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Updated: Sep 27, 2025

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Factors Affecting the Nuclei in Newborn and Children

Christos Arnaoutoglou1, Anastasia Keivanidou2, Georgios Dragoutsos3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|April 12, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children show increased sensitivity to genotoxic effects. This study explores the micronucleus assay in exfoliated buccal cells for non-invasive monitoring in pediatric populations, addressing data gaps in genotoxicity assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Children exhibit heightened sensitivity to environmental and medical treatments compared to adults.
  • Limited data exists on genotoxic effects and monitoring methods specifically in pediatric populations.
  • The micronucleus assay is a validated tool for assessing genotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the utility of the micronucleus assay in exfoliated buccal cells for non-invasive genotoxicity monitoring in children.
  • To address the need for more data on genotoxic effects in pediatric cohorts, particularly concerning environmental exposures and medical treatments.
  • To explore the relationship between micronuclei in lymphocytes and exfoliated cells and establish baseline levels.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing the micronucleus assay on exfoliated buccal cells for genotoxicity assessment in children.
  • Comparing results with existing data from lymphocyte micronucleus studies.
  • Evaluating changes in micronuclei frequency in response to known toxic agents.

Main Results:

  • Exfoliated buccal cells offer a non-invasive method for genotoxicity assessment in pediatric cohorts.
  • Radiation exposure and environmental pollutants are observed to increase micronuclei frequency in children.
  • Further research is needed to optimize medical treatment doses and understand baseline micronuclei levels.

Conclusions:

  • The micronucleus assay in exfoliated buccal cells holds promise for routine genotoxicity monitoring in children.
  • Prospective cohort studies are crucial to determine the predictive value of micronuclei for long-term health outcomes, including cancer and chronic diseases.
  • Advanced molecular technologies will aid in understanding the biological pathways underlying micronuclei formation in pediatric populations.

Keywords:
biomarkerchildrenenvironment pollutantsenvironmental exposuregenetic damagemicronucleus assaynewbornradiation

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