UV-induced chromosome aberrations, sister-chromatid exchanges and cell survival in cultured lymphocytes from malnourished children.

Cultured lymphocytes from children with kwashiorkor and from normal children were examined for their susceptibility to ultraviolet (UV)-induced chromosome aberrations, sister-chromatid exchanges and cell survival. Cells from kwashiorkor exhibited increased chromosome aberrations, but not sister-chromatid exchanges, when exposed to higher doses of UV. Furthermore, when cells from these patients were exposed to higher doses of UV, there was a significant reduction in viability. These results indicate that, as compared to normals, cells from kwashiorkor were more sensitive to the lethal effects of UV.