Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Polymorphism Research Articles

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 preserves kidney function by countering acrolein-induced metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction.

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) varies by race because of genetic and environmental factors. The Glu504Lys polymorphism in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), commonly observed among East Asian people, alters the enzyme's function in detoxifying alcohol-derived aldehydes, affecting kidney function. This study investigated the association between variations in ALDH2 levels within the kidney and the progression of kidney fibrosis. Our clinical data indicate that diminished ALDH2 levels are linked to worse CKD outcomes, with correlations between ALDH2 expression, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urinary levels of acrolein - an aldehyde metabolized by ALDH2 - and fibrosis severity. In mouse models of unilateral ureteral obstruction and folic acid nephropathy, reduced ALDH2 levels and elevated acrolein were observed in kidneys, especially in ALDH2 Glu504Lys-knockin mice. Mechanistically, acrolein modifies pyruvate kinase M2, leading to its nuclear translocation and coactivation of HIF-1α, shifting cellular metabolism to glycolysis, disrupting mitochondrial function, and contributing to tubular damage and the progression of kidney fibrosis. Enhancing ALDH2 expression through adeno-associated virus vectors reduced acrolein and mitigated fibrosis in both WT and Glu504Lys-knockin mice. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic significance of targeting the dynamic interaction between ALDH2 and acrolein in CKD.

Urinary benzyl alcohol and hippuric acid in workers exposed to benzyl alcohol during paint stripping work.

This research aimed to develop a reliable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for detecting urinary benzyl alcohol (BeOH) concentrations and assess its suitability as a biomarker for occupational BeOH exposure. Thirteen male participants exposed to BeOH during paint stripping work provided preshift and postshift urine samples, and their personal exposure concentrations were measured. Meanwhile, a control group of 10 nonexposed workers contributed urine samples. The newly developed GC-MS method met regulatory guidelines. The personal exposure concentrations of BeOH ranged from 8.4 to 45.2mg/m3. Postshift urine samples from exposed participants showed significant BeOH and hippuric acid (HA) concentration increases compared to preshift samples (BeOH, post-/pre-shift geometric mean (GM) ratio = 7.5-7.8, p < 0.001; HA, post-/pre-shift GM ratio = 4.3-4.5, p < 0.001). These levels were considerably higher than those in postshift samples from the nonexposed control group (BeOH, exposed-/nonexposed-workers GM ratio = 14.8-19.0, p < 0.001; HA, exposed-/nonexposed-workers GM ratio = 12.1-15.3, p < 0.001), even after urine density correction. Urinary BeOH and HA can serve as potential biomarkers of occupational exposure to BeOH. More specifically, BeOH might serve as a superior biomarker than HA because it is apparently less influenced by confounding factors such as dietary intake and genetic polymorphism of low-Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). The findings will improve workplace safety measures and protocols, assisting healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing exposure-related health issues, thereby potentially reducing the risk of occupational exposure to BeOH.

Effectiveness of genetic feedback on alcohol metabolism to reduce alcohol consumption in young adults: an open-label randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIt is unclear whether brief interventions using the combined classification of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) together with behavioral changes in alcohol use can reduce excessive alcohol consumption. This study aimed to examine the effects of a brief intervention based on the screening of ALDH2 and ADH1B gene polymorphisms on alcohol consumption in Japanese young adults.MethodsIn this open-label randomized controlled trial, we enrolled adults aged 20–30 years who had excessive drinking behavior (average amount of alcohol consumed: men, ≥ 4 drinks/per day and women, ≥ 2 drinks/per day; 1 drink = 10 g of pure alcohol equivalent). Participants were randomized into intervention or control group using a simple random number table. The intervention group underwent saliva-based genotyping of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes (ALDH2 and ADH1B), which were classified into five types. A 30-min in-person or online educational counseling was conducted approximately 1 month later based on genotyping test results and their own drinking records. The control group received traditional alcohol education. Average daily alcohol consumption was calculated based on the drinking diary, which was recorded at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. The primary endpoint was average daily alcohol consumption, and the secondary endpoints were the alcohol-use disorder identification test for consumption (AUDIT-C) score and behavioral modification stages assessed using a transtheoretical model.ResultsParticipants were allocated to the intervention (n = 100) and control (n = 96) groups using simple randomization. Overall, 28 (29.2%) participants in the control group and 21 (21.0%) in the intervention group did not complete the follow-up. Average alcohol consumption decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in the intervention group but not in the control group. The reduction from baseline alcohol consumption values and AUDIT-C score at 3 months were greater in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, the behavioral modification stages were significantly changed by the intervention (p < 0.001).ConclusionsGenetic testing for alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and health guidance on type-specific excessive drinking may be useful for reducing sustained average alcohol consumption associated with behavioral modification.Trial registrationR000050379, UMIN000044148, Registered on June 1, 2021.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 rs671 a/A Genotype is Associated with an Increased Risk of Early Onset Coronary Artery Stenosis.

The role of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in cardiovascular diseases has been gradually studied. However, it is unclear whether ALDH2 polymorphism is associated with the risk of early onset (onset age ≤55 years old in men and ≤65 years old in women) coronary artery stenosis (CAS). The association between ALDH2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs671 and risk in patients with early onset CAS was investigated in this study. The study included 213 early onset CAS patients and 352 individuals without CAS were set as controls. The ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - microarray. Differences in ALDH2 rs671 genotypes and alleles between patients and controls were compared. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, drinking history, and diabetes mellitus to assess the relationship between ALDH2 rs671 genotypes and early onset CAS risk. The frequency of the ALDH2 rs671 G/G genotype was lower in the early onset CAS patients (43.7% vs 55.3%, p=0.007) than that in the controls. The frequency of the ALDH2 rs671 A allele was higher (32.9% vs 25.0%) than that in the controls (p=0.005). After adjusting for other confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression showed that ALDH2 rs671 A/A genotype (A/A vs G/G: odds ratio (OR) 2.508, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.130-5.569, p=0.024), overweight (BMI≥24.0 vs 18.5-23.9: OR 5.047, 95% CI: 3.275-7.777, p<0.001), history of smoking (yes vs no: OR 2.813, 95% CI: 1.595-4.961, p<0.001), and diabetes mellitus (yes vs no: OR 2.191, 95% CI: 1.397-3.437, p=0.001) were the independent risk factors of early onset CAS. In men ≤55 years old and women ≤65 years old, individuals with ALDH2 rs671 A/A genotype, overweight (BMI ≥24.0 kg/m2), smoking history, and diabetes mellitus increased risk of developing CAS.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 Polymorphism is a Predictor of Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease

Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD) is commonly seen in patients with heart failure (HF), but there are limited treatment options. Recent studies have shown an association between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphisms and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms, and the association between ALDH2 and risk of PH-LHD in patients with HF. It also investigated different ALDH2 genotypes and examined their association with cardiac structure and function in HF patients with PH-LHD. A total of 178 HF patients were consecutively enrolled in this study: 102 without PH-LHD and 76 with PH-LHD. Clinical data, parameters of echocardiography, and relevant biochemical indexes were recorded in both groups. Differences in data obtained between groups were compared, and the risk of variant ALDH2 polymorphisms with PH-LHD in HF patients was analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of ALDH2 rs671 GA/AA polymorphisms (variant ALDH2) was 24 of 102 patients (23.53%) in the HF without PH-LHD group, and 32 of 76 patients (42.10%) in the HF with PH-LHD group, with a statistically significant difference. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression showed that variant ALDH2 is an independent risk factor for HF combined with PH-LHD. A higher proportion of patients with variant ALDH2 in the HF with PH-LHD group had a tricuspid regurgitation velocity >2.8 m/s, and they had higher values of peak early diastolic velocity of the mitral orifice/peak velocity of the early diastolic wave of the mitral orifice, maximum frequency shift of pulmonary valve flow, and pulmonary artery stiffness. Variant ALDH2 may be an independent risk factor for HF combined with PH-LHD. Variant ALDH2 may also be involved in pulmonary artery remodelling and is a potential new target for clinical treatment of PH-LHD.

Genetic Polymorphism in Alcohol Metabolism and Drinking Behavior are Associated with Gastric Cancer Risk in Men.

Objective In recent years, there has been a growing focus on health risks associated with alcohol consumption. The present study investigated whether or not the genetic variant of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) influences the risk of gastric cancer among individuals identified as hazardous drinkers using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which provides a comprehensive assessment of hazardous drinking behavior. Patients We enrolled men with hazardous drinking behavior (AUDIT score ≥ 8) who had undergone gastric cancer screening (either endoscopy or a barium X-ray examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract) between April 2013 and March 2020 within 1 year from entry and who had subsequently undergone at least one more gastric cancer screening up to March 2021. Functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms of ALDH2 (rs671) were measured using a direct TaqMan PCR method with unprocessed saliva. Results A total of 246 men were enrolled, comprising 193 individuals with active ALDH2 (ALDH2*1/*1) and 53 with less-active ALDH2 (ALDH2*1/*2). The cumulative incidence of gastric cancer in the less-active group was higher than in the active ALDH2 group (p=0.01, hazard ratio: 4.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-16.7). Alcohol consumption was lower in the less-active ALDH2 group than in the active ALDH2 group, although no marked difference was observed in the AUDIT score. Conclusion In individuals with hazardous drinking behavior, a heightened risk of gastric cancer was observed among those with less-active ALDH2 variants, even when their alcohol consumption was comparatively lower than in those with active ALDH2 variants.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 rs671 G/A and a/A Genotypes are Associated with the Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a key catalytic enzyme involved in the aldehyde metabolism that plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the relationship of ALDH2 polymorphism and susceptibility to AMI may differ among different regions and populations, and it has not yet been reported in Hakka population. The purpose of the present study was to investigate it in this population. Four hundred and nineteen AMI patients and 636 individuals without AMI were included in the present study. The ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-microarray. Differences in ALDH2 rs671 genotypes and alleles between patients and controls were compared, and the relationship between ALDH2 rs671 genotypes and AMI risk was analyzed. Patients with AMI had a lower frequency of ALDH2 rs671 G/G genotype (43.2% vs 52.7%, p=0.003), and a higher G/A genotype (45.6% vs 38.5%, p=0.025) than controls. And AMI patients had a lower frequency of ALDH2 rs671 G allele (66.0% vs 71.9%), and a higher A allele (34.0% vs 28.1%) (p=0.004) than controls. Logistic regression analysis showed that overweight (body mass index (BMI)≥24.0 kg/m2 vs BMI 18.5-23.9 kg/m2: odds ratio (OR) 2.046, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.520-2.754, p<0.001), history of hypertension (yes vs no: OR 3.464, 95% CI: 2.515-4.770, p<0.001), ALDH2 rs671 G/A genotype (G/A vs G/G: OR 1.476, 95% CI: 1.102-1.976, p=0.009), and A/A genotype (A/A vs G/G: OR 1.656, 95% CI: 1.027-2.668, p=0.038) maybe the independent risk factors for AMI. Overweight (BMI≥24.0 kg/m2), a history of hypertension, and ALDH2 rs671 G/A or A/A genotypes increased the risk of developing AMI in Hakka population.

Analysis of Correlation Between Coronary Heart Disease and Genetic Polymorphism Detected by Gold Magnetic Nanoparticles Chromatography.

It aimed to explore the correlation of Glu504Lys locus mutation of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) with coronary heart disease (CHD) based on gold magnetic nanoparticles (GMNPs) chromatography and amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (ARMS-PCR). 120 CHD patients admitted to the cardiovascular Department of Wenling First People's Hospital affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University from December 2020 to December 2021 were selected as Case group and 80 non-CHD patients admitted during the same period were selected as Ctrl group. The venous blood and indexes of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS) were collected. The ARMS-PCR GMNPs chromatography based on ARMS-PCR and immunochromatography assay was adopted to detect gene polymorphism of ALDH2. Correlation between ALDH2 gene polymorphism and risk factors of CHD was analyzed via logistic regression. In contrast to Ctrl group, the genotypes of GG, GA, and AA in Case group were evidently different (P < 0.05), and the frequency of A allelic gene was obviously increased (P < 0.05). Under the dominant model, frequency of GA + AA genotype in Case group was remarkably higher in contrast to Ctrl group (P < 0.05). Under the recessive model, there was no obvious difference in genotype frequency between two groups. In contrast to Ctrl group, TC, LDL-C, and FBS in Case group were notably increased (P < 0.05), while HDL-C was notably decreased (P < 0.05). The distribution frequency of abnormal LDL-C, HDL-C, and FBS in Case group was notably higher in contrast to Ctrl group (P < 0.05). LDL-C and FBS had no obvious effect on the genotypes and frequency distribution of alleles in CHD patients. However, the frequency distribution of genotypes of GA and AA and A allelic gene in patients with abnormal HDL-C was notably lower in contrast to those with normal HDL-C (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that abnormal HDC-C with A allelic gene were independent risk factors for CHD (P = 0.001, OR = 1.934). The gene polymorphism of Glu504Lys locus of ALDH2 was closely related to the pathogenesis of CHD, A allelic gene may be a susceptibility gene for CHD, and patients with abnormal HDC-C and carried A allelic gene had relatively higher incidence of CHD.

Impact of common ALDH2 inactivating mutation and alcohol consumption on Alzheimer's disease.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is an enzyme found in the mitochondrial matrix that plays a central role in alcohol and aldehyde metabolism. A common ALDH2 polymorphism in East Asians descent (called ALDH2*2 or E504K missense variant, SNP ID: rs671), present in approximately 8% of the world's population, has been associated with a variety of diseases. Recent meta-analyses support the relationship between this ALDH2 polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease (AD). And AD-like pathology observed in ALDH2-/- null mice and ALDH2*2 overexpressing transgenic mice indicate that ALDH2 deficiency plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Recently, the worldwide increase in alcohol consumption has drawn attention to the relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and AD. Of potential clinical significance, chronic administration of alcohol in ALDH2*2/*2 knock-in mice exacerbates the pathogenesis of AD-like symptoms. Therefore, ALDH2 polymorphism and alcohol consumption likely play an important role in the onset and progression of AD. Here, we review the data on the relationship between ALDH2 polymorphism, alcohol, and AD, and summarize what is currently known about the role of the common ALDH2 inactivating mutation, ALDH2*2, and alcohol in the onset and progression of AD.

GENETIC POLYMORPHISM OF ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE 2 (ALDH2) OF MINANGKABAU ETHNIC GROUP

Introduction. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is the main isozymes that can converted efficiently acetaldehyde into acetic acid. The aim of this study is to analyze genetic polymorphism of ALDH2 of Minangkabau ethnic group and its relationship with alcohol sensitivity. Methode. This research use descriptive methodology. Population and sample taken from Minangkabau people who lived in Yogyakarta who passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Examination of polymorphism of ALDH2 was conducted to the sample with PCR-RFLP with Ear! Restriction enzyme. Results. From 24 electrophoresis samples we got genotype frequency of wild type is 5 samples (20.8%), heterozygote polymorphism is 16 samples (66.7%) and homozygote polymorphism/polymorphic type is 3 samples (12.5%). Conclusion. We conclude that there are heterozygote polymorphism and homozygote polymorphism in the young adult, non alcoholic and healthy Minangkabau ethnic group.&#x0D; Keywords: aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, polimorphism, Minangkabau ethnic

Changes of neurofilament light chain in patients with alcohol dependence following withdrawal and the genetic effect from ALDH2 Polymorphism.

Neurofilament light chain (NFL), as a measure of neuroaxonal injury, has recently gained attention in alcohol dependence (AD). Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is the major enzyme which metabolizes the alcohol breakdown product acetaldehyde. An ALDH2 single nucleotide polymorphism (rs671) is associated with less ALDH2 enzyme activity and increased neurotoxicity. We examined the blood NFL levels in 147 patients with AD and 114 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and genotyped rs671. We also followed NFL level, alcohol craving and psychological symptoms in patients with AD after 1 and 2weeks of detoxification. We found the baseline NFL level was significantly higher in patients with AD than in controls (mean ± SD: 264.2 ± 261.8 vs. 72.1 ± 35.6pg/mL, p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that NFL concentration could discriminate patients with AD from controls (area under the curve: 0.85; p < 0.001). The NFL levels were significantly reduced following 1 and 2weeks of detoxification, with the extent of reduction correlated with the improvement of craving, depression, and anxiety (p < 0.001). Carriers with the rs671 GA genotype, which is associated with less ALDH2 activity, had higher NLF levels either at baseline or after detoxification compared with GG carriers. In conclusion, plasma NFL level was increased in patients with AD and reduced after early abstinence. Reduction in NFL level corroborated well with the improvement of clinical symptoms. The ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism may play a role in modulating the extent of neuroaxonal injury and its recovery.

ALDH2 polymorphism, alcohol intake and the attributable burden of cancer in East Asia: systematic review, meta-analysis, and modeling study

To estimate the burden of alcohol-attributable cancer in East Asian populations accounting for aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) genotype-specific cancer risk and alcohol exposure. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight databases on cancer risk to derive alcohol dose-response curves by ALDH2 genotype. A simulation-based approach using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) modeling framework was applied to estimate the population attributable fraction, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost to alcohol-attributable cancer. We included 34 studies (66,655 participants) from China, Japan, and South Korea in the meta-analysis. Alcohol dose-response curves for liver, esophageal, and oral cavity/pharynx cancer showed an increased risk for people with the inactivated ALDH2 genetic polymorphism, resulting in a higher burden of alcohol-attributable cancer compared to GBD estimates. Our methods estimated annual incidence of cancer of 230,177 cases, an underestimate of 69,596 cases compared to GBD estimates. Similarly, total DALYs lost annually were underestimated by 1.20 million. The burden of liver, esophageal, and oral cavity/pharynx cancer attributable to alcohol is underestimated in populations with the ALDH2 genetic polymorphism when compared to current estimates.

ALDH2 rs671 Polymorphism Likely a Risk Factor for Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Hospital-Based Study.

Hypertension is the main risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) may inhibit the occurrence of hypertension by anti-oxidative stress and vascular dilation. The purpose was to investigate the relationship of ALDH2 polymorphisms with hemorrhagic stroke in Hakka Chinese. A total of 329 patients with hemorrhagic stroke and 515 controls were enrolled, and medical records (smoking and drinking history, hypertension, and diabetes) were collected. The genotypes of ALDH2 rs671 of the two groups were detected and analyzed. The proportion of the ALDH2 rs671 G/G, G/A, and A/A genotype in patients with hemorrhagic stroke was 55.9%, 37.4%, and 6.7%, respectively, while those were 65.0%, 30.7%, and 4.3% in controls, respectively. There was statistically significant difference in ALDH2 rs671 genotypes distribution (P=0.021) and alleles distribution (P=0.005) between patients and controls. Among hemorrhagic stroke patients, no statistically significant differences were observed between patients with ALDH2 different genotypes. Logistic regression analysis showed that there was significantly high risk of hemorrhagic stroke in men (male vs female: adjusted OR 1.711, 95% CI 1.154-2.538, P=0.008), the presence of hypertension (with vs without hypertension: adjusted OR 16.095, 95% CI 10.958-23.641, P<0.001), and the presence of ALDH2 rs671 G/A genotype (G/A vs G/G: adjusted OR 1.679, 95% CI 1.151-2.450, P=0.007) or A/A genotype (A/A vs G/G: adjusted OR 2.516, 95% CI 1.132-5.591, P=0.024). ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism likely a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 polymorphism is associated with chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment in patients with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common but easily overlooked condition that markedly affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients with breast cancer. The rs671 is a common gene polymorphism of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in Asia that is involved in aldehyde metabolism and may be closely related to CRCI. However, no study has yet summarised the association between ALDH2 and CRCI. This study enrolled one hundred and twenty-four patients diagnosed with breast cancer according to the pathology results, genotyped for ALDH2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) to explore these. The mini-mental state exam (MMSE), verbal fluency test (VFT), and digit span test (DST) results were compared in these patients before and after chemotherapy (CT). We found that patients with ALDH2 gene genotypes of rs671_GG, rs886205_GG, rs4648328_CC, and rs4767944_TT polymorphisms were more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment during chemotherapy. A trend toward statistical significance was observed for rs671_GG of DST (z=2.769, p=0.006), VFT (t=4.624, P<0.001); rs886205_GG of DST (z=3.663, P<0.001); rs4648328_CC of DST (z=2.850, p=0.004), VFT (t=3.477, p=0.001); and rs4767944_TT of DST (z=2.967, p=0.003), VFT (t=2.776, p=0.008). The cognitive indicators of these patients significantly decreased after chemotherapy (p < 0.05). The difference in ALDH2 rs671 was most obvious. Our results showed what kinds of ALDH2 genotyped patients that are more likely to develop CRCI. In the future, it may be possible to infer the risk of CRCI by detecting the single-nucleotide locus of ALDH2 that is conducive to strengthening clinical interventions for these patients and improving their QOL. More importantly, this study has important implications for Asian women with breast cancer as ALDH2 rs671 is a common polymorphism in Asians.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and arrhythmogenesis.

Cardiac arrhythmia is a common cardiovascular disease that leads to considerable economic burdens and significant global public health challenges. Despite the remarkable progress made in recent decades, antiarrhythmic therapy remains suboptimal. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), a critical detoxifying enzyme, catalyzes toxic aldehydes and protects individuals from damage caused by oxidative stress. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that ALDH2 activation has potential antiarrhythmic benefits. The correlation between ALDH2 deficiency and arrhythmogenesis has been widely recognized. In this review, we summarize recent research on the potential role of ALDH2 activation and antiarrhythmic protection, as well as the role played by the ALDH2∗2 polymorphism (rs671) in promoting arrhythmic risk. Additionally, we discuss important new findings illustrating the use of ALDH2 activators, which may prove to be promising antiarrhythmic therapy agents.

Associations of Alcohol Dehydrogenase and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Polymorphism With Cognitive Impairment Among the Oldest-Old in China.

Recent literature suggested that ALDH2 mutation is associated with alcohol metabolism, and ethanol intake might jointly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in mice. However, it is unclear whether this synergistic effect exists among humans. We examined the associations of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) genes (i.e., ALDH2 rs671, ADH1B rs1229984, ADH1B rs1042026, and ADH1C rs1693482) and cognitive impairment among the oldest-old. We also investigated whether this association was modified by ethanol intake from alcohol consumption. Data were from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey genetic sub-study, including 1,949 participants aged over 90 years. Participants with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of < 18 were considered cognitively impaired. Alcohol consumption was categorized as heavy, moderate, or never drinkers. With the dominant model, carrying A allele on rs671, C allele on rs1229984, and T allele on rs1042026 was associated with 33% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5%, 69%), 33% (95% CI: 2%, 75%), and 29% (95% CI: 3%, 62%) higher odds of cognitive impairment in the multivariable-adjusted logistic model, respectively. We did not observe a significant interaction between those SNPs and alcohol consumption. Among the oldest-old, carrying ALDH2 rs671 mutation was associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment independent of alcohol consumption.

Causal Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Atrial Fibrillation: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Previous observational studies presented a positive association between alcohol and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, previous studies using genetic polymorphisms on the causal relationship between alcohol consumption and AF have reported conflicting results. This study aimed to evaluate the causality between alcohol consumption and AF using the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphism, which is the genetic variant with the most potent effect on drinking behavior. A total of 8,964 participants from the Dong-gu Study were included in the present study. The causal association between alcohol consumption and AF was evaluated through a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism as an instrumental variable. No significant relationship between alcohol consumption and AF was found in the observational analysis. However, the genetic analysis using the ALDH2 polymorphism showed a significant association in men. In the MR analysis, genetically predicted daily alcohol consumption was positively related to AF. MR analysis revealed a significant association between the amount of alcohol consumption and AF, which suggests that the association may be causal.

Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of ALDH2 gene based on asymmetric PCR and fluorescent probe-mediated melting curves

Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is of great value in precision medicine. The polymorphism of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene is caused by a G1510A transition, resulting in the substitution of glutamic acid by lysine at position 487. People of different ALDH2 genotypes show different susceptibility to cancer, metabolic diseases, etc. SNP analysis based on fluorescent probe-mediated melting curves is a relatively efficient and cost-effective method. Genomic DNA extracted from 100 whole blood samples was subjected to polymorphisms mutational analysis using asymmetric PCR and probe-mediated melting curves. Then a certain number of samples from each genotype were randomly selected for direct sequencing verification. The new assay can be performed in 2 h without post-PCR processing such as gel electrophoresis and validated by direct sequencing in a blind study with 100% concordance. Moreover, comparing the detection of polymorphisms of ALDH2 with the clinics, and an overall agreement of 100% (100/100) was demonstrated. Our study has shown a high level of concordance between DNA sequencing, which is suitable for the detection of clinical specimens. Based on the concept of probe-mediated melting curves, we further developed this platform as a universal strategy for the detection of polymorphisms related to folate metabolism.

Variant Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2*2) as a Risk Factor for Mechanical LA Substrate Formation and Atrial Fibrillation with Modest Alcohol Consumption in Ethnic Asians.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphism is a common genetic variant in Asians that is responsible for defective toxic aldehyde and lipid peroxidation metabolism after alcohol consumption. The extent to which low alcohol consumption may cause atrial substrates to trigger atrial fibrillation (AF) development in users with ALDH2 variants remains to be determined. We prospectively enrolled 249 ethnic Asians, including 56 non-drinkers and 193 habitual drinkers (135 (70%) as ALDH2 wild-type: GG, rs671; 58 (30%) as ALDH2 variants: G/A or A/A, rs671). Novel left atrial (LA) mechanical substrates with dynamic characteristics were assessed using a speckle-tracking algorithm and correlated to daily alcohol consumption and ALDH2 genotypes. Despite modest and comparable alcohol consumption by the habitual alcohol users (14.3 [8.3~28.6] and 12.3 [6.3~30.7] g/day for those without and with ALDH2 polymorphism, p = 0.31), there was a substantial and graded increase in the 4-HNE adduct and prolonged PR, and a reduction in novel LA mechanical parameters (including peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and phasic strain rates (reservoir, conduit, and booster pump functions), p < 0.05), rather than an LA emptying fraction (LAEF) or LA volume index across non-drinkers, and in habitual drinkers without and with ALDH2 polymorphism (all p < 0.05). The presence of ALDH2 polymorphism worsened the association between increasing daily alcohol dose and LAEF, PALS, and phasic reservoir and booster functions (all Pinteraction: <0.05). Binge drinking superimposed on regular alcohol use exclusively further worsened LA booster pump function compared to regular drinking without binge use (1.66 ± 0.57 vs. 1.97 ± 0.56 1/s, p = 0.001). Impaired LA booster function further independently helped to predict AF after consideration of the CHARGE-AF score (adjusted 1.68 (95% CI: 1.06–2.67), p = 0.028, per 1 z-score increment). Habitual modest alcohol consumption led to mechanical LA substrate formation in an ethnic Asian population, which was more pronounced in subjects harboring ALDH2 variants. Impaired LA booster functions may serve as a useful predictor of AF in such populations.

Cortical thickness is differently associated with ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism according to level of amyloid deposition

Accumulating evidence indicates that amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and biogenic aldehyde accumulation contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Human aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) metabolizes biogenic aldehydes produced in the brain to prevent damage. However, r671G>A, a single nucleotide polymorphism of ALDH2, causes aldehyde accumulation and decreased ALDH2 activity. We aimed to investigate whether Aβ deposition and rs671 polymorphism have an interaction effect on cortical thickness (CTh). We grouped 179 participants in the Biobank Innovations for chronic Cerebrovascular disease With ALZheimer's disease Study as follows: amyloid (–) [A(–)] and amyloid (+) [A(+)] groups based on the Aβ deposition degree; A-carrier (AC) and GG (GG) groups based on the presence/absence of the rs671 A allele; and their combinations, i.e., A(–)AC, A(–)GG, A(+)AC, and A(+)GG groups. A multiple regression analysis identified nine regions of interest. Compared with the A(–)GG group, the A(–)AC group showed thinner CTh in all regions. There were no significant differences between the A(+)AC and A(+)GG groups. We observed an interaction effect of amyloid deposition and rs671 polymorphism on CTh. The CTh in the A(–) group appeared to be strongly influenced by rs671 polymorphism, which could have contributed to cortical thinning and biogenic aldehyde accumulation in the AC group. Additionally, CTh in the A(+) group appeared to be strongly influenced by amyloid deposition.