Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
Application of AlDeSense to Stratify Ovarian Cancer Cells Based on Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 Activity
Published on: March 31, 2023
Association between ALDH2 polymorphism and esophageal cancer risk in South Koreans: a case-control study
Chang Kyun Choi1, Jungho Yang2, Sun-Seog Kweon1
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for esophageal cancer; however, a high incidence of esophageal cancer is observed particularly among Eastern Asians, although they consume relatively less alcohol, presumably due to the high frequency of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphisms. Nevertheless, the association between ALDH2 polymorphisms and esophageal cancer remains under debate. In the present study, we evaluated the association between ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms and the risk of esophageal cancer in the South Korean population.
Methods:
This study included 783 hospital based-cases and 8732 population-based controls. Information on smoking history and alcohol consumption was obtained from the medical records or interview questionnaires. Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms and esophageal cancer.
Results:
Odds ratios (ORs) for esophageal cancer in men with GA and AA genotypes were 2.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.34-3.23) and 0.08 (95% CI: 0.00-0.35), respectively; whereas, in women, these ratios were 2.99 (95% CI: 1.43-6.34) and 6.18 (95% CI: 1.40-19.62), respectively, taking subjects with the ALDH2 GG genotype as a reference. In men, the association between ALDH2 polymorphisms and esophageal cancer was modified by alcohol consumption.
Conclusion:
In Eastern Asians, ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms are associated with esophageal cancer, which may be linked to acetaldehyde accumulation.
