Absence of evidence for mutagenicity of alcoholic beverages: an analysis of hprt mutant frequencies in 153 normal humans.

A substantial database on hprt mutant frequency in circulating T-cells derived from 153 normal humans was analysed to determine if any effect of alcohol consumption could be detected. Alcohol intake (as reported in a questionnaire completed at the time of the blood sample) ranged from 0 to 35+ units per week. Donors were classified into four groups, including total abstainers (n = 18); those who consumed less than the Royal College of Physicians guideline (men, 21 units; women, 14 units) (n = 113); those who consumed more than the guideline value (n = 12); and designated alcohol-dependent subjects (n = 10). No significant difference in mutant frequency between the four groups was found, nor was an overall correlation between alcohol consumption and mutant frequency seen.