Expression of Cytokeratin 19 in the epithelial cell of Azo-exposed buccal mucosa

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Background: Azo is a synthetic dye used in batik industries. It can be toxic to the tissue when exposed via inhalation, swallowing, or direct contact. Expression of cytokeratin will change in hyperplastic and cancer of the oral mucosa. Expression of Cytokeratin 8, 18, 19 is strong in the epithelial cells that undergo excessive hyperproliferation and oral mucosal changes in leukoplakia and squamous stratification carcinoma. The present study was conducted to analyze the expression of Cytokeratin 19 in the epithelial cells of azo-exposed buccal mucosa. &nbsp;&nbsp; Methods: A total of 30 males were divided into 2 groups of azo-exposed and controls equally. Criterion for azo-exposed participants was working at batik coloring division for at least 5 years, while the controls were the ones who were not exposed to azo dyes. Exfoliative cytology using cytobrush was the method of collecting buccal mucosal epithelial cells. Expression of Cytokeratin 19 was analyzed using Cytokeratin 19 monoclonal antibody and immunohistochemical staining. Data were analyzed using independent samples t test in SPSS 13.0 software. &nbsp;&nbsp; Results: There was a negative expression on the controls, while positive expression was observed in the exposed group. T test analysis showed significant differences (p<0.001) in the positive expression of the exposed group (97.600&plusmn;2.063) compared to controls (3.133&plusmn;1.641). &nbsp;&nbsp; Conclusion: Azo dye could increase the expression of Cytokeratin 19 on buccal mucosa epithelial cells. &nbsp;