About a third of people of East Asian descent have a genetic variant that leads to “Asian glow,” a distinctive red flushing that appears after drinking alcohol. It’s due to the body’s inability to rid itself of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of metabolizing alcohol.

The variant causes more harm than embarrassment at a cocktail party. Deficiency in aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme that converts acetaldehyde into acetate (which the body harmlessly excretes) significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease for the world’s estimated 540 million people who carry the variant, especially for those who drink.

A study led by Stanford Medicine, published Jan. 25 in Science Translational Medicine, demonstrates that ALDH2 deficiency can damage the cells that line the inside of blood vessels. This damage goes a long way toward explaining the association between the condition and high rates of coronary artery disease, said Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, professor of cardiovascular medicine and of radiology, director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, and senior author of the study.

The researchers also identified a widely available antidiabetic drug that may protect against damage to the endothelial cells of those with ALDH2 deficiency who consume alcohol.

Read the full story: https://stan.md/3Y8y9iQ

Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, is a professor of cardiovascular medicine and of radiology. He is also director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and senior author of the study. His clinical interests include adult congenital heart disease and cardiovascular imaging. He strives to help each patient achieve the best possible heart health and quality of life.

Che-Hong Chen, PhD, is a molecular biologist and geneticist at the Stanford School of Medicine. His research focuses on aldehyde toxicity and the function of the ALDH multi-gene family in humans. His research is highlighted by the discovery of a class of novel enzyme modulators of aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Lisa Kim is Senior Manager of Media Relations for Stanford Medicine and Stanford Health Care. Lisa has a deep background in journalism, as she is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has covered stories on both the national and local levels.

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