Somatic mutants accumulate at different rates in two human populations
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States); and others
Studies of the frequency of somatic mutation have the potential to identify populations with differing risks from exposure to mutagens and to guide evaluation of the causes and consequences of increased genetic damage. Somatic mutation as assayed by analysis of mutant frequency at the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyitransferase gene of blood lymphocytes is affected by age, cloning efficiency and, in some cases, smoking habits, cf. our analysis of one population and Robinson et al. analysis of four other large datasets. Robinson et al. have determined that comparisons of populations requires large numbers of people due to interindividual variability of known and unknown factors. We have been studying somatic mutation in two populations of people whose lifestyles and environmental exposures have potential to differ. Analysis of data form 51 males in population A (average age 36 years, cloning efficiency 0.20, and mutant frequency 13x10{sup {minus}6}) and 152 males in population B (average age 33 years, cloning efficiency 0.22 and mutant frequency 9.3x10{sup {minus}6}) revealed a significantly greater increase in mutant frequency per year of age in population A than B. These results suggest that the two populations differ in their chronic exposure, and/or their response to exposure to genotoxic agents and may have differing health risks. Analysis of additional covariates and other indicators of genetic damage, such as mutation spectrum, genetic susceptibility genotypes, and adducts, will be needed to evaluate the implications of the observed difference in rate of accumulation of somatic mutants.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 115150
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9503160-; ISSN 0893-6692; CNN: Grant Y01-ES-80171; Grant CA59431; TRN: 95:004640-0044
- Journal Information:
- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis, Vol. 25, Issue Suppl.25; Conference: 26. annual Environmental Mutagen Society meeting, St. Louis, MO (United States), 12-16 Mar 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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