Alcohol-metabolizing enzyme polymorphisms and alcoholism in Japan

Behavioral consequences of the downstream products of ethanol metabolism involved in alcohol use disorder

Research concerning Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has previously focused primarily on either the behavioral or chemical consequences experienced following ethanol intake, but these areas of research have rarely been considered in tandem. Compared with other drugs of abuse, ethanol has been shown to have a unique metabolic pathway once it enters the body, which leads to the formation of downstream metabolites which can go on to form biologically active products. These metabolites can mediate a variety of behavioral responses that are commonly observed with AUD, such as ethanol intake, reinforcement, and vulnerability to relapse. The following review considers the preclinical and chemical research implicating these downstream products in AUD and proposes a chemobehavioral model of AUD.

Points-to-consider documents: Scientific information on the evaluation of genetic polymorphisms during non-clinical studies and phase I clinical trials in the Japanese population

Pharmacotherapy shows striking individual differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, involving drug efficacy and adverse reactions. Recent genetic research has revealed that genetic polymorphisms are important intrinsic factors for these inter-individual differences. This pharmacogenomic information could help develop safer and more effective precision pharmacotherapies and thus, regulatory guidance/guidelines were developed in this area, especially in the EU and US. The Project for the Promotion of Progressive Medicine, Medical Devices, and Regenerative Medicine by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, performed by Tohoku University, reported scientific information on the evaluation of genetic polymorphisms, mainly on drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters, during non-clinical studies and phase I clinical trials in Japanese subjects/patients. We anticipate that this paper will be helpful in drug development for the regulatory usage of pharmacogenomic information, most notably pharmacokinetics.

Validation of Alcohol Flushing Questionnaires in Determining Inactive Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 and Its Clinical Implication in Alcohol-Related Diseases

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to validate alcohol flushing questionnaires in detecting inactive ALDH2 (ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2).

METHODS

Two study sets were established; in study set 1, 210 healthy male subjects (age 22 to 59 years) were enrolled; in study set 2, 756 subjects were enrolled who received esophagogastroduodenoscopy to evaluate their dyspeptic symptoms or as part of a gastric cancer screening program. Subjects in study sets 1 and 2 completed the modified alcohol flushing questionnaires of Yokoyama and colleagues (, ). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to determine ALDH2 genotype.

RESULTS

In study set 1, 29.0% (61 of 210) had inactive ALDH2. The sensitivity and specificity of the modified alcohol flushing questionnaire for detecting inactive ALDH2 were 95.1 and 76.5%, respectively. Drinking problems negatively correlated with positive alcohol flushing response and inactive ALDH2 (all p-values < 0.05). In study set 2, the sensitivity and specificity of the alcohol flushing questionnaire for detecting inactive ALDH2 were 78.9 and 82.1%, respectively. Interestingly, drinking ≥7 units/wk in men or ≥3.5 units/wk in women significantly increased the risk of benign gastric ulcer (BGU) among positive alcohol flushers (odds ratio, 8.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 58.30), but not among negative alcohol flushers.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple flushing questionnaires may be administered to the Korean population as a screening tool in detecting individuals who carry inactive ALDH2. Alcohol flushing response negatively correlates with drinking problems and can modify the risk for BGU by alcohol intake.

The association between the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4 subunit gene (CHRNA4) rs1044396 and Internet gaming disorder in Korean male adults

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the genetic predisposition of Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and the secondary aim was to compare the results to those of alcohol dependence (AD). Two independent case-control studies were conducted. A total of 30 male participants with IGD, diagnosed according to the 5^th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, and 30 sex-matched controls participated in study 1. We designed targeted exome sequencing (TES) to test for 72 candidate genes that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of addiction. The genes included seven neurotransmitter (dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, r-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and opioid) system genes. A total of 31 male in-patients with AD and 29 normal male controls (NC) were enrolled in study 2. The same 72 genes included in study 1 and ten additional genes related to alcohol-metabolic enzyme were selected as the target genes, and we identified the genetic variants using the same method (TES). The IGD group had a lower frequency of the T allele of rs1044396 in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit (CHRNA4), and this variant represents a protective allele against IGD. However, we did not find a significant difference in the polymorphisms of the 72 genes that encode neurotransmitter systems between the AD and NC groups. This study demonstrated that rs1044396 of CHRNA4 was significantly associated with IGD.

How do we 'learn' addiction? Risk factors and mechanisms getting addicted to alcohol

BACKGROUND

Alcohol dependence is one of the leading contributors to the burden of disease in the world. A range of genetic and environmental risk factors has been identified to date, and preclinical and clinical studies including imaging studies have identified neuronal networks involved in the development of alcohol dependence.

METHODS

We review genetic and environmental risk factors for the development of alcohol addiction as well as structural and neuronal changes, including their transmitter systems, due to regular alcohol intake.

RESULTS

Stress as well as family background and, in juveniles, the peer group could be identified as environmental risk factors for alcohol dependence. Heritability is estimated at around 50%, and it seems to be comparable in women and men. There is ongoing research on a broad range of putative endophenotypes such as tolerance of the effects of alcohol intake or personal traits like 'impulsivity'. On the neurobiological level, chronic alcohol intake seems to render mesolimbic circuits hypersensitive to alcohol and alter the motivational reward system including dopaminergic neurotransmission.

CONCLUSION

Environmental and genetic risk factors, and especially their interaction, facilitate the development of alcohol dependence. Ongoing alcohol intake results in profound alterations of neuronal systems crucial for motivation, learning, memory and cognition control. Future studies should further combine the knowledge of neurobiological mechanisms and risk factors to develop new prevention strategies.

The "first hit" toward alcohol reinforcement: role of ethanol metabolites

This review analyzes literature that describes the behavioral effects of 2 metabolites of ethanol (EtOH): acetaldehyde and salsolinol (a condensation product of acetaldehyde and dopamine) generated in the brain. These metabolites are self-administered into specific brain areas by animals, showing strong reinforcing effects. A wealth of evidence shows that EtOH, a drug consumed to attain millimolar concentrations, generates brain metabolites that are reinforcing at micromolar and nanomolar concentrations. Salsolinol administration leads to marked increases in voluntary EtOH intake, an effect inhibited by mu-opioid receptor blockers. In animals that have ingested EtOH chronically, the maintenance of alcohol intake is no longer influenced by EtOH metabolites, as intake is taken over by other brain systems. However, after EtOH withdrawal brain acetaldehyde has a major role in promoting binge-like drinking in the condition known as the "alcohol deprivation effect"; a condition seen in animals that have ingested alcohol chronically, are deprived of EtOH for extended periods, and are allowed EtOH re-access. The review also analyzes the behavioral effects of acetate, a metabolite that enters the brain and is responsible for motor incoordination at low doses of EtOH. Also discussed are the paradoxical effects of systemic acetaldehyde. Overall, evidence strongly suggests that brain-generated EtOH metabolites play a major role in the early ("first-hit") development of alcohol reinforcement and in the generation of relapse-like drinking.

Strong protective effect of the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ALDH2) 504lys (*2) allele against alcoholism and alcohol-induced medical diseases in Asians

Alcohol is oxidized to acetaldehyde, which in turn is oxidized to acetate. The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene (ALDH2) is the most important gene responsible for acetaldehyde metabolism. Individuals heterozygous or homozygous for the lys (A or *2) allele at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) glu504lys (rs671) of ALDH2 have greatly reduced ability to metabolize acetaldehyde, which greatly decreases their risk for alcohol dependence (AD). Case-control studies have shown association between this SNP and alcohol dependence as well as alcohol-induced liver disease. However, some studies have produced insignificant results. Using cumulative data from the past 20 years predominately from Asian populations (from both English and Chinese publications), this meta-analysis sought to examine and update whether the aggregate data provide new evidence of statistical significance for the proposed association. Our results (9,678 cases and 7,331 controls from 53 studies) support a strong association of alcohol abuse and dependence, with allelic P value of 3 × 10(-56) and OR of 0.23 (0.2, 0.28) under the random effects model. The dominant model (lys-lys + lys-glu vs. glu-glu) also showed strong association with P value of 1 × 10(-44) and OR of 0.22 (0.18, 0.27). When stricter criteria and various sub-group analyses were applied, the association remained strong (for example, OR = 0.23 (0.18, 0.3) and P = 2 × 10(-28) for the alcoholic patients with alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, or pancreatitis). These findings provide confirmation of the involvement of the human ALDH2 gene in the pathogenesis of AD as well as alcohol-induced medical illnesses in East-Asians.

Association of a genetic polymorphism of the alcohol-metabolizing enzyme ADH1C with alcohol dependence: results of a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Alcohol dependence causes serious problems which may be influenced by genetic factors associated with alcohol metabolism. The aim was to investigate the allelic and genotypic difference in distribution of a polymorphism in alcohol dehydrogenase 1C gene (ADH1C) between alcohol-dependent individuals and controls, and to examine if these genotypes were associated with the age at which the patient became alcohol-dependent.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study including 90 alcohol-dependent cases and 100 historic controls. The genomic DNA was isolated and the alleles were analyzed with an RFLP.

RESULTS

The ADH1C*1 allele frequencies were 0.89 (95% CI 0.84-0.91) in controls and 0.68 (95% CI 0.61-0.74) in alcohol-dependent patients. The frequencies of the ADH1C*2 allele were 0.11 (95% CI 0.07-0.14) and 0.32 (95% CI 0.25-0.38) among controls and alcohol-dependent patients, respectively (p < 0.0001). The ADH1C*1/*1 genotype frequency was significantly higher in the control group (77%) compared to that of the alcohol-dependents (51%, p < 0.0001). The ADH1C*1/*2 genotype frequency was significantly lower in the control group (23%) compared to that of the alcohol-dependents (42%, p < 0.0001). We obtained no statistically significant difference among the ADH1C genotype groups regarding age.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that a significantly higher presence of ADH1C*2 allele is associated with alcohol dependence in a Turkish population. Studies with other related polymorphisms are needed to more precisely estimate the association of alcohol dependence with ADH1C.

Strong association of the alcohol dehydrogenase 1B gene (ADH1B) with alcohol dependence and alcohol-induced medical diseases

BACKGROUND

The alcohol dehydrogenase 1B gene (ADH1B) is hypothesized to affect predisposition to alcohol dependence (AD) and abuse. A variant of the ADH1B gene (rs1229984 or Arg48His; previously referred to as Arg [*1] and His [*1]) has been reported to be associated with reduced rates of alcohol and drug dependence. Different studies have produced inconclusive results regarding association between rs1229984 (or rs2066702) and substance dependence.

METHODS

Using the cumulative association study literature from the past 21 years from both English- and Chinese-language publications, this meta-analysis seeks to clarify the contradictory findings and to examine whether the aggregate data provide new evidence of significant association.

RESULTS

The results, based on a large sample size (9638 cases and 9517 controls), suggested strong associations with alcohol dependence and abuse as well as alcohol-induced liver diseases, with an allelic (Arg vs. His) p value being 1 × 10(-36) and odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) 2.06 (1.84-2.31) under the random effects model. The dominant and recessive models produced larger ORs of 2.17 and 3.05, respectively. When more stringent criteria and subgroup analyses were imposed, the associations remained consistent and were strongest in various Asian groups (allelic p = 7 × 10(-42) and OR (95% CI) = 2.24 [1.99-2.51] with ORs of 2.16 and 4.11 for dominant and recessive models, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide further strong evidence for the involvement of the ADH1B gene in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence and abuse as well as for some alcohol-induced medical diseases in the multiple ethnic populations--in particular, certain Asian populations.

Gender differences in the effects of ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms on alcoholism

BACKGROUND

Gender differences are known to exist in the prevalence, characteristics, and course of alcohol dependence. Elucidating gender differences in the characteristics of alcohol dependence is important in gender-based medicine and may improve treatment outcomes. Many studies have shown that genetic factors are associated with the risk of alcohol dependence in both genders. Polymorphisms of alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) are strong genetic determinants of alcohol dependence. This study aimed to clarify gender differences in the effects of ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphism on the development of alcohol dependence.

METHODS

Subjects were 200 female alcoholics and 415 male alcoholics hospitalized in Kurihama Alcoholism Center. Clinical information and background data were obtained by chart review. ALDH2 and ADH1B genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

RESULTS

The onset age of female alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 genotype was significantly lower than those with active ALDH2 genotype, but the onset age did not differ between the inactive and active ALDH2 group in male alcoholics. The difference in onset age between the ADH1B genotype groups did not reach significant levels. The prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders, including major depression, eating disorder, panic disorder, and borderline personality disorder, was significantly higher in female alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 or superactive ADH1B than in those with active ALDH2 or normal ADH1B.

CONCLUSIONS

ALDH2 polymorphism appears to have contrasting effects on the development of alcoholism in women and men. One possible reason for this gender difference may be the high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in female alcoholics with inactive ALDH2.

The nuclear transcription factor PKNOX2 is a candidate gene for substance dependence in European-origin women

Substance dependence or addiction is a complex environmental and genetic disorder that results in serious health and socio-economic consequences. Multiple substance dependence categories together, rather than any one individual addiction outcome, may explain the genetic variability of such disorder. In our study, we defined a composite substance dependence phenotype derived from six individual diagnoses: addiction to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates or other drugs as a whole. Using data from several genomewide case-control studies, we identified a strong (Odds ratio  = 1.77) and significant (p-value = 7E-8) association signal with a novel gene, PBX/knotted 1 homeobox 2 (PKNOX2), on chromosome 11 with the composite phenotype in European-origin women. The association signal is not as significant when individual outcomes for addiction are considered, or in males or African-origin population. Our findings underscore the importance of considering multiple addiction types and the importance of considering population and gender stratification when analyzing data with heterogeneous population.

Origin and dispersal of atypical aldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH2487Lys

The East Asian respond with a marked facial flushing and mild to moderate symptoms of intoxication after drinking the amounts of alcohol that has no detectable effect on European. The alcohol sensitivity in Orientals is due to a delayed oxidation of acetaldehyde by an atypical aldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH2487Lys, which is resulted from a structural mutation in gene ALDH2. The atypical ALDH2487Lys allele has been associated with various phenotypic statuses, such as protective against alcohol dependence and the risk of alcohol-related digestive tract cancers. Here, we have examined this SNP, adjacent four non-coding SNPs, and one downstream STRP on ALDH2 gene, in total of 1072 unrelated healthy individuals from 14 Chinese populations and 130 Indian individuals. Five major haplotypes based on five SNPs across the ALDH2 gene 40 kb were found in all East Asian populations. The frequencies of the ancestral haplotype GCCTG and the East Asian special haplotype GCCTA containing the atypical ALDH2487Lys allele were 44.8% and 14.9%, respectively. The frequency of the atypical ALDH2487Lys allele or the East Asian specific haplotype GCCTA is high in Yunnan, South coastal, east coastal of China, and decreased gradually toward inland China, West, Northwest and North China. Combined with demographic history in East Asian, our results showed that the presence of ALDH2487Lys allele in peripheral regions of China might be the results of historical migration events from China to these regions. The origin of ALDH2487Lys could be possibly traced back to ancient Pai-Yuei tribe in South China.

Addiction genetics and pleiotropic effects of common haplotypes that make polygenic contributions to vulnerability to substance dependence

Abundant evidence from family, adoption, and twin studies point to large genetic contributions to individual differences in vulnerability to develop dependence on one or more addictive substances. Twin data suggest that most of this genetic vulnerability is shared by individuals who are dependent on a variety of addictive substances. Molecular genetic studies, especially genomewide and candidate gene association studies, have elucidated common haplotypes in dozens of genes that appear to make polygenic contributions to vulnerability to developing dependence. Most genes that harbor currently identified addiction-associated haplotypes are expressed in the brain. Haplotypes in many of the same genes are identified in genomewide association studies that compare allele frequencies in substance dependent vs. control individuals from European, African, and Asian racial/ethnic backgrounds. Many of these addiction-associated haplotypes display pleiotropic influences on a variety of related brain-based phenotypes that display 1) substantial heritability and 2) clinical cooccurence with substance dependence.

Molecular genetics of addiction and related heritable phenotypes: genome-wide association approaches identify "connectivity constellation" and drug target genes with pleiotropic effects

Genome-wide association (GWA) can elucidate molecular genetic bases for human individual differences in complex phenotypes that include vulnerability to addiction. Here, we review (a) evidence that supports polygenic models with (at least) modest heterogeneity for the genetic architectures of addiction and several related phenotypes; (b) technical and ethical aspects of importance for understanding GWA data, including genotyping in individual samples versus DNA pools, analytic approaches, power estimation, and ethical issues in genotyping individuals with illegal behaviors; (c) the samples and the data that shape our current understanding of the molecular genetics of individual differences in vulnerability to substance dependence and related phenotypes; (d) overlaps between GWA data sets for dependence on different substances; and (e) overlaps between GWA data for addictions versus other heritable, brain-based phenotypes that include bipolar disorder, cognitive ability, frontal lobe brain volume, the ability to successfully quit smoking, neuroticism, and Alzheimer's disease. These convergent results identify potential targets for drugs that might modify addictions and play roles in these other phenotypes. They add to evidence that individual differences in the quality and quantity of brain connections make pleiotropic contributions to individual differences in vulnerability to addictions and to related brain disorders and phenotypes. A "connectivity constellation" of brain phenotypes and disorders appears to receive substantial pathogenic contributions from individual differences in a constellation of genes whose variants provide individual differences in the specification of brain connectivities during development and in adulthood. Heritable brain differences that underlie addiction vulnerability thus lie squarely in the midst of the repertoire of heritable brain differences that underlie vulnerability to other common brain disorders and phenotypes.

Alcohol abuse and related factors in Asia

Alcohol problems are a global issue, and the nature of alcohol abuse is very complicated. The susceptibility to alcohol abuse varies greatly from one individual to another and also from one nation to another, depending on the availability of alcohol, a country's regulation related to alcohol, a country's cultural background, religious tradition and its economics. Alcohol dependence is also a complicated disease process. The prevalence of alcohol dependence also varies greatly from one ethnic group to another. Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent. The natural disasters, religious conflicts as well as political disputes cause people lack of opportunity in many countries. People in this region do not consume more alcohol than the people in the rest of the world. The prevalence of alcohol dependence is not as high as is seen in other regions. In Asia, not only socio-economic factors, but also biological factors influence drinking behaviour. Findings of functional genetic polymorphism of the major alcohol metabolizing enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) have led to the suggestion that this enzyme system may possibly play a diverse but critical role in alcohol dependence and in the alcohol-related disease process in the different ethnic groups. This paper reviews alcohol problems and related factors. Their management and prevention strategy are discussed.

Reduced CYP2D6 activity is a negative risk factor for methamphetamine dependence

Because methamphetamine (METH) is metabolized by CYP2D6 at the first step of hydroxylation and demethylation, it is possible that functional variants of CYP2D6 alter susceptibility to methamphetamine-induced dependence. We genotyped CYP2D6*1, *4, *5, *10, and *14 for 202 patients with METH dependence and 337 controls in a Japanese population and found a significant association of the CYP2D6 gene with METH dependence (p=0.0299). The patients had fewer *10 and *14 alleles, which are hypofunction alleles, than the controls. CYP2D6 genotypes were divided into three phenotypes: extensive metabolizers, intermediate metabolizers, and poor metabolizers. There was no poor metabolizer among our Japanese subjects, and intermediate metabolizers of CYP2D6 were significantly fewer in methamphetamine-dependent subjects than in controls (p=0.0212), with an odds ratio of 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.76). The present study demonstrated that reduced CYP2D6 activity was a negative risk factor for methamphetamine dependence.

Approach to the genetics of alcoholism: A review based on pathophysiology

Alcohol dependence is a common disorder with a heterogenous etiology. The results of family, twin and adoption studies on alcoholism are reviewed. These studies have revealed a heritability of alcoholism of over 50%. After evaluating the results, it was epidemiologically stated that alcoholism is heterogenous complex disorder with a multiple genetic background. Modern molecular genetic techniques allow examining specific genes involved in the pathophysiology of complex diseases such as alcoholism. Strategies for gene identification are introduced to the reader, including family-based and association studies. The susceptibility genes that are in the focus of this article have been chosen because they are known to encode for underlying mechanisms that are linked to the pathophysiology of alcoholism or that are important for the pharmacotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Postulated candidate genes of the metabolism of alcohol and of the involved neurotransmitter systems are introduced. Genetic studies on alcoholism examining the metabolism of alcohol and the dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, opioid, cholinergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems as well as the neuropeptide Y are presented. The results are critically discussed followed by a discussion of possible consequences.

Major genetic components underlying alcoholism in Korean population

Alcohol metabolism is one of the biological determinants that could significantly be influenced by genetic polymorphisms in alcohol-metabolism genes. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol to acetaldehyde, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) converts acetaldehyde to acetate. The well-known genetic polymorphisms in ADH1B(His47Arg) and ALDH2(Glu487Lys) have dramatic effects on the rate of metabolizing alcohol and acetaldehyde, respectively. The protective allele of ADH1B (ADH1B*47His) encodes for a rapid ethanol-metabolizing enzyme, and the susceptible allele of the ALDH2 (ALDH2*487Lys) is strongly associated with decreased rate of metabolizing acetaldehyde. However, the combined genetic effects of both functional polymorphisms have not been clarified. The combined analysis of two polymorphisms among a Korean population (n = 1,032) revealed dramatic genetic effects on the risk of alcoholism. Individuals bearing susceptible alleles at both loci have 91 times greater risk for alcoholism [odds ratio (OR) = 91.43, P = 1.4 x 10(-32)] and individuals bearing one susceptible and one protective allele at either loci have 11 times greater risk (OR = 11.40, P = 3.5 x 10(-15)) compared with subjects who have both protective alleles. The attributable fraction of those genetic factors, calculated based on population controls, indicates that alcoholism in 86.5% of alcoholic patients can be attributed to the detrimental effect of ADH1B*47Arg and/or ALDH2*487Glu in Korean population.

Alcoholism and alcohol drinking habits predicted from alcohol dehydrogenase genes

Alcohol drinking habits and alcoholism are partly genetically determined. Alcohol is degraded primarily by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) wherein genetic variation that affects the rate of alcohol degradation is found in ADH1B and ADH1C. It is biologically plausible that these variations may be associated with alcohol drinking habits and alcoholism. By genotyping 9080 white men and women from the general population, we found that men and women with ADH1B slow vs fast alcohol degradation drank more alcohol and had a higher risk of everyday drinking, heavy drinking, excessive drinking and of alcoholism. For example, the weekly alcohol intake was 9.8 drinks (95% confidence interval (CI): 9.1-11) among men with the ADH1B.1/1 genotype compared to 7.5 drinks (95% CI: 6.4-8.7) among men with the ADH1B.1/2 genotype, and the odds ratio (OR) for heavy drinking was 3.1 (95% CI: 1.7-5.7) among men with the ADH1B.1/1 genotype compared to men with the ADH1B.1/2 genotype. Furthermore, individuals with ADH1C slow vs fast alcohol degradation had a higher risk of heavy and excessive drinking. For example, the OR for heavy drinking was 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1-1.8) among men with the ADH1C.1/2 genotype and 1.4 (95% CI: 1.0-1.9) among men with the ADH1B.2/2 genotype, compared with men with the ADH1C.1/1 genotype. Results for ADH1B and ADH1C genotypes among men and women were similar. Finally, because slow ADH1B alcohol degradation is found in more than 90% of the white population compared to less than 10% of East Asians, the population attributable risk of heavy drinking and alcoholism by ADH1B.1/1 genotype was 67 and 62% among the white population compared with 9 and 24% among the East Asian population.

"Higher order" addiction molecular genetics: convergent data from genome-wide association in humans and mice

Family, adoption and twin data each support substantial heritability for addictions. Most of this heritable influence is not substance-specific. The overlapping genetic vulnerability for developing dependence on a variety of addictive substances suggests large roles for "higher order" pharamacogenomics in addiction molecular genetics. We and others have now completed genome-wide association (GWA) studies of DNAs from individuals with dependence on a variety of addictive substances versus appropriate controls. Recently reported replicated GWA observations identify a number of genes based on comparisons between controls and European-American and African-American polysubstance abusers. Here we review the convergence between these results and data that compares control samples and (a) alcohol-dependent European-Americans, (b) methamphetamine-dependent Asians and (c) nicotine dependent samples from European backgrounds. We also compare these human data to quantitative trait locus (QTL) results from studies of addiction-related phenotypes in mice that focus on alcohol, methamphetamine and barbiturates. These comparisons support a genetic architecture built from largely polygenic contributions of common allelic variants to dependence on a variety of legal and illegal substances. Many of the gene variants identified in this way are likely to alter specification and maintenance of neuronal connections.

Alcohol metabolism, alcohol intake, and breast cancer risk: a sister-set analysis using the Breast Cancer Family Registry

Moderate alcohol intake has been consistently associated with a modest (30-50%) increase in breast cancer risk, but it remains unclear if certain individuals have higher susceptibility to the harmful effects of alcohol intake. Individuals differ in their ability to metabolize alcohol through genetic differences in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), the enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of approximately 80% of ethanol to acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Using data from the Breast Cancer Family Registry (n = 811 sister sets), we examined whether sisters with breast cancer differ with respect to alcohol consumption and alcohol metabolism (measured by polymorphisms in ADH1B and ADH1C) compared to their sisters without breast cancer. Neither alcohol drinking nor alcohol metabolizing ADH1B and ADH1C genotypes were associated with breast cancer risk. However, only 19% and 42% of sisters were discordant by ADH1B and ADH1C, respectively, and even fewer were discordant by both genotype and alcohol intake, making it difficult to detect differences if they existed.

How gene–stress–behavior interactions can promote adolescent alcohol use: The roles of predrinking allostatic load and childhood behavior disorders

A variety of environmental and genetic factors modulating the risk for alcoholism have been described, which predominantly act by interacting with each other. For example, the family, peers and society determine the level of exposure to stress and alcohol, while genes modulate how sensitive an individual responds to both. The resulting behaviors feed back to the social environment, modulating and in the worst case increasing further stress exposure. We here review neurobiological evidence how such a process of mutual interaction can involve and affect drinking. In at-risk adolescents it may have been in force for many years before they have their first alcoholic drink, increasing their risk for addiction by generating allostatic load. As an example, psychiatric disorders involving attention deficit, hyperactivity, or disruptive behaviors first evolve during childhood and are influenced by all the above factors. They are also strongly associated with harmful adolescent drinking and later alcohol use disorders. One important implication of this concept is that issues such as family adversity, adolescent psychiatric disorders, or adolescent drinking might not only be associated with, but causally related to, the risk for later addiction. They are targets for preventive interventions, which should start as early as possible in subjects at-risk.

Associations of variations in alcohol dehydrogenase genes with the level of response to alcohol in non-Asians

BACKGROUND

Risk and protective factors for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are complex and reflect both environmental and genetic factors. Genetic components account for about 50% of the variation and influence several phenotypes, including the level of response (LR) to alcohol as well as alcohol-metabolizing enzyme polymorphisms. Variations in the ADH1B and ADH1C genes may influence the LR to alcohol by increasing levels of acetaldehyde during alcohol metabolism, although most data on this question come from Asian populations.

METHODS

This study evaluated associations of ADH1B and ADH1C genotypes in a non-Asian sample. Participants (N = 117, 69.2% female) were 18- to 29-year-old men and women, primarily Caucasian (70.1%) and black (26.5%), recruited in San Diego, California. The Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism Interview was used to assess demographic, substance use, and psychiatric history information, and the Family History Assessment Module was used to determine first-degree family history of alcohol dependence. An alcohol challenge paradigm was used to gather data on the LR to alcohol over 210 minutes.

RESULTS

Participants with the ADH1B*1/*2 genotype had a higher LR to alcohol early in the alcohol challenge (i.e., 30, 60, and 90 minutes after drinking) as measured by both alcohol-related changes in subjective feelings of intoxication and body sway, even when controlling for sex and Russian/Eastern European ancestry. A similar trend was seen for ADH1C*1/*1 genotype, although the results were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that studies searching for genes relating to the LR to alcohol as a vulnerability factor for AUDs should consider controlling for ADH1B genotype, as the ADH1B*2 allele could obscure the impact of other genetic polymorphisms.

Meta-analyses of ALDH2 and ADH1B with alcohol dependence in Asians

Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the magnitude of relationships between polymorphisms in 2 genes, ALDH2 and ADH1B, with alcohol dependence in Asians. For each gene, possession of 1 variant *2 allele was protective against alcohol dependence, and possession of a 2nd *2 allele did not offer significant additional protection. The protective effects of these 2 gene polymorphisms were independent. Diagnostic criteria, recruitment strategy, and Japanese ethnicity moderated the effect of ALDH2*2. Recruitment strategy and gender moderated the effect of ADH1B*2. These findings highlight the importance of methodological issues and potential gene-gene and gene-environment interactions that must be considered when examining relationships between genetic polymorphisms and phenotypes.

Genetic associations of alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase with alcohol dependence and their mechanisms of action

Two alcohol dehydrogenase genes (ADHIB and ADH1C on chromosome 4) and one aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ALDH2 on chromosome 12) exhibit functional polymorphisms that are associated with lower rates of alcohol dependence. The ALDH2*2 allele,found almost exclusively in Asian populations, has the strongest relationship. The ADH1B*2, ADH1B*3, and ADHlC*i alleles, found in varying prevalence in different ethnic groups, have also been associated with lower rates of alcohol dependence. Studies of the ADHIBand ADH1C haplotypes, however, have shown that ADH1C*I is in linkage disequilibrium with ADHiB*2, and the ADH1C*i allele does not appear to have significant unique associations with alcohol dependence. The hypothesized mechanism underlying the associations of the ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms with alcohol dependence is that the isoenzymes encoded by these alleles lead to an accumulation of acetaldehyde during alcohol metabolism. Based on their kinetic properties, ALDH2 *2 theoretically should lead to a slower removal of acetaldehyde than ALDH2*1, whereas ADH1B*2 and ADH1B*3 should lead to a more rapid production of acetaldehyde than ADHIB*I. It is further hypothesized that elevations in acetaldehyde cause more intense reactions to alcohol and lead to lower levels of alcohol intake. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that elevations in acetaldehyde, increased sensitivity to alcohol, and lower levels of drinking reflect the mechanism by which the ALDH2*2 allele reduces risk for alcohol dependence. There is also some evidence supporting this mechanism for the ADH1B*2 and ADHIB*3 alleles, but the results are less consistent. These findings highlight the value of trying to elucidate the mechanism by which genes ultimately give rise to differences in alcohol dependence through the examination of mediating behaviors.

No Alcoholism-Protection Effects of ADH1B*2 Allele in Antisocial Alcoholics among Han Chinese in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

suggested that the genetic variation at ADH1B and ALDH2 influences the risk of alcoholism. The ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2 alleles had been thought to be protective against alcoholism. Recent studies have suggested that either physiological tolerance of blood acetaldehyde, or innate insensitivity to it, or both may play a crucial role in keeping alcoholism from developing by protecting against adverse reactions. ALDH inactive form resulting from ALDH2*2, which slows the elimination of acetaldehyde and the more active isozymes produced by ADH1B*2, could generate higher acetaldehyde levels and thus deter heavy drinking (). The genotype frequency of ADH1B*2/*2 and ALDH2*(1/*2 or 2/*2), which are regarded protective against drinking behavior, is about 70% and 50%, respectively, among the Han Chinese population in Taiwan (Chen et al., 1999a). Most previous studies, however, have failed to separate the effects of antisocial personality disorder from those of alcoholism because of their high comorbidity. To understand the relationship among alcoholism, antisocial personality disorder, and the protective effects of ADH and ALDH, it is necessary to recruit individuals with antisocial personality disorder but without alcoholism. This study was designed to stratify subjects by various ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes for a more effective association study. The strata were: antisocial alcoholics, antisocial non-alcoholics, community alcoholics, and normal controls.

METHODS

We recruited 579 Han Chinese individuals in Taiwan, intending to examine the alcoholism-protection effects of different ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes with or without antisocial personality disorder.

RESULTS

We found no difference of ADH1B*2 allele frequency between the subjects of antisocial alcoholism and subjects of antisocial non-alcoholism, but we found significant difference of ALDH2*2 allele between these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that there is no alcoholism-protection effect of ADH1B*2 allele in antisocial alcoholics among Han Chinese in Taiwan.

Do alcohol-metabolizing enzyme gene polymorphisms increase the risk of alcoholism and alcoholic liver disease?

Case-control studies that have investigated the association between alcoholism and alcohol-induced liver damage and the ADH2, ADH3, CYP2E1, and ADLH2 polymorphisms have reported controversial or inconclusive results. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of 50 association studies of the above polymorphisms. We explored potential sources of heterogeneity and bias, performed subgroup analyses by racial background and sex, performed sensitivity analyses for studies not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and performed a subgroup analysis for cases that met strict criteria for alcoholism. The present meta-analysis underscores significant associations of ADH2*1, ADH3*2, and ALDH2*1 alleles and the risk of alcoholism (OR = 1.89 [95% CI 1.56-2.28], 1.32 [95% CI 1.12-1.57], and 4.35 [95% CI 3.04-6.23], respectively). The subsequent subgroup analyses showed association for ADH2*1 and ADH3*2 only in East Asians (OR = 2.23 [95% CI 1.81-2.74] and 1.91 [95% CI 1.45-2.53], respectively) and East Asian males (OR = 2.21 [95% CI 1.57-3.10], 1.69 [95% CI 1.10-2.59], respectively). In East Asian males, the OR for ALDH2*1 was 3.66 (95% CI 1.68-7.96). In Caucasians, sensitivity analysis revealed an association for ADH2*1 in alcoholism (OR = 1.62 [95% CI 1.22-1.89]). When strict criteria were imposed, the pattern of results remained unaltered. For liver disease, there were no significant associations for ADH2*1, ADH3*2, or ALDH2*1 in all subpopulations. The CYP2E1 polymorphism showed no association whatsoever. There is evidence that alleles are mainly dominant. In conclusion, there was heterogeneity between studies in alcoholism for ADH2, ADH3, and ALDH2, and lack of bias in all polymorphisms. The above findings reinforce the need for more rigorous studies, and for regular synthesis of studies' results.

Genetic associations of alcohol dehydrogenase with alcohol use disorders and endophenotypes in white college students

Associations of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene polymorphisms (ADH1B*2 and ADH1C*1) with a lifetime alcohol use disorder (AUD) were examined in White college students. Alcohol-related endophenotypes likely to be influenced by elevations in acetaldehyde were also assessed. Individuals with an ADH1B*2 allele had lower rates of AUDs, consumed a lower maximum number of drinks in a 24-hr period, reported a greater level of response to alcohol, were more likely to have experienced alcohol-induced headaches following 1 or 2 drinks, and reported more severe hangovers than those lacking this allele. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that enhanced sensitivity to alcohol and lower levels of alcohol use reflect the mechanism by which ADH1B*2 protects against developing an AUD.

ADH3 genotype, alcohol intake and breast cancer risk

Moderate alcohol consumption of approximately 1-2 drinks per day has been associated with a 30-50% increase in breast cancer risk. Individuals differ in their ability to metabolize alcohol through genetic differences in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), the enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of approximately 80% of ethanol to acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Individuals differ in their ADH genotype, and one locus in particular (ADH3) is polymorphic in Caucasian populations. Using data from the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project, we examined whether fast metabolizers of alcohol, as measured by the ADH3(1-1) genotype, have a higher risk of breast cancer from alcohol intake compared with those individuals who are slow metabolizers, but consume similar amounts of alcohol. We combined genotyping information with questionnaire data on 1047 breast cancer cases and 1101 controls and used unconditional logistic regression methods to estimate multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between alcohol intake and breast cancer risk. Among individuals homozygous for the fast metabolizing allele (ADH(3)1-1), a lifetime alcohol consumption of 15-30 g/day (approximately 1-2 drinks per day) increased breast cancer risk by 2-fold (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.1-3.5). In contrast, the increase in risk from a lifetime alcohol consumption of 15-30 g/day was less pronounced in the intermediate and slow metabolizing groups, respectively: ADH3(1-2) (OR=1.5, 95% CI 0.9-2.4) and ADH(3)2-2 (OR=1.3, 95% CI 0.5-3.5). Fast metabolizers who drank 15-30 g/day of alcohol had 2.3 times (95% CI 1.3-4.0) greater risk of breast cancer than non-drinkers who were intermediate or slow metabolizers. This association for fast metabolizers who drank 15-30 g/day was particularly pronounced among premenopausal women (premenopausal women OR=2.9, 95 % CI=1.2-7.1; postmenopausal women OR=1.8, 95% CI=0.9-3.8). These population-based data support the hypothesis that fast metabolizers of alcohol have a higher risk of breast cancer risk, from alcohol intake than slow metabolizers.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 high activity polymorphism in alcohol abuse and end-organ disease

AIM

To investigate a possible role for a recently identified polymorphism in the gene of cytochrome P450 2E1, the presence of which is associated with high activity of the enzyme.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-nine alcohol consumers, ICD 10.1/.2 (ALC), and 208 normal controls were studied. PCR amplification of the CYP2E1 gene region was performed to assess polymorphic variation. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the data.

RESULTS

Twelve normal controls (5.8%) possessed the insertion. Five ALC (2.1%) had the insertion; of these 2 of 144 with alcohol induced chronic pancreatitis, none of 28 with alcoholic liver disease and 3 of 67 without end-organ disease had the polymorphism. A significantly Lower frequency of subjects possessed the insertion than normal controls [P=0.049 (genotype analysis P=0.03)]. To further assess, if there was a relationship to alcohol problems per se or end-organ disease, we compared patients with alcohol induced end-organ disease vs alcoholic controls without end-organ disease vs normal controls which again showed a significant difference [P=0.045 (genotype analysis, P=0.011)], further sub-group analysis did not identify which group(s) accounted for these differences.

CONCLUSION

We have shown the frequencies of this high-activity polymorphism in alcohol related patient groups for the first time. The frequency is significantly less in alcoholics than normal controls, as with high activity polymorphisms of alcohol dehydrogenase. The biological significance, and whether the relevance is solely for alcoholism or is there a relationship to end-organ disease, would benefit from the assessment in the populations with a greater frequency of this polymorphism.

Scanning of genetic effects of alcohol metabolism gene (ADH1BandADH1C) polymorphisms on the risk of alcoholism

Alcoholism is a multifactorial and polygenic disorder involving complex gene-to-gene and gene-to-environment interactions. Alcohol metabolism is one of the biological determinants that could significantly be influenced by genetic polymorphisms in alcohol-metabolism genes. These genetic polymorphisms are believed to influence drinking behavior and development of alcoholism. Direct DNA sequencing of whole ADH1B and ADH1C genes revealed 36 sequence variants, including six nonsynonymous and 14 novel polymorphisms. Seventeen polymorphisms among them were selected for genotyping in a larger study (n = 352) based on linkage disequilibria (LDs) among SNPs, locations, and frequencies. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) analyses of polymorphisms revealed severe deviations only in alcoholics, which strongly suggest that a selection bias (or pressure) may be involved. The analyses of genotype distribution in alcoholics (n = 106) and normal controls (n = 246) showed dramatic associations with the risk of alcoholism. Fourteen polymorphisms in ADH1C and ADH1B showed a series of different strengths of association and magnitudes of risk. Based on referent and subgroup analysis, it was strongly suggested that the genetic effects come from the ADH1B*47Arg/*47Arg genotype, and that the positive signals from other sites are just tracking the genetic effect of ADH1B His47Arg. In this article we present summaries of previous studies and of the present study, to give an overview of the worldwide effects of ADH1B His47Arg on the risk of alcoholism. The information derived from this study could be valuable for understanding the genetic factors involved in the risk of alcoholism and facilitate further investigation in other ethnic groups.

Alcohol drinking frequency is more directly associated with alcohol use disorder than alcohol metabolizing enzymes among male Japanese

The development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is related to various social, economic, cultural, environmental and hereditary factors. Several potential risk factors have been proposed for AUD in addition to alcohol consumption, including alcohol dehydrogenase2 (ADH2), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase2 (ALDH2), marital status, educational, occupational or past medical history (e.g. diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lung, digestive tract, or chronic liver disease) or smoking habits. The present study was performed to investigate the relationship between the aforementioned potential risk factors and AUD in Japan. A case-control study was performed on 153 male Japanese AUD patients and age-, gender-, or other confounder-matched controls to investigate the relation multivariately between ADH2, ALDH2 or alcohol drinking and AUD. Genomic DNA were extracted from nail clippings by the guanidium method, and genotyping of ADH2 and ALDH2 were performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. Univariate analyses by the conditional logistic regression model revealed statistically significant odds ratios due to ADH2*1/1 genotype, ALDH2*1/1 genotype, middle school as the final school attended, longest occupations as farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, miners, production process or construction workers, and past histories of chronic liver disease and AUD. However, multivariate analyses under a hierarchically well-formulated model strategy with interaction and confounding assessment indicated that (i) heavy alcohol intake was a significant risk factor (odds ratio per 1.0 g of daily ethanol intake; 1.096, 95% confidence interval; 1.026-1.171) for developing AUD after adjusting for other confounders; and (ii) ADH2*1/1 genotype and ALDH2*1/1 genotype were not risk factors after adjusting for daily ethanol intake and other confounders. The present study shows that AUD was more directly and strongly associated with alcohol drinking than with alcohol metabolizing enzymes among male Japanese.

Metabolism of alcohol

Most tissues of the body contain enzymes capable of ethanol oxidation or nonoxidative metabolism, but significant activity occurs only in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the stomach. Hence, medical consequences are predominant in these organs. In the liver, ethanol oxidation generates an excess of reducing equivalents, primarily as NADH, causing hepatotoxicity. An additional system, containing cytochromes P-450 inducible by chronic alcohol feeding, was demonstrated in liver microsomes and found to be a major cause of hepatotoxicity.

Genetic polymorphisms of ADH2, ADH3, CYP4502E1 Dra-I and Pst-I, and ALDH2 in Spanish men: lack of association with alcoholism and alcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The relationship between polymorphisms at the alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (ADH(2)), ADH(3), CYP(450)2E1 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH(2)) loci and the individual predisposition to alcoholism and alcoholic liver disease in Caucasians is controversial.

METHODS

We determined the genotypes of ADH(2), ADH(3), CYP(450)2E1 (Pst-I and Dra-I) and ALDH(2) in 519 male Spaniards: 264 alcoholic subjects (47 without liver disease, 118 with non-cirrhotic liver disease and 99 with cirrhosis) and 255 non-alcoholic subjects (64 healthy controls, 110 with non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic liver disease and 81 with cirrhosis unrelated to alcohol). Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP methods on white cell DNA.

RESULTS

The distribution of the allelic variants (allele *1 and allele *2) in the whole subjects analyzed was: ADH(2) 93.1% and 6.9%; ADH(3) 55.7 and 44.3%; CYP(450)2E1 Dra-I 11.2 and 88.8%; CYP(450)2E1 Pst-I 96.2 and 3.8% and ALDH2 100 and 0%, respectively. No differences were observed in the allelic distributions of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic subjects for the loci examined. Allele distribution in alcoholics with no liver disease, with alcoholic steatosis or hepatitis, and with cirrhosis was also similar.

CONCLUSIONS

ADH(2), ADH(3), and CYP(450)2E1 Pst-I and Dra-I genetic variations are not related to alcoholism or susceptibility to alcoholic liver disease in our male population. ALDH(2) locus is monomorphic.

Influence of Genetic Variations of Ethanol-Metabolizing Enzymes on Phenotypes of Alcohol-Related Disorders

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) play central roles in the metabolism of ethanol and its metabolite, acetaldehyde, in the liver. In ADH2, one nucleotide replacement causes either a super-active beta 2 subunit encoded by the ADH2*2 allele or a less active beta 1 subunit (ADH2*1 allele). In the same way, a G/A replacement at codon 487 of the ALDH2 gene produces an inactive form of the enzyme. Because the geno-types of these genes may explain individual differences in concentration and elimination of ethanol and acetaldehyde in the blood after drinking, they could be used as models to elucidate the contribution of these substances to the development of addiction and various types of organ damage. We have examined the influence of genetic variations of these enzymes on alcohol-related disorders in the Japanese. The results revealed that (1) the less active allele of the ADH2 gene (ADH2*1) is associated with an increased risk for alcohol dependence, alcohol-induced persistent amnestic disorder, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and cancer of the upper GI tract; (2) the inactive allele of the ALDH2 gene (ALDH2*2) is associated with a decreased risk for alcohol dependence, and an increased risk for alcoholic polyneuropathy and cancer in the same region; and (3) these genetic variations modify clinical features of alcohol dependence. Possible mechanisms of altered risk for these disorders are discussed.

Genetic polymorphism in ethanol metabolism: acetaldehyde contribution to alcohol abuse and alcoholism

Acetaldehyde, the first product of ethanol metabolism, has been speculated to be involved in many pharmacological and behavioral effects of ethanol. In particular, acetaldehyde has been suggested to contribute to alcohol abuse and alcoholism. In the present paper, we review current data on the role of acetaldehyde and ethanol metabolism in alcohol consumption and abuse. Ethanol metabolism involves several enzymes. Whereas alcohol dehydrogenase metabolizes the bulk of ethanol within the liver, other enzymes, such as cytochrome P4502E1 and catalase, also contributes to the production of acetaldehyde from ethanol oxidation. In turn, acetaldehyde is metabolized by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. In animal studies, acetaldehyde is mainly reinforcing particularly when injected directly into the brain. In humans, genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase are also associated with alcohol drinking habits and the incidence of alcohol abuse. From these human genetic studies, it has been concluded that blood acetaldehyde accumulation induces unpleasant effects that prevent further alcohol drinking. It is therefore speculated that acetaldehyde exerts opposite hedonic effects depending on the localization of its accumulation. In the periphery, acetaldehyde is primarily aversive, whereas brain acetaldehyde is mainly reinforcing. However, the peripheral effects of acetaldehyde might also be dependent upon its peak blood concentrations and its rate of accumulation, with a narrow range of blood acetaldehyde concentrations being reinforcing.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase Polymorphisms Influence Alcohol-Elimination Rates in a Male Jewish Population

BACKGROUND

Genetic variation in the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme is associated with an aversion to alcohol and a lower risk of alcoholism among Asians. There is growing evidence of a functional role of the ADH2*2 allele in alcohol-drinking patterns among Jews, who have traditionally exhibited low rates of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. The mechanism by which this allelic effect is mediated is not yet clearly understood. This study examined the effect of ADH2*2 on alcohol-elimination rates (AER) under experimental conditions.

METHODS

Young adult male Jews (N = 109) received an intravenous alcohol infusion; metabolism was measured by using standard breath alcohol concentration tests. A clamping technique was used to achieve and maintain a target breath alcohol concentration of 50 mg/100 ml for a defined time period. The AER at steady state was calculated. The alcohol disappearance rate was also calculated from the descending limb slope. Polymerase chain reaction was used for allelic determination of the ADH2 and ADH3 loci.

RESULTS

The mean AER among ADH2*2 carriers was significantly higher (8.09 +/- 1.4 g/hr) than among ADH2*1 homozygotes (7.14 +/- 1.5 g/hr; p = 0.003). Significance was retained on adjustment for potential confounding covariates. The ADH2 allele explains 8.5% of the AER variance in this population. Little AER difference was observed across ADH3 genotype groups. The slope of the descending limb increased with increasing copies of the ADH2*2 allele.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of alcohol elimination is significantly associated with the ADH2 genotype of Jewish males. Evidence for variation in alcohol metabolism across ADH genotypic groups provides support for the role of physiologic protective factors in alcohol drinking and suggests that reduced drinking among Jews may be genetically as well as environmentally determined. We believe that application of the novel "Indiana clamp" enhances AER measurement accuracy, allowing for detection of hitherto undetectable differences.

alpha-Synuclein maps to a quantitative trait locus for alcohol preference and is differentially expressed in alcohol-preferring and -nonpreferring rats

Total gene expression analysis (TOGA) was used to identify genes that are differentially expressed in brain regions between the alcohol-naive, inbred alcohol-preferring (iP), and -nonpreferring (iNP) rats. alpha-Synuclein, expressed at >2-fold higher levels in the hippocampus of the iP than the iNP rat, was prioritized for further study. In situ hybridization was used to determine specific brain regions and cells expressing alpha-synuclein in the iP and iNP rats. Similar to alpha-synuclein mRNA levels, protein levels in the hippocampus were higher in iP rats than iNP rats. Higher protein levels were also observed in the caudate putamen of iP rats compared with iNP rats. Sequence analysis identified two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3' UTR of the cDNA. The polymorphism was used to map the gene, by using recombination-based methods, to chromosome 4, within a quantitative trait locus for alcohol consumption that was identified in the iP and iNP rats. A nucleotide exchange in the iNP 3' UTR reduced expression of the luciferase reporter gene in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. These results suggest that differential expression of the alpha-synuclein gene may contribute to alcohol preference in the iP rats.

Influence of ADH1B polymorphism on alcohol use and its subjective effects in a Jewish population

Class I alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are the principal enzymes responsible for ethanol metabolism in humans. Genetic polymorphism at the ADH1B locus (old nomenclature ADH2) results in isozymes with quite different catalytic properties. The frequency of the ADH1B*2 allele varies among ethnic groups. ADH1B*2 is most often observed in Asian populations, and has been shown to be protective against alcoholism. The Jewish population has a higher frequency of the ADH1B*2 allele and lower rates of alcohol-related problems as compared to other Caucasian populations. Thus, it would be of interest to determine whether the ADH1B*2 allele is associated with alcohol consumption and its subjective effects in this group. Four groups of Jewish subjects (male and female college-age samples, and male and female general samples) were recruited from the same region of the United States. All subjects completed a questionnaire to delineate alcohol consumption and its subjective consequences. Genotype at the ADH1B locus was determined for each participant. ADH1B*2 allele frequencies were similar for the Jewish college-age and general population samples. Men in both the college-age and general population in the ADH1B*2 group reported more unpleasant reactions following alcohol consumption than men in the ADH1B*1 group. Men in the general population in the ADH1B*2 group drank alcohol less frequently than men who were homozygous ADH1B*1; there was a similar trend among the women. The ADH1B polymorphism is associated with unpleasant reactions after alcohol consumption, and frequency of alcohol consumption in these Jewish samples.

Genetic differences in ethanol metabolizing enzymes and blood pressure in Japanese alcohol consumers

Orientals have unique genetic polymorphisms in ethanol metabolizing enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenase-2 (ADH2), aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) and cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1). Of the three studies conducted to clarify the influence of ALDH2 genotypes on sensitivity to the pressor effects of alcohol in Japanese, only one was suggested, though indirectly, higher sensitivity in drinkers having the genotype of inactive ALDH2. This discrepancy prompted us to determine ADH2, ALDH2 and CYP2E1 genotypes in the genomic DNA extracted from white blood cells of 855 healthy middle-aged Japanese men, and to analyse the associations with the alcohol-blood pressure (BP) relationship. No marked differences were found in the relationship among the genotypes of ALDH2, although the subjects with intact ALDH2 showed a slightly higher BP than those with inactive ALDH2 probably due to under-reporting of alcohol consumption in those with intact ALDH2 who could thus drink more. No significant influence of ADH2 genotypes was observed. A higher BP was noted in large volume alcohol consumers having c2/c2 genotype of CYP2E1. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for the effects of age, body mass index and the volume of alcohol consumed, all of which are strong determinants of BP levels, showed only a marginal effect of c2 allele of CYP2E1 on diastolic BP elevations with increases in alcohol consumption. Thus it is concluded that the genetic polymorphisms in ethanol-metabolizing enzymes do not greatly influence the alcohol-BP relationship in Japanese men.

The role of acetaldehyde in the actions of alcohol (update 2000)

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in the field of acetaldehyde (AcH) research have raised the need for a comprehensive review on the role of AcH in the actions of alcohol. This update is an attempt to summarize the available AcH research.

METHODS

The descriptive part of this article covers not only recent research but also the development of the field. Special emphasis is placed on mechanistic analyses, new hypotheses, and conclusions.

RESULTS

Elevated AcH during alcohol intoxication causes alcohol sensitivity, which involves vasodilation associated with increased skin temperature, subjective feelings of hotness and facial flushing, increased heart and respiration rate, lowered blood pressure, sensation of dry mouth or throat associated with bronchoconstriction and allergy reactions, nausea and headache, and also reinforcing reactions like euphoria. These effects seem to involve catecholamine, opiate peptide, prostaglandin, histamine, and/or kinin mechanisms. The contribution of AcH to the pathological consequences of chronic alcohol intake is well established for different forms of cancer in the digestive tract and the upper airways. AcH seems to play a role in the etiology of liver cirrhosis. AcH may have a role in other pathological developments, which include brain damage, cardiomyopathy, pancreatitis, and fetal alcohol syndrome. AcH creates both unpleasant aversive reactions that protect against excessive alcohol drinking and euphoric sensations that may reinforce alcohol drinking. The protective effect of AcH may be used in future treatments that involve gene therapy with or without liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

AcH plays a role in most of the actions of alcohol. The individual variability in these AcH-mediated actions will depend on the genetic polymorphism, not only for the alcohol and AcH-metabolizing enzymes but also for the target sites for AcH actions. The subtle balance between aversive and reinforcing, protecting and promoting factors will determine the overall behavioral and pathological developments.