von Wartburg J P
Bull Schweiz Akad Med Wiss. 1979 Mar;35(1-3):163-71.
Liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) represents the main enzyme of normal alcohol metabolism. Total activity of this enzyme varies largely due to the occurrence of isoenzymes and of genetic polymorphisms. One genetic variant, called "atypical", is characterized by a higher specific activity. In carriers of this variant enzyme an initially faster rate of ethanol metabolism leads to higher blood acetaldehyde levels. Acetaldehyde, as a toxic intermediary metabolite, causes tachycardia, nausea and flushing of the face. A high frequency for "atypical" ADH is observed in mongolid races and consequently a hypersensitivity to alcohol is often observed in Orientals. Hence, certain genetically determined enzyme patterns may represent an aversive factor with regard to alcohol consumption. In Caucasians the phenotypes with "atypical" ADH are less frequent. However, in individuals with the "atypical" variant regular intake of alcohol may lead to an increased organotoxicity due to acetaldehyde.
肝脏乙醇脱氢酶（ADH）是正常酒精代谢的主要酶。由于同工酶的存在和基因多态性，这种酶的总活性差异很大。一种被称为“非典型”的基因变体，其特征是具有较高的比活性。在这种变体酶的携带者中，乙醇代谢的初始速度较快，导致血液中乙醛水平升高。乙醛作为一种有毒的中间代谢产物，会引起心动过速、恶心和面部潮红。在蒙古人种中观察到“非典型”ADH的高频率，因此在东方人中经常观察到对酒精的超敏反应。因此，某些由基因决定的酶模式可能是饮酒的一个厌恶因素。在白种人中，具有“非典型”ADH的表型较少见。然而，对于具有“非典型”变体的个体，由于乙醛的存在，经常饮酒可能会导致器官毒性增加。
