Assessment of frequency of micronucleated exfoliated buccal cells in relation to oxidative stress in oral lichen planus in coastal Karnataka, India

Objective: To assess the frequency of micronucleus in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) in relation to free radical toxicity since OLP is considered to be a precancerous lesion. Methods: The micronucleus frequency in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of patients with OLP was assessed and compared to those in healthy subjects. Results: A significant increase (P<0.004) in frequency of micronucleated exfoliated cells (MEC) was observed in patients with OLP when compared to normal subjects. Conclusions: It can be concluded that DNA damage in MEC of OLP patients may be a consequence of increased free radical toxicity.