Distribution of polymorphic N-acetyltransferase NAT2 phenotypes among UAE nationals

ABSTRACT

The distribution of polymorphic N-acetyltransferase [NAT2] phenotypes was studied in 118 unrelated UAE nationals. Phenotypes were assigned by determination of the 5-acetylamino-6-formylamino-3-methyluracil/1 -methylxanthine [AFMU/1X] urinary molar excretion ratio after oral ingestion of caffeine. The prevalence of the slow acetylator phenotype was found to be 61%. The fast acetylator phenotype included many individuals with intermediate acetylating capacity who could be cautiously identified as heterozygotes. The possible role of NAT2 genotype in the aetiology of cancer is discussed