Frequency of micronuclei in tobacco habitués and Non-Habitués with oral lichen planus

Background: Tobacco in any form is genotoxic to the oral epithelium and manifests as tobacco-associated mucosal lesions, some of which are OPMDs with a propensity for progression into OSCC (2-17%). The aberrations in the count and morphology of micronuclei in exfoliative cytological preparations have been demonstrated in all forms of oral tobacco usage and OLP independently. The more extensive these aberrations, the greater the possibility of undergoing malignant change. This study focused on assessing the extent of micronuclear damage in tobacco-habitues with OLP, thus placing them in a higher risk group as compared to non- habitues with OLP. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of micronucleated exfoliative cells in oral lichen planus and to evaluate the effect of tobacco on the frequency of micronuclei in these patients. Material and Methods: Patients were divided into 3 groups: OLP with habit, OLP without habit and healthy controls. Exfoliated cells were obtained from the lesion, smeared on slides, stained by Papanicolaou's method and 1000 cells per slide evaluated for micronuclei according to the Tolbert et al criteria. Statistical Analysis: A statistically significant result was obtained using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests. Result: The genetic damage and increased potential for malignant transformation in OLP is compounded in tobacco habitues evidenced by the increase in the number of micronuclei. Conclusion: The Micronucleus Index was observed to be three-fold greater in tobacco habitues with OLP as compared to non-habitues with OLP.