Cytogenetic damage in thyroid solitary  hypo–functioning nodule patients  and presence of  thyroid cancer

Bhartiya U S; Agrawal A; Joseph L  J; Raut Y S; Hawaldar R W; Nayak U N; Asopa R V; Rajan  MGR

Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2016

Cytogenetic damage in thyroid solitary hypo–functioning nodule patients and presence of thyroid cancer

Bhartiya U S, Agrawal A, Joseph L J, Raut Y S, Hawaldar R W, Nayak U N, Asopa R V, Rajan Mgr

Abstract :

 Aim :To observe the extent of cytogenetic damage in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) using micronuclei (MN) frequency in solitary hypo–functioning thyroid nodule patients as an indicator and its possible association with the presence of thyroid cancer. Methods: Thirty one patients with solitary hypo–functioning thyroid nodule underwent fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), Technetium–99m–pertechnetate (99mTcO4– ) scan, and other laboratory tests for evaluation of the nodule status. MN frequency in PBLs in these patients was studied using cytokinesis–blocked assay. Results: Out of 31 patients with solitary hypo–functioning thyroid nodule, 10 turned out to be thyroid cancer. However, only 7 patients from thyroid cancer group had shown FNAC positive results before surgery. MN frequency demonstrated significant elevation in all the 10 thyroid cancer patients in comparison to non cancer group (61.1 ± 32.3 MN/1000 BN cells vs 25.6 ± 17.0 MN/1000BN cells, P = 0.001). In addition, distribution of more than one MN in binucleated PBLs was higher in thyroid cancer patients than their non cancer counterpart. Conclusion: The present study indicates significant elevation in DNA damage represented by increased PBL MN frequency in presence of thyroid cancer. It will be interesting to further explore the index of DNA damage as a mass screening marker for estimating risk or early detection of malignancy in thyroid disorder patients.