Association of restriction fragment length polymorphism in alcohol dehydrogenase 2 gene with alcohol induced liver damage.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of genetically determined differences in the enzymes of alcohol metabolism in susceptibility to liver damage from misusing alcohol.


METHODS
Use of pADH36 probe to study PVU II restriction length fragment polymorphism in alcohol dehydrogenase 2 gene in white alcohol misusers and controls.


METHODS
Teaching hospital referral centres for liver disease and alcohol misuse.


METHODS
45 white alcohol misusers (38 with alcoholic liver disease) and 23 healthy controls.


METHODS
Alcohol misuse, the presence and severity of alcoholic liver disease, alcohol dependency, and family history of alcohol misuse.


RESULTS
A two allele polymorphism (A and B) was identified. In control subjects the allele frequencies were 85% for A and 15% for B compared with 37% and 63% respectively in alcohol misusers (p < 0.001). B allele was significantly associated with severe liver damage (p < 0.05) as well as alcohol dependency and family history of alcohol misuse compared with controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Inherited variation in enzymes of ethanol metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of alcohol induced liver damage. This supports the presence of a genetic component in alcohol misuse.
Sherman
D I
DI
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London.
Ward
R J
RJ
Warren-Perry
M
M
Williams
R
R
Peters
T J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase / Q000235:genetics*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase