Significance of Micronuclei in Buccal Mucosa Smears in Transgender Undergoing Sex Reassignment Surgery

Abstract

Transgender individuals often undergo sex reassignment surgery (SRS) as part of their gender transition process, accompanied by hormone therapy to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. While these interventions are crucial steps toward affirming one's gender identity, they may also entail physiological changes and potential health implications. This observational study included patients who visited a tertiary care hospital , Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry, India. The study group consisted of 35 patients who were in the habit of only betel quid chewing. The “betel quid” ingredients in the study group consisted of betel leaf, areca nut and slaked lime, and sun-dried tobacco. In this study, we aim to investigate the significance of micronuclei in buccal mucosa smears in transgender individuals before and after sex reassignment surgery. By examining micronuclei frequency and associated factors, we seek to elucidate the relationship between gender-affirming interventions and cellular health outcomes.