Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Human Gingival Mucosa-Histological and Morphometric Study

Introduction: Cigarette Smoking is considered the most preventable cause of diseases and premature deaths in the history of mankind. It is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Aim of the study: To study the light and electron microscopic structure of clinically normal gingival mucosa in nonsmoker versus smoker adult males. Subjects and methods: Eighteen adult males (volunteers) were divided according to the intensity and duration of smoking (pack year index) into three groups. Group I (non-smokers control), group II (pack year index 1-9) and group III (pack year index >10). Specimens from the gingival mucosa were obtained and processed for proper histological techniques. Paraffin sections were stained with H&E, Mallory`s trichrome stain and immunohistochemical reaction for caspase-3. Transmission electron microscopic study, morphometric and statistical analysis were also performed. Results: Basal cell hyperplasia, increase thickness of epithelium, apoptosis of epithelial cells, and inflammatory cellular infiltration in the lamina propria, desmosomal disruption, increase glycogen granules and melanin pigments were noticed in group II and were more increased in group III. Conclusions: Clinically normal gingival mucosa of cigarette smokers shows light and electron microscopic structural changes that are directly related to the pack year index of the individual.