Micronucleus Assay of Buccal Mucosa Cells in Waterpipe (Hookah) Smokers: A Cytologic Study

Scan to discover onlineBackground & Objective: Micronucleus assay of buccal mucosa cells is a simple biomonitoring method for diagnosing the genetic damages of toxic agents.The aim was to study the genotoxic effect of waterpipe smoking on buccal mucosa cells using micronucleus assay.Methods: This was a case control.A total of 30 male waterpipe smokers and 30 non-smokers were included in the study.The exfoliated buccal mucosa cells were scrapped using wooden spatula and were spread over glass slides.The mean number of micronuclei was determined using Feulgen-stained slides.The number of micronuclei per 1000 cells was calculated and compared between the two groups of smokers and non-smokers.Results: The mean number of micronuclei in waterpipe smokers and non-smokers was 1.94±0.39and 1.68 ± 0.35, respectively.The micronuclei count in waterpipe smokers was significantly higher than non-smokers (P=0).The difference between the number of waterpipe smoking and micronuclei count was significantly different (P=0). Conclusion:The mean number of micronuclei in buccal mucosa cells of waterpipe smokers was significantly higher than non-smokers.The genotoxicity effect of waterpipe was dosedependent.