ABSTRACT
This study aimed to detect the cytomorphological changes in buccal mucosa among alcoholics and cigarette smokers. Buccal smears were collected from 200 volunteers; 50 were alcoholics, 50 were cigarette smokers, 50 were alcoholic and cigarette smokers, and another 50 were treated as a control group [neither drinkers nor smokers]. The smokers and alcoholics included in this study had been continuously exposed for more than 5 years. Smears were stained using the Papanicolaou technique. The cytological assessment in the alcoholics group revealed; atypical cellular changes detected in four individuals, bacteria was found in smears of 16 individuals; 18% cocci and 14% actinomyces species were also detected. Hyperkeratosis was detected in five individuals, while 25 individuals showed no oral changes. In the smokers group; atypical cellular changes were seen in six individuals and bacteria were detected in the smears of 15 individuals; 18% cocci and 12% Actinomyces species. Hyperkeratosis was observed in 14% of the individuals, but 44% showed no oral cytological changes. In the cigarette smoking and alcoholics group; atypical cellular changes were detected in only 14%, while bacteria were detected in 54% of smears; 32% were cocci and 16% were Actinomyces species. Changes in cells infected by human papilloma virus were detected in 4% and monilia in 2% of the cases. Also, 20% of the individuals showed hyperkeratosis and 12% showed no lesions. The study proved that alcohol and cigarette smoking are risk factors for oral atypical cellular changes and possibly of oral infection. The degree of change depends on the duration of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking
ABSTRACT
In this study, sputum induction was done on 10 healthy subjects and 24 asthma patients. Sputum induced by inhalation of either hypertonic saline [HS] or uridine 5-triphosphate [UTP] was induced in all the studied subjects. Inhaled UTP produced a larger amount of sputum than HS. There were significant differences in oxygen desaturation during the procedure between the two methods and no significant difference in spirometric measurements during the procedure by both methods. Sputum total cell and differential cell counts with a high proportion of eosinophils in asthmatics were similar between specimens obtained by HS and UTP. Therefore, sputum induction either by HS or UTP is noninvasive, relatively safe, reproducible and repeatable measurement. Patients with asthma have a higher proportion of eosinophils in their induced sputum with a significant negative correlation to FEV1% pred. The analysis of induced sputum has a relevant role in the identification and monitoring of airway inflammation