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

Overview

Journal J Xenobiot

Date 2024 Jan 22

PMID 38249106

Authors

Antonija Tadin

Vinka Stazic

Nada Galic

Davor Zeljezic

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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 ( < 0.05). Similarly, users of tobacco heating products showed an increase in all parameters ( < 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 ( ≤ 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 ( ≤ 0.001), while users of tobacco heating products had more pyknotic cells ( ≤ 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.

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