The Use of Single-Cell Comet Assay on Oral Cells: A Critical Review

BACKGROUND/AIM: Genotoxicity is the capacity of an agent to induce damage to DNA. Given the close relationship between genotoxicity and carcinogenesis, several assays have been developed for detecting genetic damage. Among them, the single-cell gel (comet) assay plays an important role for evaluating DNA damage in mammalian cells, including those of the oral cavity. The purpose of this article was to provide a critical review of the application of single-cell gel comet assay to buccal cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the scientific literature was conducted of published studies available on single-cell gel comet assay and oral cells. RESULTS: The results showed that the majority of studies were conducted on humans, whereas few were designed for use in rodents and in vitro. CONCLUSION: Further studies within the field are relevant for better understanding the underlying mechanisms of genotoxicity in oral cells, especially since the use of humans is quite complicated due to issues of ethics.