A Promoter Polymorphism in the ALDH2 Gene Affects Its Basal and Acetaldehyde/Ethanol-Induced Gene Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and HepG2 Cells

Abstract

In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the -360G allele has lower basal transcriptional activity than the -360A allele, whereas acetaldehyde/ethanol-induced gene expression, in general, seems to be more enhanced in individuals homozygous for the -360G allele than in those with the -360A allele. Thus, the promoter polymorphism may be involved in individual differences in acetaldehyde elimination.