Study of some hematological and genetic changes for patients with beta thalassemia major in wasit province

Abstract

The study included 40 blood samples from patients with β-thalassemia major and has compared them with 40 of the control group . Patients were divided according to their age into four groups . Levels of RBCs , Hb , PCV , MCV , MCH , MCHC,WBCs were measured. Furthermore, mitotic index and nuclear division index and micronucleus assay were measured for lymphocytes patients . Results showed a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in each level of (RBCs , Hb , PCV , MCV , MCH) , wherever increased level of WBCs significantly (P< 0.05) . Results of mitotic index and nuclear division index and micronucleus assay were revealed significantly increasing (P< 0.05) indication on defect in cell division .We concluded that iron overload in patient's body due to frequent blood transfusions was generate free radicals containing oxygen and capable of oxidative damage for macromolecule such as DNA .