Pooled analysis of alcohol dehydrogenase genotypes and head and neck cancer: a HuGE review

Possession of the fast metabolizing alleles for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), ADH1B*2 and ADH1C*1, and the null allele for aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), ALDH2*2, results in increased acetylaldehyde levels and is hypothesized to increase the risk of head and neck cancer. To examine this association, the authors undertook a Human Genome Epidemiology review on these three genes and a pooled analysis of published studies on ADH1C. The majority of Asians had the fast ADH1B*2 and ADH1C*1 alleles, while the majority of Caucasians had the slow ADH1B*1/1 and ADH1C*1/2 genotypes. The ALDH2*2 null allele was frequently observed among Asians, though it was rarely observed in other populations. In a pooled analysis of data from seven case-control studies with a total of 1,325 cases and 1,760 controls, an increased risk of head and neck cancer was not observed for the ADH1C*1/2 genotype (odds ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.81, 1.23) or the ADH1C*1/1 genotype (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.92, 1.41). Increased relative risks of head and neck cancer were reported for the ADH1B*1/1 and ALDH2*1/2 genotypes in several studies. Recommendations for future studies include larger sample sizes and incorporation of relevant ADH and ALDH genes simultaneously, as well as other genes. These considerations suggest the potential for the organization of a consortium of investigators conducting studies in this field.     

酒精代谢酶基因型在日本双生子中的分布

目的为预防酒精相关性疾病发生,调查了酒精代谢酶控制基因在日本双生子中的分布。方法以饱和酚法提取ＤＮＡ,应用限制性片段长度多态性分析技术检测了９２个日本双生子的酒精脱氢酶２（ＡＤＨ２）和乙醛脱氢酶２（ＡＬＤＨ２）基因型,根据基因型差异筛选敏感个体。结果ＡＤＨ２和ＡＬＤＨ２基因分布符合Ｈａｒｄｙｗｅｉｎｂｅｒｇ等式。ＡＤＨ２基因的３种基因型分别是ＡＤＨ２１／ＡＤＨ２１（１．１％）、ＡＤＨ２１／ＡＤＨ２２（４４．６％）和ＡＤＨ２２／ＡＤＨ２２（５４．３％）。ＡＬＤＨ２的基因型分别为ＡＬＤＨ２１／ＡＬＤＨ２１（４１．３％）、ＡＬＤＨ２１／ＡＬＤＨ２２（３９．１％）和ＡＬＤＨ２２／ＡＬＤＨ２２（１９６％）。ＡＤＨ２和ＡＬＤＨ２基因频率分别为０．２５５、０．７４５和０６０９、０３９１。结论异常纯合的ＡＤＨ２基因和纯合的ＡＬＤＨ２基因占优势。个体携有ＡＤＨ２１／ＡＤＨ２２和ＡＬＤＨ２１／ＡＬＤＨ２１、ＡＤＨ２２／ＡＤＨ２２和ＡＬＤＨ２１／ＡＬＤＨ２１者可视为敏感个体。     

Genetic polymorphism of alcohol dehydrogenase 3 in alcohol liver cirrhosis and in alcohol chronic pancreatitis

AIM: To find the ADH3 genotypes in the Polish population likely to be responsible for higher susceptibility to alcohol disease of the liver and chronic alcohol pancreatitis. METHOD: The ADH3 genotype and ADH3*1 and ADH3*2 alleles frequencies were examined in 198 patients. Genotyping of the ADH3 was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods on a white cell DNA. RESULTS: The genotype ADH3*1/ADH3*1 was found to be significantly more frequent in alcohol abusers compared with non-drinkers. The examinations of the group of alcohol abusers showed that the genotype ADH3*2/ADH3*2 occurred statistically significantly less frequently in patients with chronic pancreatitis than in those without alimentary lesions (healthy drinkers). The alleles ADH3*1 and genotype ADH3*1/ADH3*1 were significantly more frequent in men than in women, whereas alleles ADH3*2 and genotype ADH3*2/ADH3*2 were more common in women. CONCLUSIONS: The genotype ADH3*2/ADH3*2 is likely to be a protective factor for chronic pancreatitis. Variations in ADH3 genotypes may account for some of the differences in prevalence of alcohol dependence between genders in the Polish population.     

醛、醇脱氢酶基因多态性与三氯乙烯药疹样皮炎易感性的关系

目的研究醛脱氢酶、醇脱氢酶基因多态性与三氯乙烯药疹样皮炎易感性的关系。方法应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法,比较108例三氯乙烯药疹样皮炎病人和145例健康三氯乙烯接触工人醛脱氢酶2(ALDH2)、醇脱氢酶2(ADH2)和醇脱氢酶3(ADH3)的基因多态性分布,并计算相对危险度(OR)。结果ADH2和ADH3基因型分布在病人与接触对照工人中无显著性差异;ALDH2变异型基因(ALDH2*1/*2+ALDH2*2/*2)频率在病人中显著低于接触对照工人(分别为27·8%和43·4%,P=0·011),使三氯乙烯药疹样皮炎的危险性显著降低(OR=0·50,95%CI=0·29~0·85)。结论高活性ALDH2可能是导致三氯乙烯药疹样皮炎个体易感性差异的原因之一。     

Gene-environmental interactions in alcohol-related health problems--contributions of molecular biology to behavior modifications

High alcohol sensitivity among Asians is mainly due to a genetic polymorphism in the low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) gene. Strong correlations between the ALDH2 genotype and alcohol sensitivity or alcohol drinking habits have been reported. Another prevalent polymorphism in the alcohol dehydrogenase beta-subunit (ADH2 gene) among Asians appears to modify skin flushing reactions after exposure to ethanol but does not influence alcohol drinking behavior. Both the ADH2 and ALDH2 genotypes have been significantly correlated with the risk of alcoholism. In a Japanese occupational population, a gene-environment interaction of the ALDH2 genotype and daily hassles scores for development of problem drinking behavior was observed. Habitual drinkers with the ALDH2*1/*2 genotype had higher frequencies of sister-chromatid exchange in cultured lymphocytes and higher 8-OHdG levels in polymorphonuclear leukocytes than those with the ALDH2*1/*1 genotype. Alcoholics and heavy drinkers with the ALDH2*1/*2 genotype have been shown to have significantly elevated risks for esophageal and multiple cancers in upper digestive organs than those with the ALDH2*1/*1 genotype. In Japan, bronchial asthma patients with the ALDH2*1/*2 genotype have been shown to have a significantly elevated risk for experiencing alcohol-induced asthma compared with the ALDH2*1/*1 genotype. Providing services to determine these genotypes would be of great help for each individual to make a plan for tailor-made health promotion.     

Genetic factors which regulate alcohol drinking behavior and their effects on health status]

High alcohol sensitivity common among Orientals is mainly due to genetic polymorphism in the low K(m) aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) gene. The relation of the ALDH2 genotype to alcohol sensitivity and drinking behavior was investigated in a Japanese occupational population. The frequency of alcohol-associated symptoms generally increased in the order of the typical homozygote, heterozygote, and atypical homozygote. Both drinking frequency and amounts of alcohol consumption were also significantly affected by the polymorphism. Polymorphism in the alcohol dehydrogenase beta-subunit (ADH2 gene) appeared to contribute to skin flushing post-alcohol exposure but not to alcohol drinking behavior. Multivariate analysis revealed that high alcohol consumption, the ALDH2*1/*1 genotype, and high daily hassles levels significantly contribute to the prevalence of those with a high problem-drinking score in an occupational population. In the study to assess the effects of the ALDH2 polymorphism and alcohol use on the induction of chromosome alterations in peripheral lymphocytes, we found that lymphocytes from habitual drinkers with the atypical ALDH2 genotypes had significantly higher frequencies of sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) than those from the typical ALDH2 genotype. We also measured acetaldehyde reversibly bound to hemoglobin (HbAA). In volunteers with the ALDH2*1/*2 genotype, the HbAA levels increased immediately after the drink and the elevated levels persisted up to 48 h. Among male workers, HbAA levels were significantly correlated with the recent alcohol consumption levels in both the ALDH2*1/*1 and ALDH2*1/*2 genotypes. However, the slope was much steeper in the ALDH2*1/*2 than in the ALDH2*1/*1. SCE and HbAA may be utilized as a good biomarker for health problems in the atypical ALDH2 genotype. Further extensive studies are required for evaluation of the interactive effects of genetic and environmental factors on alcohol-related health problems.     

Relationships of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (<Emphasis Type="Italic">ADH1B</Emphasis>) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">ALDH2</Emphasis>) genotypes with alcohol sensitivity,drinking behavior and problem drinking in Japanese older men

Objectives

Many East Asians have the genetic polymorphisms rs1229984 in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and rs671 in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Here we analyzed the relationships of the two genotypes with alcohol sensitivity, drinking behavior and problem drinking among older and younger men living in rural areas of Japan.

Methods

The subjects were 718 Japanese men aged 63.3 ± 10.8 (mean ± SD), categorized into the older (≥65 years, n = 357) and younger (<65 years, n = 361) groups. Facial flushing frequency, drinking behavior and positive CAGE results were compared among the genotypes using Bonferroni-corrected χ² test and a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, BMI and lifestyle factors.

Results

The frequency of ‘always’ facial flushing among the ADH1B*1/*2 carriers was significantly lower than that among the ADH1B*2/*2 carriers in the older group (P < 0.01). The alcohol consumption (unit/day) in the ADH1B*1/*2 carriers tended to be higher compared with that in the ADH1B*2/*2 carriers among the older group (P = 0.050). In the younger group, no significant differences in alcohol sensitivity and drinking habits were generally found among the ADH1B genotypes. The ADH1B*1/*1 genotype tended to be positively associated with problem drinking in the older group (P = 0.080) but not in the younger group. The ALDH2 genotypes consistently and strongly affected the alcohol sensitivity, drinking behavior and problem drinking in both the younger and older group.

Conclusions

We for the first time observed a significant difference in alcohol sensitivity between ADH1B*1/*2 and ADH1B*2/*2 in older men aged 65 and above.

     

Distribution of ADH1B, ALDH2, CYP2E1∗6, and CYP2E1∗7B genotypes in Turkish population

The most well-known metabolic pathways from ethanol to acetaldehyde include alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system that involves cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). Acetaldehyde is further oxidized to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). The genetic variation of ADH1B, ALDH2, and CYP2E1 is different among racial populations and cause difference in elimination rates of alcohol. The aim of this study was to determine the polymorphisms of ADH1B (rs1229984; Arg47His), ALDH2 (rs671; Glu487Lys), CYP2E1*6 (rs6413432; T7632A), and CYP2E1*7B (rs6413420; G-71T) in unrelated healthy Turkish population and compare it with other populations. ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms were analyzed with an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and CYP2E1*6 and CYP2E1*7B polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. ADH1B polymorphism analysis yielded the genotype distribution as 83.9% ADH1B*1/1 and 16.1% ADH1B*1/2, and no individuals with ALDH2*1/2 and ALDH2*2/2 genotypes were found in Turkish population. The genotype frequencies for CYP2E1*6 polymorphism were found as 85.3% for homozygote common, 14.1% for heterozygote, and 0.6% for homozygote uncommon. For CYP2E1*7B polymorphism, the genotype frequencies were determined to be 86.5% G/G, 13.5% for G/T; however, no individuals with homozygote uncommon genotype were detected. According to our study results, the genotype distributions of ADH1B, ALDH2, CYP2E1*6, and CYP2E1*7B in Turkish population were similar compared with Caucasian and some European populations, whereas differed significantly from East Asian populations. This study may be useful in epidemiological studies of the influence of ADH1B, ALDH2, CYP2E1*6, and CYP2E1*7B polymorphisms on diseases, including several types of cancer related to alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence.     

汉族健康人201名的酒精代谢相关酶基因多态型分布

目的 了解乙醇脱氢酶2(ADH2)基因型和乙醛脱氢酶2(ALDH2)基因型的分布情况,为筛选高危敏感个体和采取预防措施以减少酒精相关性疾病的发生提供理论基础。方法 问卷调查筛选出居住在四川省的无直接血缘关系的汉族健康个体201人(男104人,女97人)、采集血样并搜集饮酒行为资料;聚合酶链式反应．限制性片段长度多态性方法测定ADH2、ALDH2基因型。结果 杂合型ADH2与纯合型ALDH2在中国汉族正常人口中占优势(分别为53．23％,68．16％);9种ADH2、ALDH2基因型组合的分布间差异无统计学意义;纯合型ALDH2在具高、中饮酒频率男性中的分布间差异有统计学意义。结论 汉族正常人口中携带酒精相关性疾病易感基因型个体占多数(68．16％),应加强监测与预防酒精相关性疾病的工作。     

乙醇和乙醛脱氢酶基因多态与食道癌易感性

目的 研究乙醇脱氢酶2(ADH2)和乙醛脱氧酶2(ALDH2)基因多态与食道癌易感性.方法 对江苏省泰兴市221例食道癌新发病例和191名对照的饮酒习惯等因素进行调查,采用PCR和变性高效液相色谱法(DHPLC)检测ADH2和ALDH2基因型.结果 (1)与携带ALDH2 G/G基因型者相比,携带ALDH2A/A(OR=5.69,95%CI:2.51～12.18)和ALDH2 G/A(OR=1.70,95%CI:1.08～2.68)基因型者患食道癌危险性明显增加,以携带ALDH2A/A的饮酒者最为显著(OR=8.63,95%CI:2.07～35.95).(2)无论是否饮酒,携带不同ADH2基因型者之间患食道癌的风险差异均无统计学意义.(3)携带ALDH2 A/A或G/A基因型者,不论同时携带何种ADH2基因型患食道癌的风险均显著增加,且作用效应为ALDH2 A/A≥G/A.(4)与同时携带ALDH2 G/G和ADH2 A/A的不饮酒者相比,同时携带ALDH2 G/A或A/A和ADH2 G/A或G/G的饮酒者,患食道癌危险性OR值高达8.36(95%CI:2.98～23.46).结论 饮酒及醇醛脱氢酶基因多态与食道癌的联系主要与ALDH2有关;携带ALDH2A/A和G/A者减少酒精消耗量,有助于降低患食道癌危险性.     

Regulation of Alcohol and Acetaldehyde Metabolism by a Mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Species in Human

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alcohol is oxidized to toxic and carcinogenic acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and further oxidized to a non-toxic acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). There are two major ALDH isoforms, cytosolic and mitochondrial, encoded by ALDH1 and ALDH2 genes, respectively. The ALDH2 polymorphism is associated with flushing response to alcohol use. Emerging evidence shows that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species encode alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) mediate alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism, respectively. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial was designed to study the effects of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic mixture in humans and assessed their effects on alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism. Here, twenty-seven wild types (ALDH2*1/*1) and the same number of heterozygotes (ALDH2*2/*1) were recruited for the study. The enrolled participants were randomly divided into either the probiotic (Duolac ProAP4) or the placebo group. Each group received a probiotic or placebo capsule for 15 days with subsequent crossover. Primary outcomes were measurement of alcohol and acetaldehyde in the blood after the alcohol intake. Blood levels of alcohol and acetaldehyde were significantly downregulated by probiotic supplementation in subjects with ALDH2*2/*1 genotype, but not in those with ALDH2*1/*1 genotype. However, there were no marked improvements in hangover score parameters between test and placebo groups. No clinically significant changes were observed in safety parameters. These results suggest that Duolac ProAP4 has a potential to downregulate the alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations, and their effects depend on the presence or absence of polymorphism on the ALDH2 gene.     

ADH2、ALDH2基因多态性及饮酒和胃癌关联的研究

[目的]探讨乙醇脱氢酶2(ADH2)、乙醛脱氢酶2(ALDH2)基因多态性及饮酒和胃癌的联系。[方法]采用病例对照研究的方法,利用变性高效液相色谱法(DHPLC)检测常熟市201例男性原发性胃癌患者和对照组ADH2、ALDH2基因型,结合饮酒因素分析其在胃癌发生中的作用。[结果]与携带ADH2(A/A)或ALDH2(G/G)基因型者相比,其它基因型并不增加患胃癌的危险性(P0.05),结合ADH2、ALDH2基因多态性及饮酒因素发现,即使饮酒量超过1.5 kg.年饮酒者任何基因型组合和不饮酒者携带ADH2(A/A)或ALDH2(G/G)基因型者相比,患胃癌的危险性并未增加(P0.05)。[结论]ADH2、ALDH2基因多态性与胃癌易感性无关。     

Application of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genetic diagnosis in support of decreasing alcohol intake

Encouraging behavioral changes to decrease alcohol intake is not easy from the standpoint of health support. This study was conducted to examine whether the genetic diagnosis of ALDH2 polymorphism is useful in supporting those who want to decrease their alcohol intake. The participants in this study were 329 male employees who wanted to know the result of their ALDH2 genotype. We divided the 329 participants randomly into two groups. One was the "notified group" (n=157), and the other was the "non-notified group" (n=172). The subjects belonging to the "notified group" were informed of the results of the ALDH2 genotype diagnosis in April, 2003. Drinking habits and laboratory data were obtained before and after notification of the ALDH2 genotype. Among those with genotype ALDH2*1/*1, there was no significant change in drinking frequencies, nor was there any significant decline in liver function laboratory data in either of the groups before and after notification of the genotype. However, weekly alcohol intake tended to increase compared to that before notification. On the other hand, with regard to those with genotype ALDH2*1/*2, no significant changes in drinking frequencies or liver function laboratory data were evident in either group before and after notification of the genotype. However, the weekly alcohol intake tended to increase in the non-notified group, whereas it tended to decrease in the notified group. Although the result was not significant, it is suggested that, with further study and an increased sample size, the genetic diagnosis may be found to be useful.     

Alcohol consumption, alcohol dehydrogenase 1C (ADH1C) genotype, and risk of colorectal cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer

Within the Netherlands Cohort Study (1986), we examined associations between alcohol consumption, the alcohol dehydrogenase 1C (ADH1C) genotype, and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). After a follow-up period of 7.3 years, 594 CRC cases with information on genotype and baseline alcohol intake were available for analyses. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. In subjects who reported to have consumed equal amounts of total alcohol both 5 years before baseline and at baseline, drinkers of ≥30 g of alcohol per day with the ADH1C*2/*2 genotype were associated—although not statistically significant—with an increased risk of CRC relative to abstainers with the ADH1C*1/*1 genotype (RR: 1.91, 95% CI: 0.68, 5.34). The risk estimate in this exposure group increased slightly when compared with light drinkers of ≥0.5-<5 g/day with the ADH1C*1/*1 genotype (RR: 2.32, 95% CI: 0.80, 6.72). The interaction term however, was not statistically significant (P > .05). In subjects who reported to have consumed equal amounts of total alcohol both 5 years before baseline and at baseline, drinkers of ≥30 g of alcohol per day were associated—although not statistically significant—with an increased risk of CRC relative to abstainers (RR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.80, 2.38). This risk estimate for high-level drinkers became stronger when compared with light drinkers (RR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.99). As main effect of genotype, we observed that the ADH1C*2/*2 genotype was associated with a 42% increase in risk of CRC when compared with the ADH1C*1/*1 genotype. In conclusion, both genotype and alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk of CRC. Owing to limited statistical power, we found no apparent evidence for the ADH1C genotype as effect modifier of the relationship between alcohol intake and CRC. Nevertheless, the interaction deserves further investigation in larger genetic epidemiologic studies.     

中国五个民族人群样本中酒精代谢相关酶基因多态型分布比较

采用聚合酶链式反应 限制性片段长度多态性 (PCR RFLP)方法测定酒精脱氢酶 2 (ADH2 )和乙醛脱氢酶 2 (ALDH2 )的基因型 ,以获得ADH2、ALDH2基因多态型在中国汉、回、蒙古、维吾尔、白五个民族正常人群样本中的分布并对其进行比较。结果显示 :(1)五民族中均为杂合型ADH2与纯合型ALDH2占优势 ;(2 )ADH2、ALDH2基因型在五民族的分布间存在一定差异     

Erythrocyte aldehyde dehydrogenase activity: lack of association with alcohol use and dependence or alcohol reactions in Australian twins

AIM: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) has been advocated as a marker of alcohol intake. The absence or low levels of ALDH1 may be associated with alcohol-induced flushing or other reactions to alcohol in Europeans and therefore, with reduced alcohol use. This study tested whether variation in erythrocyte ALDH1 activity was associated with alcohol use, alcohol dependence or reactions to alcohol in unselected subjects of European descent, and whether variation in ALDH1 activity was subject to genetic influences. METHODS: ALDH activity was measured in erythrocytes from 677 men and women who had participated in a twin study of alcohol use and dependence. RESULTS: There were no significant effects of sex, alcohol consumption or alcohol dependence on ALDH activity. Subjects who reported reactions to alcohol did not have low activity. Women aged below 45 years had lower ALDH activity than men or older women. The heritability of ALDH activity was 56% (95% confidence interval = 42-67%). CONCLUSIONS: Previous reports that erythrocyte ALDH activity is low in alcoholics were not substantiated in this community-based sample. Associations with alcohol reactions were not found. ALDH activity varies widely between subjects, largely because of genetic factors.     

Blood pressure, levels of serum lipids, liver enzymes and blood glucose by aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and drinking habit in Japanese men

Objectives The association of blood pressure and levels of serum lipids, liver enzymes, blood glucose and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) with drinking habit was examined in Japanese men. Methods The subjects were 264 men aged 39 to 80 years who were classified into the ALDH2 deficiency or sufficiency group using the ethanol patch test and the Tokyo University ALDH2 Phenotype Screening Test. A self-administered questionnaire including drinking habit was used. Blood pressure and the levels of biochemical markers in groups with ALDH2 sufficiency, ALDH2 deficiency and drinking habit were compared using multiple regression models for adjusting age, smoking habit, physical exercising habit and body mass index. Results The levels of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) were significantly higher in current drinkers of 20 g of ethanol or more per day than in nondrinkers of the ALDH2 sufficiency group. The levels of serum AST and γ-GTP in current drinkers of 20 g of ethanol or more per day, and fasting blood sugar in current drinkers of less than 20 g of ethanol per day were significantly higher than those in nondrinkers of the ALDH2 deficiency group. Conclusions These results suggest that alcohol consumption increases the levels of serum lipids and liver enzymes in ALDH2-sufficient individuals and liver enzymes and blood glucose levels in ALDH2-deficient individuals.     

Alcohol drinking, mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes, and alcohol metabolic genotypes in drunk drivers

Regular and irregular abuse of alcohol are global health priorities associated with diseases at multiple sites, including cancer. Mechanisms of diseases induced by alcohol are closely related to its metabolism. Among conventional markers of alcohol abuse, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of erythrocytes is prognostic of alcohol-related cancer and its predictivity increases when combined with functional polymorphisms of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B [rs1229984] and ADH1C [rs698]) and the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2 [rs671]). Whether these genetic variants can influence abuse in alcohol drinking and MCV has never been examined in drunk-driving traffic offenders. We examined 149 drunk drivers, diagnosed as alcohol abusers according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and enrolled in a probation program, and 257 social drinkers (controls), all Caucasian males. Alcohol intake was assessed according to self-reported drink-units/d and MCV unadjusted and adjusted for age, smoking, and body mass index. Multivariable models were used to compute MCV adjusted means. Genotype analyses were performed by PCR on DNA from blood. The adjusted MCV mean was higher in drunk-driving abusers than in controls (92 vs. 91 fL; P < .0001) and increased with the number of drink-units/d in both abusers and controls (P-trend = .0316 and .0089) already at intermediate quantities (0-1 vs. 2-4 drink-units/d: P = .054 and .024). Carriers of the common ADH1B*1/*1 (rs1229984) genotype were more likely to be drunk-driving abusers (P = .008), reported higher drink-units/d (P = .0126), and had larger MCV (P = .035). The rs698 ADH1C and rs671 ALDH2 polymorphisms were not associated with MCV. ADH1B*1/*1 polymorphism is significantly associated with being a drunk-driving abuser, higher alcohol drinking, and MCV enlargement. This suggests that drunk drivers with augmented MCV modulated by the alcohol metabolic ADH1B*1/*1 genotype may be at higher risk of driving incapability and of alcohol-related cancer.     

Effect of acute ethanol drinking on alcohol metabolism in subjects with different ADH and ALDH genotypes

The effect of different amounts of orally ingested ethanol on plasma alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and erythrocyte aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), as well as on the blood ethanol and acetaldehyde levels, was examined in healthy nonalcoholic subjects. The genotypes at ADH2 and ALDH2 locus were identified in enzymatically amplified blood DNA by hybridization with allele-specific oligonucleotides. While the Japanese subject was found to be genotypically heterozygous for both ADH2 and ALDH2, the Caucasian subjects were genotypically homozygous normal for these alleles. A faster ethanol elimination associated with a higher blood acetaldehyde level was observed in the Japanese subject as compared to Caucasian subjects. However, no significant change in ADH and ALDH enzyme activities was detected as the result of acute ethanol intake.