Cytotoxicity, Dental X-Ray Exposure, Genotoxicity, Ionizing Radiation Exposure
Conditions
Keywords
Buccal Mucosa Cells, Micronucleus Assay, Dental Radiography, Orthopantomogram (OPG), Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, Age-Related Radiosensitivity
Brief summary
Goal: The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of OPG and CBCT on exfoliated buccal mucosal cells Main question: Does CBCT cause greater genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on buccal mucosal cells compared with OPG? Buccal epithelial cells were gently exfoliated from participants scheduled to undergo OPG or CBCT imaging. Samples were collected twice-immediately before exposure and again 10-12 days afterward. All participants provided written informed consent prior to inclusion in the study.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Yaxin Wang
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
15 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Underwent routine dental imaging using OPG or CBCT (no additional radiation for research purposes). Age 15-25 years or 40-50 years at the time of enrolment. Able and willing to provide written informed consent (or consent from a legal guardian for minors). Agreed to provide pre-exposure and follow-up buccal epithelial cell samples.
Exclusion criteria
History of systemic diseases, including but not limited to leukemia, lymphoma, rheumatic disorders, or diabetes mellitus. Prior exposure to head-and-neck radiotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs, or cytotoxic medications. Presence of active infectious diseases or acute/chronic inflammatory conditions at the time of enrolment. Clinically visible oral pathological lesions, including mucosal abnormalities, gingivitis, or periodontitis. Use of removable intra-oral prostheses or appliances (e.g., dentures, orthodontic appliances). Engagement in smoking, alcohol consumption, or betel-nut chewing. Diagnostic or therapeutic X-ray exposure within the preceding 3 months. Previous or current oral mucosal diseases, including oral lichen planus, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral candidiasis, HSV infection, leukoplakia, oropharyngeal carcinoma, mucous membrane pemphigoid, or pemphigus vulgaris. Presence of persistent local irritants, including ill-fitting dental prostheses, sharp teeth/restorations, chemical irritation (acidic foods, alcohol-based mouthwash), or recurrent thermal injury.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Primary outcome: Change in micronucleated buccal epithelial cells measured by the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay (MN per 2,000 cells) | 10 ±12 days after exposure | Micronucleated buccal epithelial cells will be quantified using the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay following Sarto et al. (1987) criteria. For each participant, 2,000 exfoliated buccal cells will be evaluated at two time points: 1. immediately before dental X-ray exposure, and 2. approximately 10 ± 2 days after exposure. The primary analysis will report the change in the number of micronucleated cells per 2,000 cells (post-pre difference). Micronuclei are identified based on size, morphology, staining characteristics, and separation from the main nucleus. Higher post-pre values indicate greater genotoxic response. |
Countries
Malaysia
Outcome results
None listed