title: Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay in Sickle Cell Disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is a commonly inherited blood disorder preceded by episodes of pain, chronic haemolytic anaemia and severe infections. The underlying phenomenon which causes this disease is the point mutation in the haemoglobin beta gene (Hbβ) found on chromosome 11 p. Increased oxidative stress leads to DNA damage. DNA damage occurring in such conditions can be studied by the buccal micronucleus cytome assay, which is a minimally invasive method for studying chromosomal instability, cell death and regenerative potential of human buccal tissue.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate genomic instability in patients with sickle cell disease by buccal micronucleus cytome assay.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 40 sickle cell anemia patients (Group A) and 40 age and sex matched controls (Group B). Buccal swabs were collected and stained with Papanicolaou (PAP). Number of cells with micronucleus, binuclei, nuclear bud, pyknosis and karyolysis were counted in two groups as parameters for the evaluation of genome stability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the analysis was done using t-test. A p-value of <0.001 was considered statistically significant. There was a statistically significant increase in micronuclei number in SCA patients when compared with controls. Karyolytic (un-nucleated) cell number in Group A was more than to those of the controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results might suggest that patients with sickle cell anaemia have genome instability which is represented by the presence of micronuclei in the somatic cells. Presence of apoptotic cells might only indicate the bodily damage to the tissue as a result of the disease.
authors: Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, MNR Dental College & Hospital , Sangareddy, Telangana, India .
authors: Mallika Bokka Sri Satya
authors: MB
authors: Naga
authors: Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, MNR Dental College & Hospital , Sangareddy, Telangana, India .
authors: Shreya
authors: S
authors: Gour
authors: Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, MNR Dental College & Hospital , Sangareddy, Telangana, India .
authors: Nalini
authors: N
authors: Nallagutta
authors: Reader, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, MNR Dental College & Hospital , Sangareddy, Telangana, India .
authors: Kranti Kiran Reddy
authors: KK
authors: Ealla
authors: Reader, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, MNR Dental College & Hospital , Sangareddy, Telangana, India .
authors: Surekha
authors: S
authors: Velidandla
authors: Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, MNR Dental College & Hospital , Sangareddy, Telangana, India .
authors: Sangameshwar
authors: S
authors: Manikya
keywords: Binuclei; Karyolysis; Nuclear bud; Pyknosis