UNIVERSITY OF PISA STUDIES GENES THAT METABOLIZE ALCOHOL TO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT TOLERANCES OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND ETHNIC GROUPS. THE FIRST RESULTS TO BE REVEALED AT THE WINE & HEALTH CONFERENCE IN MONTALCINO, OCTOBER 19-20

The University of Pisa has undertaken a study on the genes that metabolize alcohol in an attempt to understand what causes different tolerance levels among different people and different ethnic groups. The study conducted by the university is monitoring alcohol levels of a volunteer group of students, currently divided into two groups: Tuscans and southern Italians.

For each individual test subject a curve graph has been created by using an alcohol test to measure the levels of ethanol present in the blood that will then be correlated with a curve graph of the genes of each individual.

“It is probable that there will be a wide variability of responses” – noted Professor Roberto Barale, geneticist at the University of Pisa – “that depend on the genetic variances in metabolizing alcohol. If a ‘stopping point’, or individual limit of tolerance of the assumption of alcoholic substances does exist, then there could be some interesting observations made on the daily habits of people”.

The study will be a central part of the national convention on wine and health to be held in Montalcino on October 19 and 20.