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Correlation between alcohol-induced asthma and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genotype
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|May 26, 1998
Summary
Alcohol-induced asthma in Asians is linked to aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene variations. Genetic differences in ALDH2 affect acetaldehyde metabolism, influencing asthma responses to alcohol challenges.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacogenetics
- Clinical Immunology
Background:
- Alcohol-induced asthma is prevalent in Asian populations, linked to genetic variations in alcohol metabolism.
- Acetaldehyde metabolism, specifically via the acetylaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) enzyme, plays a crucial role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ALDH2 gene polymorphism on alcohol challenge test responses in Japanese asthmatic and healthy individuals.
- To correlate ALDH2 genotype with physiological and biochemical changes following ethanol ingestion.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 32 asthmatic and 30 healthy Japanese subjects.
- Administered 30g ethanol and measured forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) changes.
- Quantified blood ethanol, acetaldehyde, and histamine levels; determined ALDH2 genotype via polymerase chain reaction.
Main Results:
- 15 asthmatic subjects (47%) showed positive responses to ethanol challenge.
- FEV1 decline correlated with increased blood acetaldehyde and histamine levels.
- Positive alcohol challenge responses were significantly higher in individuals with ALDH2 mutant heterozygote (71%) and homozygote (100%) genotypes compared to normal homozygotes (19%).
Conclusions:
- Alcohol-induced asthma is likely caused by elevated blood acetaldehyde concentrations.
- ALDH2 enzyme activity, influenced by ALDH2 genotype, is a key factor in alcohol-induced asthma development.
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