The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of CT scan on buccal epithelial cells

Abstract

Background: Diagnostic radiation is reported to cause significant damage in buccal cells, while the same effects after natural cell turn over cycle were not checked for in previous studies. The buccal cells were studied in patients exposed to computed tomography (CT) scans for evaluating the cells with micronuclei and cytotoxic changes, namely, pyknotic cells, karyorrhectic cells and karyolytic cells. The pre-exposure counts were compared with postexposure counts on 10 and 20 days corresponding to first and second cell turnover cycles. Aim: The aim of this study is to estimate the counts of micronucleus and cytotoxic changes in buccal cells post-exposure to CT scans and report on variance of the same with first and second buccal cell turnover cycles. Materials and Methods: This is an observational study, wherein the buccal smears of patients undergoing CT scans were made before and after CT scan exposures as needed. Papanicolaou (PAP) staining and analysis were performed as per standard criteria for micronuclear and cytotoxic changes, respectively. Statistical test used was paired t -tests. Results: The micronuclear counts revealed 0.4% positive cells before exposure and 1.4% positive cells post 10 days and 20 days of exposure were significant ( P < 0.005). The cytotoxic changes showed around 2.5% positive cells before and 5.7% positive cells 10 days after CT exposure ( P < 0.005). The cytotoxic cell values from baseline to 20 th day were not significant ( P < 0.25). Conclusion: CT scans have caused genotoxic effects notable after two cell turnover cycles but the cytotoxic changes have significantly decreased naturally after 2 nd cell turnover as per our study.

Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of Dental Radiographic Modalities on Buccal Mucosal Cells in Children

“…They collected the buccal mucosal cell samples 10 and 20 days after exposure and evaluated them by using light microscopy. 29 They concluded that genotoxicity significantly increased after 20 days; however, the level of cytotoxicity observed after 10 days significantly decreased in the second cell cycle at 20 days.…”

Does dental x-ray cause oral keratosis?

“…It may be correlated with dosedependent radiation damage. A study compared cytotoxic changes in buccal cells post-exposure to CT scans showed that the cytotoxic changes have significantly decreased after 20 days or second cell turnover (16). It means that a CT scan induced temporary damage to the cell.…”

“…It means that a CT scan induced temporary damage to the cell. The CBCT has 10-12 times less dose than CT scan, and panoramic radiography had a lower dose than CBCT (16). Therefore, it may be assumed that cytotoxic effects from panoramic and CBCT on the gingiva and buccal mucosa do not persist for a prolonged period.…”

Can precancerous stem cells be risk markers for malignant transformation in the oral mucosa?

“…Cells require three to six genetic mutations to become carcinogenic, and these accumulate over time [14]. In humans, buccal epithelial cells turn over 7-10 days [15]. Most epithelial cells have a short lifespan and cannot accumulate the genetic mutations necessary for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to develop [16,17].…”