Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a key enzyme in the detoxification of toxic aldehydes, especially acetaldehyde, which is commonly considered as a carcinogen. ALDH2 mutation and impaired enzymatic activity will cause acetaldehyde accumulation and thus participate in the development of cancers. It deserves more attention since around 40% of East Asian population carry the inactive ALDH2 allele. Moreover, the risk for cancers will be even higher when ALDH2 mutation combined with heavy alcohol consumption, suggesting a genetic-environmental interaction in carcinogenesis. This may provide us with a potential target for cancer prevention and treatment.
Keywords: ALDH2 mutation; Alcohol consumption; Cancer risk; Neoplasm.