Micronucleus in oral exfoliated cells and associated factors among young adults in the far south of Brazil

There is an increasing interest in the application of micronucleus (MN) assays in the clinical setting to investing the impact of environmental, genetic, life style and socioeconomic conditions on DNA. However, the evaluation of mutagenic damage among young population had not been studied and early intervention in this population can prevent several health comorbidities. Thus, the present study aimed in investigate the MN presence in young adults and its associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study, composed by 155 young adults (between 18 to < 30-year-old) of both sexes. The socioeconomic and life style data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Oral exfoliated cells were collected to evaluate the frequency of MN cells. Socioeconomic conditions and life style factors were not associated with the presence of MN. Twenty percent of the participants reported some chronic noncommunicable disease and almost twelve percent reports continued use of medication, both variables present a risk factor to prevalence of MN. Although mutagenesis is a process generally more related to older individuals, this study highlights the importance of monitored DNA damage between young adults and promote healthy habits to prevent the development and worse prognosis of chronic non-transmissible diseases and the consequent use of drugs.