Genotoxicity in Oral Mucosal Epithelial Cells of Petrol Station Attendants: A Micronucleus Study

Occupational exposure to petrol derivatives possesses an increased risk of various cancers including that of the oral mucosa. Scientific studies have shown the correlation of micronuclei assay (MN) with the cytogenotoxic changes in petrol station attendants. However, very few have reported the use of MN assay as a promising tool for assessing the impact of smoking in these workers.

To explore the cytogenotoxic damage in exfoliated buccal cells obtained from petrol station attendants and control subjects using the MN assay along with additional effects due to smoking.

The study comprised 60 males who were divided into Group I-IV with each having 15 subjects. These subjects were categorized as exposed smokers, exposed nonsmokers, unexposed smoker group, and unexposed nonsmokers. The MN and additional nuclear abnormalities (karyorrhexis [KH], binucleation [BN], pyknosis [P], and karyolysis [KL]) were calculated in PAP-stained slides.

Statistically higher mean frequencies of overall nuclear anomalies were observed in petrol pump workers in comparison with the control group. Petrol pump smokers carry the highest nuclear anomalies followed by non-exposed smokers than exposed non-smokers and the count was the least among unexposed non-smoker workers.

The present study indicated that the petrol pump workers are under higher cytogenotoxic damage. Also, smoking added to the frequency of damage. Thus, MN and other nuclear anomalies are in-vitro reliable biomarker assays available and should be routinely employed as a screening tool in their periodic medical evaluation.