State of art of micronuclei assay in exfoliative cytology as a clinical biomarker of genetic damage in oral carcinogenesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Mutation research. Reviews in mutation research 2024-07, Vol.794, p.108508, Article 108508
• Main Authors: Caponio, Vito Carlo Alberto, Silva, Fábio França-Vieira e, Popolo, Francesco, Giugliano, Sara, Spizzirri, Francesca, Lorenzo-Pouso, Alejandro I., Padín-Iruegas, María Elena, Zhurakivska, Khrystyna, Muzio, Lorenzo Lo, López-Pintor, Rosa María
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers, Tumor - genetics; Carcinogenesis - genetics; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - genetics; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; DNA Damage - genetics; Humans; Meta-analysis; Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective; Micronucleus tests; Micronucleus Tests - methods; Mouth Mucosa - pathology; Mouth neoplasms; Mouth Neoplasms - genetics; Mouth Neoplasms - pathology; Pesticides; Risk factors; Tobacco products
• ISSN: 1383-5742; 1388-2139; 1388-2139
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2024.108508

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral malignancy, often preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Currently, no clinical biomarker exists to predict malignancy, necessitating OPMD follow-up. Habits and environmental factors, such as smoking, and alcohol consumption, influence OSCC onset. Increased micronuclei (MNs) formation has been observed in the development of OSCC. Non-invasive diagnostic tests like exfoliative cytology offer painless and regular monitoring options. This study evaluates the impact of tobacco, alcohol, and pesticide exposure on MNs occurrence in exfoliative cytology-collected oral mucosal cells, assessing their potential as non-invasive biomarker for OSCC development prediction and monitoring in high-risk patients. Despite results from this meta-analysis supporting the existence of a stepwise increase from controls to patients with OPMD to OSCC, the translation of these findings into clinical practice is limited due to intra- and inter-individual heterogeneity, as well as methodological variability in MNs quantification. Various factors contribute to this heterogeneity, including demographic variables, methodological variability of different laboratories, staining techniques, sample collection location, and patient characteristics. All these points were discussed to provide further insights and improve standardization for future studies. [Display omitted] •No clinical biomarker exists to predict oral cancer onset, necessitating oral potentially malignant disorders follow-up.•Habits and environmental factors, such as smoking, and alcohol consumption, influence oral cancer (OSCC) onset.•Increased micronuclei (MNs) formation has been observed in the development of OSCC.•Non-invasive diagnostic tests like exfoliative cytology with MNs assessment offer painless and regular monitoring options.