title: Analysis of micronuclei in buccal epithelial cells in patients subjected to panoramic radiography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ionizing radiation is a well-known carcinogen in humans. Chromosomal aberrations and formation of micronuclei in cell cytoplasm are early biological evidence of carcinogenesis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to assess the genotoxic effect of panoramic radiography in the buccal epithelial cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 60 healthy individuals (median age 23.5 years; age range 12-65 years) who underwent panoramic radiographic examination. Exfoliated buccal epithelial cells were obtained immediately before and 10 days after radiation exposure. The cells were stained with Giemsa and evaluated for micronuclei by scoring 1000 cells per sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  The paired 't ' test was used to find out the significance of difference in the number of micronuclei before and after x-ray exposure. The Karl Pearson correlation coefficient was used to find out the correlation between age and micronucleated cell frequencies and number of micronucleus per 1000 cells. The ANOVA test was used to find out if there were significant differences in micronucleated cell frequencies between different age-groups. Student's unpaired 't' test was used to find out the significance of difference in micronucleated cell frequencies and number of micronucleus per 1000 cells between genders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The paired 't' test showed that micronucleated cell frequencies (P = 0.02) and number of micronucleus per 1000 cells (P = 0.047) were significantly higher after radiographic exposure. The mean number of micronucleated cells before and after radiation exposure were 0.48 ± 0.14 and 0.51 ± 0.15, respectively. There was statistically significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in buccal epithelial cells after exposure to panoramic radiography. The correlation of micronucleus frequency with age and gender was statistically nonsignificant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that panoramic radiography may induce genotoxic effects in buccal epithelial cells. Considering this risk, panoramic radiography should be used cautiously.
authors: Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital, Vadgaon (Bk), Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Manjushri
authors: M
authors: Waingade
authors: Raghavendra S
authors: RS
authors: Medikeri
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001399:Azure Stains; D002648:Child; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000528:radiation effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D048629:Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001399:Azure Stains; D004396:Coloring Agents