Association between DNA ploidy and micronucleus frequency in chronic smokers and impact of smoking cessation.

Tobacco use may initiate the process of oral carcinogenesis with clinically undetectable changes. Smoking cessation may prevent its progression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between DNA ploidy and micronucleus (MN) frequency in chronic smokers. Three groups were evaluated: Smoker Group, Former Smoker Group and Control Group. Exfoliative cytology was performed on the lateral border of the tongue and mouth floor. MN and DNA ploidy analyses were performed, as well as the correlation between the variables. The data showed a difference between the groups for the total MN (p = 0.0227), and the Smoker group had the highest mean (4.22 ± 4.12). The three groups did not differ statistically from each other on ploidy evaluation (p-value > 0.05). There was also an association between aneuploidy and increased MN frequency in the Former Smoker group (p = 0.0036). In conclusion, these results point out that there is a relationship between the frequency of MN and aneuploidy in former smokers. Moreover, smoking cessation, even for a short period of time, may promote the decrease of MN frequency caused by tobacco use.

Persistent dysgeusia post-halitosis treatment: How does it impact the patients' quality of life?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and the presence of anxiety and depression in patients with dysgeusia post halitosis treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients were divided into three groups: Dysgeusia group (DG); Halitosis group (HG) and Control group (CG). The following instruments were used: Medical results study Short form health research of 36 items (SF-36), State-state anxiety inventory (STAI) and Self-report questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20). RESULTS: Of the 60 subjects studied, 85% were female and 15% were male. The evaluation of SF-36 indicated a statistically significant correlation between some domains for DG and showed low scores for Mental Health. In relation to HG, low scores were obtained for Bodily Pain, Vitality and Emotional Role. The CG showed low scores for Bodily Pain, General Health and Vitality. STAI was significant when DG was compared to HG and CG. The mean SRQ-20 score was higher in DG compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent dysgeusia post-halitosis treatment impacts on QoL generically in the Mental health domain, and specifically in trait and state anxiety. Symptoms of depression were also seen in this group of patients.