ALDH2

Aldehyde dehydrogenase is a?polymorphic?enzyme ?responsible for the?oxidation?of?aldehydes?tocarboxylic acids, which leave the liver and are metabolized by the body’s muscle and heart. The active site of the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme is largely conserved throughout the different classes of the enzyme and, although the number of amino acids present in a subunit can change, the overall function of the site changes little. ALDH2 plays a crucial role in maintaining low blood levels of acetaldehyde during alcohol oxidation. In this pathway, the intermediate structures can be toxic, and health problems arise when those intermediates cannot be cleared.?When high levels of acetaldehyde occur in the blood, facial flushing, light headedness, palpitations, nausea, and general “hangover” symptoms occur. These symptoms are indicative of a disease known as the?Alcohol flush reaction, also known as “Asian Flush” or “Oriental Flushing Syndrome”.