BACKGROUND: Cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1) is an important enzyme in the metabolism of acetaldehyde and the synthesis of retinoic acid. Two polymorphisms in the promoter region of ALDH1A1-ALDH1A1*2 and ALDH1A1*3-have recently been identified and described in small samples of Asian, Caucasian, and African individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these polymorphisms in a sample of Southwest California Indians and to test for associations with alcohol dependence and other substance-related behaviors. METHODS: The participants in this study were 463 adult men and women recruited from 8 contiguous Indian reservations. A structured interview was used to gather information on demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, and personal drinking and drug use history. A blood sample was obtained from each participant, and leukocyte DNA was extracted and used to genotype for the presence of the ALDH1A1 promoter polymorphisms. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants (6%) possessed ALDH1A1*2 (frequency, 0.03), two participants possessed ALDH1A1*3, and one participant displayed both of these alleles. Individuals with an ALDH1A1*2 allele had lower rates of alcohol dependence and regular tobacco use than those without this allele. Individuals with ALDH1A1*2 also reported a significantly lower maximum number of drinks ever consumed in a 24-hr period, reported drinking fewer drinks per occasion when they first started drinking regularly, and reported lower expectations of alcohol's effects compared with individuals without this allele. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest that ALDH1A1*2 may be associated with protection from the development of alcohol and other substance use disorders.
BACKGROUND: Cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1) is an important enzyme in the metabolism of acetaldehyde and the synthesis of retinoic acid. Two polymorphisms in the promoter region of ALDH1A1-ALDH1A1*2 and ALDH1A1*3-have recently been identified and described in small samples of Asian, Caucasian, and African individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these polymorphisms in a sample of Southwest California Indians and to test for associations with alcohol dependence and other substance-related behaviors. METHODS: The participants in this study were 463 adult men and women recruited from 8 contiguous Indian reservations. A structured interview was used to gather information on demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, and personal drinking and drug use history. A blood sample was obtained from each participant, and leukocyte DNA was extracted and used to genotype for the presence of the ALDH1A1 promoter polymorphisms. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants (6%) possessed ALDH1A1*2 (frequency, 0.03), two participants possessed ALDH1A1*3, and one participant displayed both of these alleles. Individuals with an ALDH1A1*2 allele had lower rates of alcohol dependence and regular tobacco use than those without this allele. Individuals with ALDH1A1*2 also reported a significantly lower maximum number of drinks ever consumed in a 24-hr period, reported drinking fewer drinks per occasion when they first started drinking regularly, and reported lower expectations of alcohol's effects compared with individuals without this allele. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest that ALDH1A1*2 may be associated with protection from the development of alcohol and other substance use disorders.
Authors: Jacqueline M Otto; Christian S Hendershot; Susan E Collins; Tiebing Liang; Tamara L Wall Journal: Alcohol Clin Exp Res Date: 2012-05-16 Impact factor: 3.455
Authors: Denis M McCarthy; Sarah L Pedersen; Elizabeth A Lobos; Richard D Todd; Tamara L Wall Journal: Alcohol Clin Exp Res Date: 2010-05-04 Impact factor: 3.455
Authors: Bridget F Grant; Risë B Goldstein; Tulshi D Saha; S Patricia Chou; Jeesun Jung; Haitao Zhang; Roger P Pickering; W June Ruan; Sharon M Smith; Boji Huang; Deborah S Hasin Journal: JAMA Psychiatry Date: 2015-08 Impact factor: 21.596
Authors: Cindy L Ehlers; David A Gilder; Wendy S Slutske; Penelope A Lind; Kirk C Wilhelmsen Journal: Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet Date: 2008-09-05 Impact factor: 3.568