Correlation of karyotype and immunophenotype in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia; experience at the national cancer institute, Cairo University, Egypt

To identify chromosomal pattern among the major immunophenotypic subgroups in Egyptian children with ALL, and its correlation with clinical presentation and disease free survival. Cytogenetic and immunophenotypic analysis were done for all patients. Patients received ALL-PNCI-III/98 chemotherapy protocol used at NCI, Cairo University. The frequency of pseudodiploidy and normal karyotype in the whole group was 42.9% and 33.3% respectively. The frequency of pseudodiploidy was 36.8% in CALLA positive early pre B, 30.7% in pre B cases, 71.4% in T cell cases and 100% in mature B cell cases. At 12 months, DFS was 50% for pseudodiploid group having pre B phenotype, compared to 16.6% for pseudodiploid group with CALLA positive early pre B ALL. Sixteen percent of the studied cases showed T cell phenotype, 71.4% of them showed pseudodiploid karyotype, all of them had high risk features. Hyperdiploidy was found in 31.5% of CALLA positive early pre B cases and was associated with favorable prognostic features and DFS of 66.6% at 12 months. Hyperdiploidy of >50 chromosome represented 62.5% of hyperdipoid cases, 80% of them were CALLA positive early pre B ALL carrying good risk features. Fifty percent of normal karyotypic patients showed pre B phenotype, while 42.8% showed CALLA positive early pre B ALL. Their age, TLC, DFS, were almost comparable. CALLA early pre B phenotype has a positive impact on chromosomal pattern having best outcome among patients with hyperdiploidy. The Pseudodiploid karyotype carries a better outcome with pre B phenotype

Cytogenetic abnormalities of acute myeloblastic leukemia in children

Acute myeloblastic leukemia [AML] is a hematologic malignant disorder characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid progenotors. Cytogenetic analysis of AML patients, to identify different chromosomal abnormalities, is very important as a prognostic clue. This study aimed to detect any chromosomal abnormality, especially t [8; 21], in 20 patients suffering AML, and its impact on prognosis, using conventional karyotyping [G-banding], and fluorescence detection of in situ hybridization [FISH]. The later technique permits karyotypic analysis of non-dividing cells [interphase]. The most common presenting symptoms and signs were weight loss, fever, pallor, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Males were more commonly, affected than females, especially those of ages from 2 to 7 years [55%]. There was nonsignificant relationship between induction of remission and factors, as age, sex, consanguinity, FAB classification, massive lymphadenopathy, huge hepatosplenomegaly, initial, total leucocytic count [TLC], hemoglobin [Hb], platelet, blood blasts, or bone marrow blasts counts. A significant relationship between karyotyping and FISH results was reported. The results of the later was negative [normal] in 10 [50%], positive [t: 8.21] in 3 patients, no signal in 5/20 [25%], and red signal in 2/20 [10%]. It is concluded that FISH may be superior than classical karyotyping, in the detection of cytogenetic abnormalities of AML, and so it is of prognostic value

Enhancement of bleomycin induced cytoggenetic damage in blood cultures after griseofulvin therapy

Griseofulvin [GF], a naturally occurring food contaminant and a widely prescribed cheap and effective antifungal drug, was tested for its potential mutagenicity using the conventional cytogenetic method to assess the frequency of chromosomal aberrations [CA] in the cultured blood cells of GF treated patients receiving the drug in a dose of 12.5 mg/kg/d. Fourteen patients complaining of Tinea capitis and corporis were divided into two groups according to the duration of therapy [four to six weeks and eight weeks]. Ten healthy control subjects of matched age and sex, who did not receive GF served as blood donors for bleomycin [BLM] tests. It might be considered as a co-mutagen, when there is concomitant exposure of patients receiving GF therapy for a long duration to any radiomimetic agent, as GF amplified their cytogenetic damage. The study recommended the integration of bleomycin test for chromosomal fragility with other cytogenetic assays during the evaluation of the genotoxicity of any chemical agent, as it reflects its possible interaction with any radiomimetic agent

Reproductive problems and work with vdts clinical and cytogenetic evaluation

For the last ten years, still broader use of computers has been observed in the world and in particular in the Arab world. That involves a large number of different health problems. Introduction of new technology is bound up with wider issues of industrial relations, including job security. Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field [EMF] is very common and concern about its harmful effects has been raised. Video display terminals [VDTs] are among the most important sources of exposure Reproductive problems had emerged as one of the hazards attributed to work with [VDTGs]. This work aimed at assessing the potential association between [EMF] emitted by [VDTGs] and pregnancy outcome and/or infertility problems through clinical and cytogenetic evaluations. The study included two groups: control group [36 personnel who were employees of both sexes working in King Khalel University hospital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia. They were selected as healthy, non smokers with [-ve] family history of any genetic disease, and the other group included [80 cases] with reproductive problems referred to the genetic department of the Riadh Medical Complex, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the period of January, 92-January 95. The two groups were selected as [VDTs] users for at least two years and for 15 hours per week. Leach personnel was subjected to full clinical and medical evaluation, pedigree construction and chromosomal analysis. Chromosomal aberrations found in this studied sample was not related to the exposure [VDTs] magnetic fields. This work in agreement with the majority of epidemiological studies suggests that work with [VDTs] is not related to adverse pregnancy outcome or infertility. It highlights some of the newly described proposed causes in this occupational group which can be helpful in evaluating working conditions. Examination of the effects of exposure to higher [EMF] existing at industrial work places is recommended to assure safety in working with the different modern sources of [EMFs]