title: Cytogenetic effects of acetaldehyde in lymphocytes of Germans and Japanese: SCE, clastogenic activity, and cell cycle delay.
abstract: Acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol oxidation, caused a dose-dependent linear increase in the induction of sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes from both Germans and Japanese. Japanese, possessing only aldehyde dehydrogenase II isozyme (ALDH I deficient phenotype) and showing adverse effects after alcohol ingestion, did not differ in SCE rates from Germans and Japanese possessing isozymes I and II. At acetaldehyde concentrations above 360 microM, a significant chromosome breaking effect and a definite delay in cell cycle events, as evaluated by the BdUrd labeling technique, was registered in all individuals. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate showed no protective effect against acetaldehyde-induced SCE formation in our system. A 24-h extension of the normal culture period revealed significantly higher rates of SCE at acetaldehyde doses above 360 microM.
mesh_terms: D000079:Acetaldehyde / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000444:Aldehyde Dehydrogenase; D000445:Aldehyde Oxidoreductases / Q000172:deficiency; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000187:drug effects*; D003434:Crossing Over, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000445:Aldehyde Oxidoreductases; D000444:Aldehyde Dehydrogenase; D000079:Acetaldehyde