Study on the Buccal Epithelial Cells in Beedi Smokers and Non Smokers in Dharmapuri District (Tamilnadu)

Abstract

Introduction: Even though it is commonly recognised that tobacco smoke contains carcinogens, findings in the scientific literature that relate smoking behaviours to the frequency of micronuclei are not quite clear-cut.

Objectives: A study was carried out to compare and assess the prevalence of micronuclei in chronic beedi smokers and non-smokers in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.

Methods: The study had one hundred male subjects who were recruited at random. 50 participants were the chronic beedi smokers and the other 50 were non-smokers. The mean age of the smokers was 44.48±4.2, while the mean age of the controls was 42.11±4.9. Buccal smears were collected and used for micronucleus analysis.

Results: In both controls and subjects, there was a significant correlation between radiation exposure and the existence of micronuclei (p>0.05) and between tobacco use and the frequency of micronucleated cells (p>0.05). Subjects who smoke tendu leaves frequently had a higher incidence of MN within the smokers group based on the frequency of habit and age.

Conclusion: This study attempted to quantify the cytogenetic damage to the oral mucosa in individuals who have been accustomed to consuming tendu leaves. Although tobacco is a major contributor to the formation of micronuclei, ionising radiation and individual habits also influence the frequency of micronuclei. Some of the contributing aspects are the smear site, sample size, and use of nuclear specific dye. Furthermore, to improve the specificity, cytogenetic changes such as pyknosis, karyolysis, etc., can be added in subsequent research.