Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions in oral mucosa cells of crack and cocaine users: a cross-sectional study.

The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the presence of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) in exfoliated cells obtained from the buccal mucosa among crack and cocaine users and non-users by the AgNOR staining technique. Seventy-three males ≥ 18 years were categorized into two groups: 38 crack and/or cocaine users and 35 non-user volunteers. They were interviewed and responded a questionnaire regarding general health and drug addiction. Exfoliative cytology specimens were collected from the clinically intact buccal mucosa, and cytological preparations were fixed and stained by AgNOR technique. The mean number of AgNORs (p = 0.02) and the percentage of epithelial cells with more than 3 (p = 0.01) and 4 (p = 0.04) AgNORs/nucleus were significantly higher in the non-user group. In conclusion, the frequency and diversity of substances present in the drugs-cocaine, crack, and alcohol-consumed by the volunteers of this study may have influenced the number of AgNORs and the response to damage and consequent effect on protein synthesis.