Chromosome damage, apoptosis, and necrosis in exfoliated cells of oral mucosa from androgenic anabolic steroids users.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) for inducing chromosome damage, apoptosis, and necrosis, using the micronucleus test on exfoliated cells from the oral mucosa of AAS users. The sample consisted of 55 male individuals, practitioners of physical exercise divided into two groups: 25 individuals who were users of AAS and 30 individuals in the control group. Cytological analysis included, in addition to micronuclei, counting of broken eggs and degenerative nuclear changes indicative of apoptosis (karyorrhexis, condensed chromatin, and pyknosis) and necrosis (karyolysis in addition to these changes). The statistical analysis did not show differences in occurrences of micronuclei, karyolysis, and broken eggs between the groups. The occurrence of apoptosis was significantly higher in cells from control subjects. The results obtained showed that inhibition of apoptosis was induced by AAS, suggesting that this may be one of the mechanisms contributing toward the association that has been described between use of AAS and the carcinogenic process.

Can periodontal infection induce genotoxic effects?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities, through micronuclei, and apoptosis by the sum of karyorrhexis, pyknosis and condensed chromatin in individuals with chronic periodontitis, gingivitis associated with biofilm and no periodontal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 72 individuals divided into three groups: gingivitis (n = 21), periodontitis (n = 24) and control (n = 27). Information on sociodemographic characteristics, health and lifestyle was obtained. Full mouth clinical examination was performed to define the periodontal condition. Exfoliated cells from gingival mucosa were collected for computation of micronuclei and nuclear changes indicative of apoptosis. The differences in the occurrence of endpoints (micronucleus, karyorrhexis, pyknosis and condensed chromatin) were evaluated using the conditional test to compare proportions in a rare events situation. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of micronucleus (p > 0.1) between gingivitis, periodontitis and control groups. The occurrence of apoptosis was significantly higher among individuals with periodontitis compared to individuals with gingivitis (p < 0.05) and controls (p < 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that the inflammatory process generated by gingivitis and periodontitis is not related to a higher occurrence of chromosomal damage. However, the higher occurrence of apoptosis in individuals with periodontitis points to genotoxic effects induced by periodontal infection.

Chromosomal damage and apoptosis analysis in exfoliated oral epithelial cells from mouthwash and alcohol users.

Chromosomal damage and apoptosis were analyzed in users of mouthwash and/or alcoholic beverages, using the micronucleus test on exfoliated oral mucosa cells. Samples from four groups of 20 individuals each were analyzed: three exposed groups (EG1, EG2 and EG3) and a control group (CG). EG1 comprised mouthwash users; EG2 comprised drinkers, and EG3 users of both mouthwashes and alcoholic beverages. Cell material was collected by gently scraping the insides of the cheeks. Then the cells were fixed in a methanol/acetic acid (3:1) solution and stained and counterstained, respectively, with Schiff reactive and fast green. Endpoints were computed on 2,000 cells in a blind test. Statistical analysis showed that chromosomal damage and apoptosis were significantly higher in individuals of groups EG1 and EG3 than in controls (p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference in chromosomal damage and apoptosis was observed between the exposed groups. In EG2, only the occurrence of apoptosis was significantly higher than in the controls. These results suggest that mouthwashes alone or in association with alcoholic drinks induce genotoxic effects, manifested as chromosomal damage and apoptosis. They also suggest that alcoholic drinks are effective for stimulating the process of apoptosis. However, these data need to be confirmed in larger samples.

Assessment of nuclear abnormalities in exfoliated cells from the oral epithelium of mobile phone users.

Transmission and reception of mobile telephony signals take place through electromagnetic wave radiation, or electromagnetic radiofrequency fields, between the mobile terminal and the radio base station. Based on reports in the literature on adverse effects from exposure to this type of radiation, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of such exposure, by means of the micronucleus test on exfoliated cells from the oral epithelium. The sample included 45 individuals distributed in 3 groups according to the amount of time in hours per week (t) spent using mobile phones: group I, t > 5 h; group II, t > 1 h and ≤ 5 h; and group III, t ≤ 1 h. Cells from the oral mucosa were analyzed to assess the numbers of micronuclei, broken egg structures and degenerative nuclear abnormalities indicative of apoptosis (condensed chromatin, karyorrhexis and pyknosis) or necrosis (karyolysis in addition to these changes). The occurrences of micronuclei and degenerative nuclear abnormalities did not differ between the groups, but the number of broken egg (structures that may be associated with gene amplification) was significantly greater in the individuals in group I (p < 0.05).

Microbiological findings of the maternal periodontitis associated to low birthweight.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between the presence of periodontal pathogens and low birthweight. METHODS: This observational and case-control study consisted of mothers of infants weighing <2,500g (Group A), and mothers of newborns weighing ≥2,500g (Group B), born at Hospital da Mulher in Feira de Santana (BA), Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire covering demographic data, gestational history and aspects related to general and oral health was employed postpartum. Following a complete periodontal examination, biofilm samples were collected at six sites in the mouth. The participants were further categorized in terms of presence or absence of periodontitis. Differences between the groups were determined using Pearson's χ 2 test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were obtained using the Mantel-Haenszel test. RESULTS: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Prevotella intermedia were detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 303 postpartum women were evaluated, 224 (73.9%) in Group B. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found for age, body mass index and history of previous low birthweight babies. Group A had a higher frequency of periodontitis (33.34%) than Group B (16.22%). P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were detected more frequently among women with periodontitis (74.19% and 88.70%, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this population, there was no association between the presence of maternal periodontal pathogens and the occurrence of low birthweight infants.

Microbiological findings of the maternal periodontitis associated to low birthweight / Achados microbiológicos da periodontite materna associados ao baixo peso ao nascer

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the association between the presence of periodontal pathogens and low birthweight. Methods This observational and case-control study consisted of mothers of infants weighing <2,500g (Group A), and mothers of newborns weighing ≥2,500g (Group B), born at Hospital da Mulher in Feira de Santana (BA), Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire covering demographic data, gestational history and aspects related to general and oral health was employed postpartum. Following a complete periodontal examination, biofilm samples were collected at six sites in the mouth. The participants were further categorized in terms of presence or absence of periodontitis. Differences between the groups were determined using Pearson's χ 2 test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were obtained using the Mantel-Haenszel test. Results Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Prevotella intermedia were detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 303 postpartum women were evaluated, 224 (73.9%) in Group B. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found for age, body mass index and history of previous low birthweight babies. Group A had a higher frequency of periodontitis (33.34%) than Group B (16.22%). P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were detected more frequently among women with periodontitis (74.19% and 88.70%, respectively). Conclusion In this population, there was no association between the presence of maternal periodontal pathogens and the occurrence of low birthweight infants.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a associação entre a presença de patógenos periodontais e o baixo peso ao nascer. Métodos Trata-se de estudo observacional e caso controle. Participaram mães de bebês com peso <2.500g (Grupo A) e de recém-nascidos com peso ≥2.500g (Grupo B) nascidos no Hospital da Mulher, em Feira de Santana, (BA). Dados demográficos, história gestacional e aspectos relacionados à saúde geral e bucal foram obtidos por meio de questionário semiestruturado, aplicado no período pós-parto. Após exame periodontal completo, as amostras de biofilme foram coletadas em seis locais na boca. As participantes foram também categorizadas quanto à presença ou ausência de periodontite. As diferenças entre os grupos foram obtidas pelo teste do χ 2 de Pearson, odds ratio e os intervalos de confiança pelo teste de Mantel-Haenszel. Resultados Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia e Prevotella intermedia foram detectados por reação em cadeia de polimerase. Avaliaram-se 303 mulheres pós-parto, sendo 224 (73,9%) do Grupo B. Diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos foram observadas quanto à idade, ao índice de massa corporal e a história de partos prévios com bebês de baixo peso ao nascer. O Grupo A apresentou maior frequência de periodontite (33,34%) do que o Grupo B (16,22%). P. gingivalis e P. intermedia foram detectados com maior frequência em mulheres com periodontite (74,19% e 88,70%, respectivamente). Conclusão Nessa população, não houve associação entre a presença de patógenos periodontais maternos e a ocorrência de bebês com baixo peso ao nascer.

Danos cromossômicos e alterações nucleares em células esfoliadas do epitélio gengival de indivíduos com periodontite crônica moderada / Chromosomal damage and nuclear alterations in exfoliated cells of the gingival epithelium of individuals with chronic moderate periodontitis

Introdução: a periodontite é uma doença multifatorial que resulta primariamente da ação de bactérias nos tecidos que compõem o periodonto. O processo inflamatório que se desenvolve em consequência está associado ao aumento da proliferação celular que propicia a ocorrência de danos no material genético. Objetivo: avaliar, com uso do teste de micronúcleo, a ocorrência de danos genéticos e alterações nucleares em indivíduos com periodontite crônica moderada. Metodologia: a amostra incluiu dez indivíduos portadores de periodontite crônica moderada em início do tratamento no Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) de Senhor do Bonfim/BA. Os participantes responderam a um questionário e células esfoliadas da mucosa gengival de regiões sem alterações e com periodontite crônica moderada foram coletadas. Este material foi transferido para lâmina de vidro, fixado com metanol/ácido acético (3:1), corado com reativo de Shiff e fast green e analisado sob microscopia óptica. A análise estatística foi feita com o teste condicional para comparação de proporções em situações de eventos raros. Resultados: a ocorrência de micronúcleos, alterações nucleares degenerativas (cariorréxis, cariólise, cromatina condensada, picnose) e vacúolos nucleares foi significativamente maior em células da lesão. A ocorrência de broken eggs não diferiu estatísticamente. Conclusões: a periodontite crônica moderada é uma doença na qual há comprometimento da integridade genética das células do epitélio gengival. A maior ocorrência de alterações indicativas de apoptose na área da periodontite crônica aponta para a resposta biológica do organismo ao insulto genotóxico ao qual as células nesta lesão estão submetidas.

Introduction: periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that results primarily from the action of bacteria in the tissues that compose the periodontium. The inflammatory process that develops as a consequence is associated with increased cell proliferation which facilitates the occurrence of genetic damage. Objective: to evaluate, using the micronucleus test, the occurrence of genetic damage and nuclear alterations in individuals with chronic moderate periodontitis. Methodology: the sample included ten individuals with chronic moderate periodontitis beginning the treatment in the Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) located in Senhor do Bonfim/BA. Participants answered a questionnaire and exfoliated cells of the gingival mucosal regions without alterations and with chronic moderate periodontitis were collected. This material was transferred to slide, fixed with metanol/acetic acid (3:1), stained with Schiff reactive and fast green and analyzed using optical microscope. The statistical analysis was done using the conditional test to compare proportions in a rare events situation. Results: the occurrence of micronuclei, degenerative nuclear alterations (karyorrhexis, karyolysis, condensed chromatin, pyknosis) and nuclear vacuoles was significantly higher in cells of the lesion. The occurrence of broken eggs did not differ statistically. Conclusions: the chronic moderate periodontitis is a disease that compromises the genetic integrity of the gingival epithelium cells. The higher occurrence of nuclear apoptotic cells in the area of chronic periodontitis is indicative of the biological response to genotoxic insult.

Chromosomal damage and apoptosis in exfoliated buccal cells from individuals with oral cancer.

This study aimed to investigate cytological abnormalities indicative of chromosome damage (micronuclei) and apoptosis (karyorrhexis, pyknosis, and condensed chromatin) in exfoliated cells from the buccal mucosa of patients with oral cancer and control subjects. The sample included twenty individuals with oral cancer and forty individuals with normal buccal mucosa. Material was collected from the cheek epithelium in areas with lesions and areas without abnormalities. A minimum of one thousand cells was analyzed. Micronuclei were found significantly more frequently in cells collected from lesions than in cells from normal areas, independent of the presence/absence of cancer (P < 0.0001). They were also significantly more frequent in smokers and in mouthwash users (P < 0.0001). Apoptosis occurred significantly less frequently in individuals with oral cancer (P < 0.0001). These results show that oral cancer is associated with higher frequency of chromosomal damage and suggest that apoptosis is compromised in the buccal cells of individuals with this kind of neoplasia.

Avaliação de danos genéticos e apoptose em mulheres menopausadas que fazem uso da terapia de reposição hormonal / Assessment of genetic damage and apoptosis in postmenopausal women under hormone replacement therapy

Objetivo: Avaliar por meio do teste de micronúcleo em células esfoliadas da mucosa oral a genotoxicidade de hormônios empregados na terapia de reposição hormonal (TRH). Material e métodos: Quarenta mulheres menopausadas foram selecionadas e distribuídas em quatro grupos de dez: G0 (não submetidas à TRH), G1 (TRH com estrógeno), G2 (TRH com estrógeno e progestágeno) e G3 (TRH com tibolona). Células esfoliadas da mucosa oral foram coletadas e processadas para análise, sob microscopia óptica, de danos cromossômicos (micronúcleos) e de apoptose, inferida pelo somatório de alterações nucleares degenerativas (picnose, cariorréxis e cromatina condensada). Duas mil células foram analisadas por participante. A análise estatística foi feita com o uso do teste condicional para comparação de proporções em situação de eventos raros. Resultados: A frequência de micronúcleo não diferiu entre os grupos (p > 0,05). As alterações nucleares indicativas de apoptose foram significativamente mais altas entre as mulheres do G0 em relação às dos demais grupos (p < 0,01). Os grupos submetidos à TRH não diferiram quanto à ocorrência de apoptose (p > 0,05). Conclusões: Esses resultados indicam que, tal como avaliado neste estudo, a TRH não induz danos cromossômicos. Entretanto, devido ao efeito antiapoptótico, permite a proliferação de células geneticamente danificadas, está assim potencialmente associada ao processo de transformação maligna.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate through the micronucleus test in exfoliated cells of oral mucosa the genotoxicity of hormones used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Material and methods: Forty postmenopausal women were selected and divided into four groups of ten: G0 (not submitted to HRT), G1 (HRT with estrogen), G2 (HRT with estrogen and progestogen) and G3 (HRT with tibolone). Exfoliated cells of oral mucosa were collected and processed for analysis of chromosomal damage (micronuclei) and apoptosis, inferred by the sum of nuclear degenerative alterations (picnosis, cariorréxis and condensed chromatin). Two thousand cells were analyzed by participant. Statistical analysis was performed using the conditional test to compare proportions in a situation of rare events. Results: The frequency of micronuclei did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Apoptotic cells were significantly higher among women from G0 when compared to the other groups (p < 0.01). The groups submitted to HRT did not differ in apoptosis occurrence (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These results indicate that, as assessed in this study, TRH does not induce chromosomal damage, however, due to the anti-apoptotic effect, cells genetically damaged can proliferate, favoring the malignant transformation process.(AU)

Effects of age on the frequency of micronuclei and degenerative nuclear abnormalities / Efeitos da idade sobre as frequências de micronúcleos e alterações nucleares degenerativas

Abstract The effects of aging, gender and lifestyle factors on inducing chromosomal damage (micronuclei) and nuclear degenerative changes were assessed using the micronucleus test on exfoliated cells of the oral mucosa. The sample included 80 healthy subjects divided into four groups according to age and gender: men and women aged 19-29 years (M19, W19) and men and women aged over sixty years (M60, W60). An interview questionnaire was used to characterize the sample and to determine an index reflecting lifestyle (HLI). The frequency of micronuclei and nuclear degenerative changes was significantly higher among the elderly (p<0.001) and did not differ by gender among young people (p>0.05). The occurrence of micronuclei was similar among elderly men and women (p>0.10), but karyorrhexis and karyolysis were more frequent among men (p<0.005 and p<0.025, respectively), who also had a lower HLI than the other groups (p<0.0004). The results of the study indicate that age is the main factor associated with the induction of genetic material damage. AU

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do envelhecimento, do gênero e de fatores relacionados ao estilo de vida na indução de danos cromossômicos (micronúcleo) e de alterações nucleares degenerativas com o uso do teste de micronúcleo em células esfoliadas da mucosa oral. A amostra incluiu oitenta indivíduos saudáveis divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com a faixa etária e o gênero: homens e mulheres de 19-29 anos (H19, M19), homens e mulheres com mais de sessenta anos (H60, M60). Questionário de entrevista foi aplicado para caracterizar a amostra e para determinar um índice refletindo o estilo de vida (IVS). A frequência de micronúcleos e alterações nucleares degenerativas foi significativamente maior entre os idosos (p<0,001) e não diferiu em função do gênero entre os jovens (p>0,05). Ocorrência de micronúcleos foi similar entre homens e mulheres idosos (p>0,10), mas cariorréxis e cariólise foram mais frequentes entre os homens (p<0,005 e p<0,025, respectivamente), que também apresentaram o menor IVS em relação aos demais grupos (p<0,0004). Os resultados deste estudo permitem concluir que a idade foi o principal fator associado à indução de danos ao material genético. AU

Efeitos genotóxicos de fatores considerados de risco para o câncer bucal / Genotoxic effects of factors considered of risk for the buccal cancer

A ocorrência de danos cromossômicos em células esfoliadas da mucosa bucal e sua associação com fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de câncer bucal foi avaliada em amostra de 40 indivíduos. Estes indivíduos foram distribuídos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 (N=20), formado por indivíduos expostos a fatores considerados de risco ao desenvolvimento do câncer bucal (fumo e álcool), atendidos no Centro de Referência de Lesões Bucais da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS); Grupo 2 (N=20) constituído por indivíduos sem exposição a estes fatores, examinados na Clínica de Extensão em Dentística da UEFS em atendimento odontológico de rotina. A investigação da ocorrência, entre os grupos, dos fatores de risco foi avaliada a partir de informações obtidas em entrevista. Os danos genéticos foram avaliados utilizando o Teste de Micronúcleo com protocolo diferenciado para contagem de fenômenos nucleares degenerativos. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o uso de antissépticos bucais está associado a uma maior ocorrência de micronúcleos. A freqüência significantemente maior de fenômenos nucleares degenerativos revela que mesmo a fraca exposição ao tabaco e álcool isoladamente pode produzir genotoxidade e que esta condição pode ser aumentada quando da combinação dos dois fatores.