Increased malate dehydrogenase activity in blood from non-drinking alcoholics

Since cytosolic malate dehydrogenase has been shown to play a role in the regulation of liver cytosolic [NAD+]/[NADH] redox state during ethanol metabolism, it is possible that differences in this enzyme could cause differences in response to ethanol. The present study demonstrates that the isozyme pattern of this cytosolic enzyme in whole blood samples is the same as that in liver and that the pattern does not differ in alcoholic and control subjects. A marginally significant elevation of activity of malate dehydrogenase in blood from alcoholic subjects is reported. Further studies are needed to confirm this latter finding and to assess fully its possible significance.