Micronuclei in the exfoliated oral epithelial cell: a cross-sectional study in Peruvian artisanal miners

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i2.56004

Keywords:

Artisanal mining, Micronuclei , Nuclear alteration

Abstract

Introduction: Artisanal mining in Peru is an activity that generates a risk of exposure to different compounds, among which mercury and particulate matter stand out. The use of laboratory indicators to assess genotoxicity induced by work activity is a priority need. Our objective was to determine the micronucleus count in buccal cells of artisanal miners in Peru during 2020.

Methods: We designed a cross-sectional study where 80 artisanal miners were evaluated who underwent scraping in the inner area of the cheek to obtain epithelial cells that were stained with Feulgen's staining, and micronuclei and nuclear alterations were identified on a count of 2000 cells.

Results: We found that the mean micronucleus count was 27.5±8.0 (CI95: 25.7 – 29.3, min. 15, max. 48). For the other nuclear alterations such as nucleoplasmic bridges, budding, and binucleation, only up to one alteration was evidenced for each total count. The number of years of work (p=0.004) and age (p<0.001) were the only variables associated with the micronucleus count.

Conclusion: The nuclear alterations in buccal cells of artisanal miners exposed to particulate material were micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, budding, and binucleations, the most frequent being the presence of micronuclei, with a mean value of 27.5 micronuclei per 2000 cells counted.

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Author Biographies

Blanca Pizarro-Rojas, Universidad Alas Peruanas, Ica 11001, Peru

Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Alas Peruanas, Ica 11001, Peru

E-mail: blancapizarrorojas@gmail.com

Jhonatan Rabanal-Sanchez, Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru

Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru

E-mail: jhonatan.rabanal@uwiener.edu.pe

Fernando Soncco-Llulluy, Universidad Científica del Sur. Lima, Peru

Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Científica del Sur. Lima, Peru

E-mail: fsoncco@cientifica.edu.pe

Jaime Rosales-Rimache, Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru

Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad para la Salud, Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru (Corresponding author)

Tel.: +51-1-944-457-898

E-mail: jaime.rosalesr@uwiener.edu.pe

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Published

2024-03-25

How to Cite

Pizarro-Rojas, B., Rabanal-Sanchez, J., Soncco-Llulluy, F., & Rosales-Rimache, J. (2024). Micronuclei in the exfoliated oral epithelial cell: a cross-sectional study in Peruvian artisanal miners. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 14(2), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i2.56004

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Original Articles