Effect on micronucleus frequency and DNA damage in buccal epithelial cells of various factors among pan masala and gutkha chewers

Objective: Gutkha and pan masala addiction among humans of different occupations is very common. The increase in the occurrence of oral cancer has raised a serious concern regarding the nature of these chewables. Study design: In the present study, the effect of pan masala and gutkha was studied on micronucleus frequency and comet tail length in the buccal epithelial cells taking into consideration the duration of keeping the chewables (gutkha and pan masala) in mouth, duration of addiction, and the number of pouches of the chewables (gutkha and pan masala) consumed per day. Results: The results of the present study reveal that the micronucleus frequency and comet tail length in buccal epithelial cells are higher in gutkha users as compared to pan masala users and also to controls. Conclusion: The micronucleus frequency and comet tail length also depend on the duration of chewables kept in mouth, duration of addiction and the number of pouches consumed per day. (C) 2014 Japanese Stomatological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.