Abstract

Background: Leukaemia represents a heterogeneous group of blood cancers frequently linked to immune dysfunction and genomic instability.
Objectives: This study evaluated micronuclei frequency and white blood cell functional indices among leukaemic patients attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: An analytical case–control design was employed involving consented 43 leukaemic subjects and age-matched healthy controls recruited. Venous blood samples were analyzed for White blood cell indices using an automated haematology analyzer, and Micronuclei Frequency using the cytokinesis-block method (CBMN).
Results: White blood cell functional indices (Relative lymphocyte count) were significantly elevated in patients across all types of cancer, AML (44.50 ± 1.29) compared to control (33.83 ± 6.34), ALL (35.75 ± 1.26) Control (33.83 ± 6.34), CLL (68.38 ± 1.77) Control (33.83 ± 6.34) and Multiple Myeloma (38.00 ± 14.77) Control (33.83 ± 6.34). Micronuclei frequency parameters and proliferation index were significantly higher in ALC and ANC relative to control in all participants (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Leukaemia is associated with increased genomic instability and altered immune response. Micronuclei frequency and white blood cell functional indices may serve as useful adjuncts to leukaemic cells in evaluating disease progression and prognostic potential.

Key words: leukaemia’, ‘Micronuclei Frequency’, Multiple Myeloma ’, ‘White blood cell Indices’