Assessment of Micronuclei Frequency and Leukocyte Immune Response Indices in Peptic Ulcer Disease Patients Among Al-Hikmah University Students, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant global health concern due to its association with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and potential progression to gastric malignancy. This study aimed to assess the frequency of micronuclei (MN), a biomarker of genomic instability and leukocyte immune response functional indices among the students’ population that were screened and diagnosed of Peptic ulcer disease. Methods: A population of 40 participants were selected through structured questionnaire screening and clinical diagnosis. Whole blood and stool samples were collected for analysis. Haematological parameters were evaluated using an automated haematology analyser; Mindray BC-5000, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China and manual differential counts on Leishman-stained peripheral blood smears. Micronuclei frequency was assessed in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. ABO blood grouping and haemoglobin genotyping used cellulose acetate electrophoresis. H. pylori status was determined using a rapid stool antigen test. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in MN frequency in mononuclear cells with prolonged ulcer duration (p < 0.001), rising from 339.17 ± 42.74 cells/10³ (2–9 months) to 473.33 ± 52.64 cells/10³ (3–4 years). No significant increase was observed in binucleated cells (p > 0.05). No significant differences in MN frequency were observed across ABO blood groups or haemoglobin genotypes (AA, AS, AC). There was statistically significant differences in WBC count (p = 0.001), absolute eosinophils (p = 0.005), and absolute neutrophils (p = 0.001 but no significant differences in relative lymphocyte, eosinophil, and neutrophil percentages) in relation with ABO blood group (p > 0.05). WBC functional indices showed no significant correlation with MN frequency (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Chronic PUD is associated with cumulative genomic damage, reflected by increased MN frequency over time, independent of inflammatory markers or inherited haematological traits. The study underscores the potential utility of the MN assay as a sensitive, non-invasive biomarker for monitoring long-term genomic instability and cancer risk in PUD patients.