Prevalence of X-chromatin in Jordania women

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the distribution of X-chromatin among Jordanian women at different age groups. Results will be compared with other studies for possible racial and environmental effect on X-chromatin distribution.

METHODS: Blood samples were drawn from all women subjected to this study by finger prick and stained with Wright's stain. X-chromatin positive polymorphonuclear cells were counted and corrected for percentage. Samples were taken during late 2002 and early 2003 from healthy women attending routine checkup in health centers in Northern Jordan.

RESULTS: The number of X-chromatin was the highest (approximately 22%) in the <9-19 years age group and was the lowest (approximately 10%) >50 and above years age group. The number of X-chromatin was 14-18% in the other age groups.

CONCLUSION: These results were in accordance with other studies. It seems that the racial and environmental factors are ineffective on the distribution of X-chromatin in Jordanian women. These data could be used as reference for further studies.