Comparison of Genotoxic Effect in Buccal Exfoliated Cells between Cigarette and Waterpipe Smokers

Abstract

Background/Aim: Cytogenetic biomarkers such as micronuclei (MN) are used for the evaluation of exposure to carcinogens and genotoxic effects in oral epithelial cells. Tobacco is one of the strongest carcinogens responsible for the development of cancer in oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to compare the genotoxic effect of waterpipe smoking with that of cigarette smoking. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 30 waterpipe smokers, 30 cigarette smokers, and 30 nonsmokers. Buccal exfoliated cells were prepared using cytobrushes and stained with the Papanicolaou technique. The cytologic slides were examined under a light microscope for counting the number of MN and the number of cells with MN per 1,000 epithelial cells. Results: The mean number ± standard deviation (SD) of MN in waterpipe smokers, cigarette smokers, and nonsmokers was 7.55 ± 5.530, 4.95 ± 5.633, and 2.00 ± 2.406, respectively. The mean number ± SD of cells with MN in waterpipe smokers, cigarette smokers, and nonsmokers was 6.20 ± 4.830, 3.50 ± 3.832, and 1.45 ± 1.701, respectively. Numbers of cells with MN differed significantly between waterpipe smokers and cigarette smokers (p = 0.04) and between waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.001). Numbers of MN differed significantly between waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.001). Numbers of MN did not differ significantly between waterpipe smokers and cigarette smokers (p = 0.10). Numbers of MN and of cells with MN did not differ significantly between cigarette smokers and nonsmokers (p = 0.06 and p = 0.052, respectively). Conclusions: Waterpipe smoking is associated with a significantly higher frequency of MN, and it seems that waterpipe smoking has a greater genotoxic effect than cigarette smoking.

Evaluation of Micronuclei and Cytomorphometric Changes in Patients with Different Tobacco Related Habits Using Exfoliated Buccal Cells

“…The micronuclei related genotoxic alterations in the cells may be due to the possibility that the buccal mucosa cells get direct exposure to the carcinogenic amines present in the tobacco (Proia et al, 2006). The cells bearing the damaged DNA will mostly survive and replicate with the damage and result in higher frequency of micronuclei (Moghaddam et al, 2020). Tobacco specific nitrosamines are believed to be responsible for the induction of micronuclei (Muhammed et al, 2021).…”

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Waterpipe on Oral Health Status

“…Six studies investigated the genotoxic effect of waterpipe smoke 4,32,33,[37][38][39] . A comet assay was performed in one study 33 .…”

“…The mean of micronuclei, cell nucleus perimeter, and area was contrasting in the WS group compared to NS one 8,[38][39][40][41][42] . In addition, the mean percentages of karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and pyknosis had substantial changes [43][44][45] .…”

“…High values for all critical comet assay parameters (a sensitive technique for DNA damage detection) in buccal cells were found, suggesting waterpipe use is composed of DNA-damaging ingredients 32,33,37,38,44 . For example, DNA methylation could reach increases of 64% 37 ; samples with 10% methylation are considered significantly methylated.…”

Waterpipe tobacco smoking and oral health: what is important to know?

“…or even more extensive [12], because of the exposure to various carcinogens and toxic substances, such as nitrosamines, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes and heavy metals. Additionally, burning coal, a heat source, contributes to high levels of carbon monoxide [4].…”