Mutagenicity and cytotoxicity assessment in patients undergoing orthodontic radiographs

Objectives: the aim of the present study was to evaluate DNA damage (micronucleus) and cellular death (pyknosis, karyolysis and karyorrhexis) in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells from individuals following radiography.Methods: Lateral and frontal cephalometric X-ray and panoramic dental X-rays were taken of a total of 18 healthy patients (6 male and 12 female) referred for orthodontic therapy. Exfoliated oral mucosa cells were collected immediately before X-ray exposure and after 10 days.Results: the results revealed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the frequency micronucleated oral mucosa cells after X-ray exposure. However, X-ray was able to increase other nuclear alterations closely related to cytotoxicity, such as karyorrhexis, pyknosis and karyolysis.Conclusions: Data indicated that exposure to certain radiography may not be a factor in inducing chromosomal damage, but it does promote cytotoxicity. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2010) 39, 437-440. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/24791952Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biosci, UNIFESP, São Paulo, BrazilSão Paulo Methodist Univ, Dept Orthodont, UMESP, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pathol, Paulista Med Sch, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biosci, UNIFESP, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pathol, Paulista Med Sch, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 07/01228-4Web of Scienc