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Chromosome breaks and sister chromatid exchanges in albinos in Nigeria
Author(s) -
Cervenka Jaroslav,
Witkop Carl J.,
Okoro Anezi N.,
King Richard A.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
clinical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.543
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1399-0004
pISSN - 0009-9163
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-0004.1979.tb02024.x
Subject(s) - albinism , sister chromatids , biology , genetics , sister chromatid exchange , chromosome , chromatid , oculocutaneous albinism , gene , dna
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 associated with albinism or fulminating skin cancer present in albinos in the tropics.