Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects in Buccal Mucosa Due to Occupational Exposure Risk in Gas Station Workers in El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18041/2322-634X/rcso.1.13535

Keywords:

Genotoxicity, Citotoxicity, Gas Station, Occupational risk, Personal Protective Equipment

Abstract

Background: Currently, studies have linked occupational exposure to gasoline components with nuclear abnormalities in oral mucosa cells, which are classified as genotoxic and cytotoxic effects.

Objective: To determine the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in employees of two gas stations in the municipality of El Salto, Jalisco, and to establish the association between the presence of nuclear abnormalities and the use of personal protective equipment.

Methods: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, and variable association study involving a convenience sample of 18 workers. Oral mucosa samples were obtained via buccal scraping, fixed, and stained with acridine orange for the analysis and counting of micronucleated cells and other nuclear abnormalities using fluorescence microscopy.

Results: The presence of nuclear abnormalities in oral mucosa cells was identified, with karyolysis and binucleated cells being the most frequent. The presence of karyolysis was the only biomarker that showed a significant value using Spearman's Rho test in relation to the inadequate use of personal protective equipment.

Conclusions: A high frequency of nuclear abnormalities was determined, with karyolysis (a cytotoxicity biomarker) being the most significant in gas station employees who presented an inadequate use of personal protective equipment

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Published

2026-08-21

Issue

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Scientific or technological research article

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