Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects in Buccal Mucosal Cells in Non-Smokers and Users of Traditional Combustible Tobacco Products and Non-Combustible Alternatives

Scientific paper - Original scientific paper

• Author: Antonija Tadin
• Author: Vinka Stazić
• Author: Nada Galić; MBZ: 192110
• Author: Davor Želježić
• Author's institution: Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health
• Author's institution: (Zagreb University Hispital Center)
• Author's institution: University of Split; School of Medicine
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Dental Medicine
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Dental Medicine

Abstract (english)

Aims/Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to investigate cytogenetic damage to the buccal mucosa in non-smokers and consumers of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives. Methods: A total of 160 participants were divided into four groups according to the type of product used, including non-smokers, users of conventional combustible tobacco (cigarettes), heated tobacco, and electronic, tobacco-free vapor products (e-cigarettes). Buccal mucosa samples were analyzed using the micronucleus cytome assay to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic damage. Results: E-cigarette users showed significantly higher values for all tested parameters in the micronucleus test compared to non-smokers (p < 0.05). Similarly, users of tobacco heating products showed an increase in all parameters (p < 0.05), with the exception of the number of cells with micronuclei. Conventional cigarette smokers showed a notable increase in the number of binucleated cells and cells with karyorrhexis and karyolysis (p ≤ 0.05). When assessing the differences between users of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives, these did not appear to be significant, except for e-cigarette users, who had significantly more cells with condensed chromatin (p ≤ 0.001), while users of tobacco heating products had more pyknotic cells (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study underscore the heightened occurrence of cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in users of both conventional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives compared to non-smokers, emphasizing the detrimental impact of these products on the oral mucosa.

• Keywords (english): buccal mucosa; cytotoxicity; cytogenetic; e-cigarette; genotoxicity; heated tobacco products; micronucleus assay; smoking
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Original scientific paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review - international
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Journal of Xenobiotics
• Numbering: vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 154-165
• e-ISSN: 2039-4713
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jox14010009
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:127:581183
• Publication: 2024-01-12
• Document URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/14/1/9
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-07-01 07:44:48