Contribution of genetic polymorphisms in ethanol-metabolizing enzymes to problem drinking behavior in middle-aged Japanese men.

摘要: Among ethanol-metabolizing enzymes, the ALDH2*2 allele, ADH2*2 and c2 allele of cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1) gene are unique to Orientals. This prompted us analyze their contribution drinking behavior in 322 middle-aged Japanese men. The detected nearly half subjects, showed an overwhelming protective effect against a high level alcohol consumption problem behavior, as determined by Kurihama Alcoholism Screening Test (KAST). 95% exhibited additive suppressive on consumption, whereas CYP2E1, 40% was associated with greater consumption. Problem drinkers showing KAST score 2.0 or higher were frequent among few subjects ADH2*1/1 genotype, but not large number having CYP2E1. These findings may explain, at least part, why Japan alcoholic patients is small relative heavy drinkers.