Cytomorphological characteristics of buccal epithelium in patients with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Relevance. Undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD) is a background condition that reduces the body's adaptive potential and increases the risk and severity of various diseases. The condition of the buccal epithelium reflects systemic homeostasis and its changes under the influence of local and systemic factors. The aim of this study was to assess the cytomorphological characteristics of buccal epithelial cells in patients with UCTD and their alterations in the presence of periodontal inflammation. Materials and methods. The study protocol included an assessment of phenotypic signs of connective tissue dysplasia and an evaluation of periodontal status, based on which four groups were identified: Group I – individuals without signs of UCTD or periodontal inflammation (n = 15); Group II – individuals without UCTD but with periodontitis (n = 20); Group III – individuals with UCTD but without periodontitis (n = 20); and Group IV – individuals with both UCTD and periodontitis (n = 34). A cytomorphological analysis of superficial buccal epithelial cells was performed, including an assessment of microorganism adsorption by epithelial cells. Results. Buccal cytograms of patients with UCTD showed a significantly higher frequency of nuclear aberrations, including micronuclei (10.7-fold increase; p < 0.001), binucleation (3-fold; p = 0.007), perinuclear vacuoles (3.2-fold; p < 0.001), and karyolysis (3.5-fold; p = 0.017). There was also a 3-fold increase in anucleate cells (1.47 ± 0.15%; p < 0.001) and a rise in the cytogenetic index. In patients with both UCTD and periodontitis, the proportion of binucleated cells was 1.3 times lower (p = 0.005) compared to those with UCTD alone. The mean apoptosis index in this group was 17.6 ± 1.1, which was 2.2 times higher than in UCTD patients without periodontitis (p < 0.001) and 1.8 times higher than in patients with periodontitis without UCTD (p < 0.001). The mean cytomorphological coefficient was relatively lower in the UCTD group, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.374). Conclusion. The study identified distinct cytomorphological characteristics of buccal epithelial cells in patients with UCTD, as well as their modifications in the presence of periodontitis.
Source: Parodontologiya
Authors: М. О. Nagaeva, S. S. Grigoriev
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412123717