Pesticide-Induced Genotoxicity in Farmers of Southern Punjab as Indicated by Frequency of Micronuclei

Background: Farmers have an increased risk of pesticide-induced DNA damage which can be detected by the presence of micronuclei (MN) in buccal cells. Smoking may further amplify this genotoxic effect, making MN a valuable biomarker for assessing both occupational and lifestyle related DNA damage.Objective: To determine the frequency of micronuclei as a biomarker of DNA damage in buccal mucosal cells of pesticide exposed farmers, with and without smoking.Methods: A comparative analytical cross sectional study was conducted from May to November 2021 on farmers in Moza Durana Nigana, Tehsil & District Multan. A total of 135 participants aged 21–60 years were divided into three groups of 45 each: Group I – nonsmokers and non-farmers (control); Group II –pesticide exposed farmers, who were nonsmokers or smoked fewer than five cigarettes per day; Group III – pesticide exposed farmers who smoked 15–20 cigarettes per day. Buccal smears were collected and stained using the Papanicolaou technique. Slide preparation and analysis were performed in the Departments of Anatomy and Pathology, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, to detect micronuclei (MN) as an indicator of DNA damage.Results: Pesticide exposed farmers showed a significantly higher frequency of micronuclei (MN), averaging 30.79 ± 9.65 per 1000 cells as compared to the control group, which had a frequency of 1.15 ± 0.38 per 1000 cells (p < 0.05). Among the exposed groups, Group III exhibited the highest MN frequency, indicating a synergistic genotoxic effect of pesticide exposure and smoking.Conclusion: Pesticide exposure in farmers demonstrated a significant increase in DNA damage which is further amplified in those who smoke.