Effect of HIV infection in the microuclei frequency on the oral mucosa

Abstract

Background

the genotoxic impact of HIV infection on the oral cavity malignancies is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HIV infection in micronuclei (MN) frequency on the oral mucosa of HIV+ patients and establish a relationship with early cytogenetic changes in oral carcinogenesis.

Methods

30 HIV + individuals who are under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 30 non HIV patients were evaluated. Two smears were taken from the lateral border of the tongue and mouth floor and stained by Feulgen. The frequency of MN was examined in 3000 cells per subject under common microscopy.

Results

MN analysis showed no significant difference between groups by Mann-Whitney test for total MN (p=0.178). Presence of single MN was greater in control group with statistical significance (p=0.009), while in HIV group multiple MN were exhibited in higher mean.

Conclusions

HIV patients under HAART therapy and low viral load values showed higher frequency of multiple MN, which, although not statistically significant, may be caused by the action of the Vpr gene, an accessory gene of HIV. These results corroborate the theory of HIV infection cytogenetic damage.

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