Micronucleus frequency in buccal mucosa cells of patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 17;10(1):22196. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-78832-y.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases show an increase in prevalence and incidence, with the most prominent example being Alzheimer's disease. DNA damage has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis, but the exact mechanisms remain elusive. We enrolled 425 participants with and without neurodegenerative diseases and analyzed DNA damage in the form of micronuclei in buccal mucosa samples. In addition, other parameters such as binucleated cells, karyolytic cells, and karyorrhectic cells were quantified. No relevant differences in DNA damage and cytotoxicity markers were observed in patients compared to healthy participants. Furthermore, other parameters such as lifestyle factors and diseases were also investigated. Overall, this study could not identify a direct link between changes in buccal cells and neurogenerative diseases, but highlights the influence of lifestyle factors and diseases on the human buccal cytome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • DNA Damage
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective*
  • Micronucleus Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / etiology*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Genetic Markers