Comparative Evaluation of Micronuclei in OPMD using special stains

Micronuclei (MNs) are extranuclear cytoplasmic DNA bodies which are induced in cells by numerous genotoxic agents that damage chromosome. The MN assay in exfoliated buccal cells is a useful and minimally invasive method for monitoring genetic damage. Buccal cell micronuclei (MNs) are a putative biomarker for oral cancer risk as evidence suggests that MNs are significantly elevated in buccal mucosal cells of persons who harbor precancerous lesions and in cancer patients. It serves as a tool for early detection of cancerous and precancerous lesions. Various stains have been used for the same, but only little attention has been given to the effect of different staining procedures on the result of MNs assay. The efficacy of various stains to study MNs is still in its primitive phase. In the present study, we tried using stains which were easily available in the laboratory, were quick and effective and required minimum armamentarium, thereby reducing the overall time and cost factor of the procedure. Hence, the present study was undertaken with the aim to detect and assess MNs in oral exfoliated cells in OPMD Patients.