Buccal micronucleus frequency is associated with age in Down syndrome

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Down syndrome has been linked to premature aging and genomic instability. We examined the frequency of micronucleus (MN) and binucleated cells in the oral mucosa of Down syndrome patients and healthy controls matched by age and gender, addressing the effect of age and family income. Down syndrome individuals had an increased number of MN (14.30 ± 9.35 vs 4.03 ± 1.71; P < 0.001) and binucleated cells (0.97 ± 1.3 vs 0.33 ± 0.66; P < 0.05) per 2000 cells. Micronucleus frequency of Down syndrome individuals correlated positively with age (r = 0.437; P = 0.009), and the older (≥21) Down syndrome age group (30.8 ± 8.4 years old) had about 2-fold more micronuclei (P ≤ 0.05) than did the younger group (<21). Average family income did not correlate with MN frequency in controls (r = -0.948; P = 0.183), but a borderline negative correlation was seen in DS subjects (r = -0.9484; P = 0.0516). Individuals whose average income was ten times minimum wages had about 2-fold less MN than those receiving around minimum wage. We conclude that the buccal MN assay is a useful and minimally invasive method for monitoring genetic damage in humans and could be used as a tool to evaluate ageassociated genomic instability in Down syndrome.

Cytogenetic biomonitoring in children submitting to a complete set of radiographs for orthodontic planning

“…The sample comprised only children with suitable oral hygiene and dental health (no periodontal disease or caries). Some studies have pointed toward a relationship between age and MN occurrence, 26,27 whereas others have not. 12,19 As a result of the homogeneity in the sample, it was not possible to correlate the frequency of MNC with age in this setting.…”

Micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies in buccal epithelial cells of children with chronic kidney disease

“…From several previously published studies (45)(46)(47)(48)(49), including the one conducted in our laboratory, the 46 buccal MN frequencies reported for healthy children ranged from 0.10 to 4.03 ‰. The mean MN frequency for our control subjects (1.45 ‰) fell in that range.…”

Micronuclei as A Biomarker in Monitoring Genetic Damage in Down Syndrome

“…In agreement with the present results, Ferreira et al showed that MN frequency in buccal cells of DS individuals was about 3.25 fold higher than control group. 4 Thomas et al also reported 7 folds higher MN frequency in DS individuals when compared with healthy controls and 2 folds higher when compared with older individuals. 5 In contrast Scarfi et al observed lower incidence of MN in cytokinesis blocked lymphocytes in DS individuals than controls.…”

“…In agreement, Ferreira et al also found positive correlation of MN with age. 4 DS is associated with lower DNA repair efficiency and accelerated decline in DNA repair capacity with age. 13 Increasing age with DS is also associated with increase rates of depression, thyroid dysfunction and sensory impairment.…”