[Micronuclei research the esophageal mucosa and its relationship with risk factors with cancer of the esophagus].
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the frequency of micronucleus in esophageal mucous cells of smokers, consumers of alcoholic beverages and "maté" drinkers.


METHODS
Material collected from the midlle esophagus in 250 consecutive patients submitted to upper digestive endoscopy was stained with acridine orange and the cytologist determined the number of micronuclei vizualized per each 500 cells examined.


RESULTS
The frequency of micronucleated cells did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) when the following variables were considered: sex, place of residence (rural or urban), type of care (outpatient or inpatient), ingestion of alcohol. For two variables, smoking and "maté" consumption, there were significant differences in the frequency of micronuclei in the categories exposed and formerly exposed in relation to never exposed.


CONCLUSIONS
A higher frequency of micronucleus in the esophageal mucous in smoking and "maté" drinkers was evidenced by this study.
Dietz
J
J
Hospital Nossa Senhora Conceição e Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS.
Diehl
A S
AS
Prolla
J C
JC
Furtado
C D
CD
Furtado
A D
AD
D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010947:Plants, Toxic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000009:adverse effects