Apoptosis in exfoliated cells from the oral mucosa of individuals occupationally exposed to mutagenic and carcinogenic agents

Abstract

Alterations indicative of apoptosis are potential genetic markers in the prevention of cancer, since they point to genotoxic effects. In this study, the frequencies of apoptotic alterations (pyknosis, condensed chromatin, and karyorrhexis) in exfoliated cells of the oral mucosa were evaluated in two groups of 30 individuals each. The exposed group consisted of individuals who handled chemical substances in university biology, chemistry, and pharmacology research laboratories, and the control group included people with no history of occupational exposure to these substances. Nuclear alterations indicative of apoptosis were significantly more frequent in the exposed group (p< 0.0001). The result shows the genotoxic effect of chemical substances used in these areas of laboratory research and highlights the health risks for individuals with such occupational exposure. Although the majority of individuals in the exposed group reported using personal or collective protective equipment, the high frequency of apoptosis in the exposed group shows the need for programs to prevent occupational exposure in university laboratories, as well as for workplace supervision in such research facilities.