Evaluation of Micronuclei in Occupational Hazard Cases using Acridine Orange Stain

Aim: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate micronuclei in automobile painters and welders with and without the effect of habits such as smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol in these individuals using Acridine Orange stain. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 40 males in the age group of 18-45 years exposed to occupationally hazardous chemicals in automobile painters and welders with and without any history of smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol. Slide for each participant was clearly labeled to avoid losing or mixing up information. Before collection of sample patients were asked to rinse their mouth thoroughly with water to remove any unwanted food debris. Exfoliated buccal cells were obtained by rolling the cytobrush against the buccal mucosa in a gentle motion. The cells were smeared over a pre cleaned coded microscopic slide. Smears were then fixed with 95% ethanol for 30 min. before they can be stained. Fixed smears were stained with Acridine orange. Micronuclei cells were counted in 1000 intact epithelial cells and were scored at 100x magnification using oil immersion with a fluorescent microscope. Results: In our study we included 40 individuals divided into 4 groups. The micronuclei were counted in each slide and difference between highest mean (12.05) and lowest mean for control group (2.88) and Standard deviation (1.85) was used to calculate using the ratio of difference between 2 means (worst and best) to the S.D. The mean of micronuclei was higher in individuals involved in occupations like welding, automobile painting and in the individuals without occupations but having habit of smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption as compared to the control group. Conclusion: In our study we concluded that the micronucleus assay provides an efficient method to detect and subsequently score micronuclei present in buccal mucosal cells, which indicates an early evidence of genotoxic damage. A significant correlation was established between occupational hazards and micronuclei frequencies. Workers in many occupational settings are exposed to certain genotoxic agents. These workers may not be aware that they have been exposed to genotoxic agents. Therefore, there is a need to educate those who work with such occupational settings about the potential hazard of occupational exposure and the importance of using proper protective measures.