Population genetic and family studies on aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency and alcohol sensitivity.

Population genetic studies on the prevalence of aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme I (ALDH I) deficiency in various Caucasian, Oriental, African, and American Indian subjects were carried out using hair roots as peripheral source of the enzyme activity. While a very high percentage of Orientals with Mongoloid origin were found deficient in ALDH I activity, no deficiency was detected in Caucasian and African populations. Native American Indians showed a relatively low incidence of ALDH I deficiency. A genetic model based on the phenotype determination using antisera against purified human liver ALDH I is proposed. Pedigree analysis of Japanese families suggests an autosomal codominant mode of inheritance.