Chromosome breaks and sister chromatid exchanges in albinos in Nigeria.
The prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in albinos reaches approximately 90% in patients over 20 years of age in the vicinity of Enugu, Nigeria. Chromosome breaks and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were evaluated in tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinos and pigmented controls of Ibo extraction who were life-long residents of Nigeria. No difference in the frequency of chromosomal breaks in 14 albinos compared to 6 pigmented controls, and no differences in the frequency of SCE in 9 albinos compared to 3 controls could be detected. Increased chromosomal abnormalities in lymphocytes do not appear to be assoicated with albinism or fulminating skin cancer present in albinos in the tropics.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000417:Albinism / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002842:Chromatids; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*