Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Brief report: a novel application of buccal micronucleus cytome assay in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control
Ziad S Al-Rawi1, Faiq I Gorial, Rana Fawzi Tawfiq
1Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Objective:
Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease, and both genetic and environmental factors are implicated in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess cellular and nuclear morphology of SLE using a buccal micronucleus cytome assay.
Methods:
This study included 58 SLE patients and 58 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Patients' baseline characteristics were recorded, and a buccal micronucleus cytome assay was used to measure cellular and nuclear abnormalities in both groups.
Results:
Significantly higher frequencies of micronuclei, nuclear buds, binucleated cells, basal cells, condensed chromatin cells, karyorrhectic cells, pyknotic cells, and karyolytic cells were seen in SLE patients as compared to controls. A buccal micronucleus cytome assay score of ≥4 had the highest accuracy (93.1%), almost perfect positive predictive value (98.1% at 50% pretest probability and 99.8% at 90% pretest probability), 87.9% sensitivity, and 98.3% specificity for the diagnosis of SLE.
Conclusion:
Biomarkers of DNA damage, proliferative potential, and cell death were significantly increased in SLE patients. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay was a valid and easy way for clinicians to assess individuals at high risk of developing SLE.
