Cytogenetic biomonitoring of oral mucosa cells of crack cocaine users

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2014 Apr;21(8):5760-4. doi: 10.1007/s11356-013-2447-6. Epub 2014 Jan 16.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate genomic damage (micronucleus) and cellular death (pyknosis, karyolysis, and karyorrhexis) in exfoliated oral mucosa cells from crack cocaine users by micronucleus test. A total of 30 crack cocaine users and 30 health controls (non-exposed individuals) were included in this setting. Individuals had epithelial cells from cheek mechanically exfoliated, placed in fixative, and dropped in clean slides, which were checked for the above nuclear phenotypes. The results pointed out significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) of micronucleated oral mucosa cells from crack cocaine users. Exposure to crack cocaine caused an increase of other nuclear alterations closely related to cytotoxicity such as karyolysis in oral cells as well. In summary, these data indicate that crack cocaine is able to induce chromosomal breakage and cellular death in oral mucosa cells of users.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Cell Death
  • Cell Nucleus
  • Chromosome Breakage
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / genetics
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / pathology*
  • Crack Cocaine / toxicity*
  • Cytogenetic Analysis*
  • DNA Damage
  • Drug Users
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Micronucleus Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Mucosa / cytology*
  • Mouth Mucosa / drug effects
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Crack Cocaine