The main enzyme responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body is alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme breaks down ethanol (the main component of alcohol) into acetaldehyde, which is then processed by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase into acetate. Acetate is oxidized into carbon dioxide and water with the involvement of various enzymes in the body.
Genetic variation plays an important role in alcohol tolerance. For example, some people may have changes in the genes that code for alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which can affect their ability to metabolize alcohol quickly. Some variants of these genes may result in higher levels of acetaldehyde in the body, which can cause unpleasant symptoms such as flushed skin, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat known as the antabuse effect.
With a view to identifying genetic features associated with alcohol intolerance, it is necessary to analyze the ADH1B gene, which codes for alcohol dehydrogenase (an enzyme). There are two variants of this gene regulating the rapid or slow conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde, which in turn determines a degree of alcohol poisoning and alcohol dependence.
DNA testing will make it possible for you to find out what genotype you have:
Genotype A/A – the rapid conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde;
Genotype G/G – the slow conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde.
A degree of alcohol poisoning, the likelihood of alcoholism development, as well as the risk of cardiovascular (atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease) and oncological (liver cancer, esophageal cancer) diseases’ development depend on the conversion rate of ethanol into acetaldehyde.
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27 Akademicheskaya St.
220072 Minsk
Belarus
