Association of Smoking (Pack Years) with AgNOR Count in Buccal Mucosal Cytology

Background:Tobacco smoking is a self-inflicted major health hazard worldwide. Cigarette smoking influences proliferative activity in normal oral mucosa. This proliferative activity can be detected by AgNOR count. This study was conducted in an attempt to find any association between smoking (Pack Years) and AgNOR count. Results:Silver stained cytologic smears of buccal mucosa in 75 smokers and 75 nonsmokers were viewed for AgNOR count and a comparison between pack years of smoking & increased AgNOR number was assessed using SPSS analysis. A positive correlation (r = .604) significant at the 0.01 level was found, between pack years and AgNOR count. This explains significant replicative activity under the influence of cigarette smoking. Conclusion:The effect of cigarette smoking in buccal mucosa is related to dose exposure (Pack Years of smoking) and a positive correlation exists between proliferative activity (AgNOR Count) and smoking (Pack Years). An association between pack years of smoking and increased AgNOR count explains cigarette smokeʹs effect on buccal mucosa.