[Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 rs671 genetic polymorphisms are associated with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting]

To investigate the correlation between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphisms and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

A total of 90 Chinese patients with malignant tumors receiving chemotherapy for the first time were recruited in this study. The occurrence of CINV was observed within 120 h after treatment with docetaxel and cis-platinum chemotherapy (DP regimen). The data of the patients (including age, gender, tumor stage, habitual alcohol consumption, motion sickness, morning sickness, and average sleep time prior to chemotherapy) were collected through a questionnaire. ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms of the patients were analyzed using a multiple single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping, and the Hardy-Weinberg equation was used for genetic linkage analysis. The correlations between the factors including ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms and the occurrence of CINV were analyzed.

The incidence of CINV was 48.9% among the patients receiving their first chemotherapy with DP regimen. Univariate analysis indicated that the genetic polymorphisms of ALDH2 rs671 were significantly correlated with the occurrence of CINV (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that ALDH2 rs671 mutation (OR: 3.019, 95% CI: 1.056-8.628, P < 0.05) and average sleep time prior to chemotherapy no longer than 6 h (OR: 2.807, 95% CI: 1.033-7.628, P < 0.05) were risk factors for CINV in patients with malignant tumors receiving the first chemotherapy with DP regimen.

ALDH2 gene mutation at rs671 is a risk factor contributing to the occurrence of CINV, and understanding of the underlying mechanism may help to more effectively control the occurrence of CINV.