Evaluation of Micronucleus Frequencies in Exfoliated Buccal Cells of Potentially Malignant Disorder Subjects Using Feulgen Stain

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma generally arises from oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) through a complex process of genetic alterations such as chromosomal alterations, epigenetic alterations, and/or DNA changes. If these lesions are detected in early stages, i.e., during stage of PMDs through specific and sensitive tests, it can markedly improve the survival rates of patients. Micronucleus (MN) is one such suitable and reliable test to detect genotoxic effects of various carcinogens. Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the levels of micronuclei in OPMDs as well as to correlate micronuclei frequency in different grades of dysplasia. Materials and Methods: The study cases were divided into two groups, Group I consisting of thirty healthy controls and Group II of thirty histopathologically proven cases of OPMDs. The exfoliated cells were collected from buccal mucosa/lesional area of both study groups and were stained with Feulgen stain and evaluated under microscope for MN. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA test and correlation was calculated using Pearson’s correlation using SPSS 18.0 software. Results: According to the present study, MN and MN percentage (MN%) increased from normal to potentially malignant disorder cases with statistically significant difference. A highly positive correlation (0.946) between grades of dysplasia and MN formation was obtained. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the occurrence of MN and MN% increases from controls to potentially malignant disorder cases. Among PMDs, the occurrence of MN and MN% was highest in patients of oral submucous fibrosis followed by leukoplakia and lichen planus patients. And finally, with increase in grades of dysplasia, in PMD subjects, the formation of MN increases.