Micronucleus Assay in Exfoliated Buccal Cells from Lead Exposed Population

Objectives: The aims were to investigate whether high level of lead exposure is genotoxic and the levels of exposure correlate with genetic damage. Methods: The study sample was composed of 76 peoples from Clitty Creek Village, Karnchanaburi, Thailand, which is a lead contaminated creek area and 40 peoples from the municipal area in Bangkok as a control group. The micronucleus (MN) level in exfoliated buccal cells of lead exposures and controls were evaluated and the correlation of the lead levels in blood of lead exposures (n = 59) which divided into 3 groups: Groups I (14 – 27.9 μg/dl), Groups II (28 – 31.9 μg/dl), and Groups III (> 31.9 μg/dl) and frequencies of MN were studied. Results: There was a significant difference of genetic damage between lead exposures and controls. No correlation between lead levels in blood and MN (r = - 0.153; p > 0.05) There was no significant difference in genetic damage induction in three lead exposed groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows a genotoxic effect associated with exposure to lead but it dose not indicate that this effect is dose related to the lead level in blood.This study has been supported by the Faculty of Dentistry Mahidol University Research Grant 2002.