SISTER-CHROMATID EXCHANGE ANALYSIS IN THE LYMPHOCYTES OF PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS

Objective-This study investigated whether any genomic change occurs in DNA level in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by measuring sister chromati d exchange (SCE) frequency. Methods-SCE frequency was detected on meta phase chromosomes obtained from peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures i n 15 patients diagnosed as having AS. SCE values were also obtained fr om 15 healthy subjects as a control group. SCE frequencies were detect ed from metaphases obtained from standard blood cultures by using brom odeoxyuridine and staining by Giemsa. Results-SCE frequencies of AS we re statistically higher than those of the control group (p<0.005). Con clusion-These results suggest that genetic factors may play a more imp ortant part than realised in the aetiology of AS.