Page 35 - GPD-3-4

Gene & Protein in Disease

REVIEW ARTICLE
The environmental impact on aging: Insights

from buccal mucosa and molecular biomarkers

Sima Ataollahi Eshkoor * and Sara Fanijavadi 2
1
1 Department of Neurology, Medicin 3, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
2 Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark

Abstract

Buccal epithelial cells serve as a primary barrier against the inhalation and ingestion
of harmful substances, working alongside immune system cells such as natural killer
cells to protect the body from health-damaging factors. These epithelial cells can
also be used as an alternative tissue source for monitoring the genotoxic effects
of external factors such as chemical exposure. This assessment can be performed
using molecular biomarkers of aging, which reflect biological age and indicate
cellular aging acceleration due to internal and external damage factors, such as
environmental hazards. In contrast to chronological age, which merely reflects
the passage of time, biological age accounts for individual variation in aging
processes. Molecular biomarkers are crucial for distinguishing between normal and
pathological processes in the body and for identifying the effects of external factors
such as chemical exposures. The identification of specific biomarkers enhances the
ability to detect and monitor adverse biological responses and accelerated aging.
This review aims to highlight the routes through which environmental hazards enter
the body, the application of buccal epithelial cells in assessing genetic modifications,
*Corresponding author: and the introduction of potential molecular biomarkers. However, further research is
Sima Ataollahi Eshkoor necessary to elucidate the roles of these biomarkers in determining aging rates and
(simaataolahi@yahoo.com) individual variability. Understanding their implications may also help identify new
Citation: Eshkoor SA, therapeutic targets for preventing premature aging, treating age-related diseases,
Fanijavadi S. The environmental and developing potential treatments.
impact on aging: Insights from
buccal mucosa and molecular
biomarkers. Gene Protein Dis.
2024;3(4):4418. Keywords: Aging; Buccal cell; Biomarkers; DNA damage; Exposure; Hazards
doi: 10.36922/gpd.4418
Received: August 2, 2024
Accepted: September 13, 2024
Published Online: October 23, 2024 1. Introduction
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). Aging is a complex and inevitable process characterized by the accumulation of damage
This is an Open-Access article caused by both internal and external factors. These factors may be endogenous, such
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution as genetic predispositions, or exogenous, including environmental exposures and
License, permitting distribution, lifestyle influences. Humans are continuously exposed to various health risks, including
1
and reproduction in any medium, inherited, nutritional, and environmental hazards, which may lead to contact with toxic
provided the original work is
properly cited. substances. These hazards, encountered in workplaces or industrial settings, have the
potential to cause harmful effects, such as mutations, cancer, and congenital defects, as
2
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with well as accelerate the aging process through genetic and epigenetic changes. 3
regard to jurisdictional claims in 4
published maps and institutional Hazardous substances enter the body through various routes such as the oral cavity.
affiliations. The oral mucosal epithelium plays a crucial role in protecting the body from chemical,
Volume 3 Issue 4 (2024) 1 doi: 10.36922/gpd.4418