepted by patients; it can also be used to assess the genotoxic effect derived from drug use or as a result of having a chronic disease. Furthermore the beneficial effects derived from changes in life style or taking additional supplements can also be evaluated. In the present paper, we aim to focus on the explanation of MN test and its usefulness as a biomarker; we further give details about procedures to perform and interpret the results of the test and review some factors that could have an influence on the results of the technique.

Micronuclei and nuclear anomalies in Mexico’s indigenous population

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Therefore, DNA damage varies considerably from one population to another.…”

“…2,6,12,13 The exfoliated cells of the oral mucosa reflect chromosomal aberrations generated in the proliferating basal cell layer of the epithelium, which subsequently migrate to the surface. 2 The presence of MN in the cellular field represents loss of DNA, 14,15 and the nuclear alterations (NAs) and the different chromatin status are used as markers of cytotoxicity.…”

Genotoxic Effects on buccal Cells of Workers Exposed to Fogging Sprays during Fogging Operation

“…There are two types of cells that can be used for this method, namely lymphocytes and buccal cells. However, sampling of buccal cells is preferable because it is easier and cheaper than using lymphocytes and causes no pain to the subject [7].…”

Frequência de micronucleação e outras alterações nucleares em células da mucosa bucal de pacientes anêmicos

“…9 Somente em 1970, o termo Micronúcleo (MN) foi usado pela primeira vez -por Boller, Schmidt e Heddleque, que demonstraram que o Teste era um método simples de detecção de danos ao material genético. 10 Os MN originam-se de fragmentos de cromátides ou de cromossomos inteiros, os quais não segregam durante a anáfa-se da mitose e tornam-se encapsulados por envoltório nuclear durante a telófase. Derivam da ruptura cromossômica causada por lesões ao DNA não reparadas ou mal reparadas, ou, ainda, da segregação incorreta na anáfase.…”

“…As primeiras alterações genômicas implicam na organização nuclear e se manifestam como alterações em seu tamanho, em sua densidade e na distribuição de sua cromatina. 10 Em relação aos aspectos observados, essas alterações envolvem a ponte núcleo-plasmática, o broto nuclear, a binucleação, a cariólise, a cariorrexe, a picnose e a cromatina condensada.…”