Evaluation of Micronucleus in Exfoliated Buccal Epithelial Cells Using Liquid-based Cytology Preparation in Petrol Station Workers

BACKGROUND: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) can be used for the evaluation of micronucleus (MN) in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells of populations occupationally exposed to potentially carcinogenic agents. AIM: This study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency of MN of exfoliated buccal epithelial cells using LBC preparation in petrol station workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty petrol station workers (cases) and fifty hospital administrative staffs (controls) were recruited and evaluated for MN by May-Grunwald Giemsa, Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Papanicolaou stains using LBC preparation. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Regardless of staining method used, the mean frequency of MN for cases was significantly higher than that of controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that petrol station workers are under risk of significant cytogenetic damage. The MN in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells found to be a useful biomarker of occupational exposure to genotoxic chemicals. LBC can be used for sample preparation to evaluate the frequency of MN in those who are occupationally exposed to potentially carcinogenic agents in view of overall improvement on sample preservation and visualization of cell morphology.