Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 - a potential genetic risk factor for lung function among Southern Chinese in China: the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

Schooling, Catherine

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 - a potential genetic risk factor for lung function among Southern Chinese in China: the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

Tuesday, 19 August 2014

Exhibit hall (Dena'ina Center)

Shiu Lun Au Yeung, PhD , The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Chaoqiang Jiang, MD , Guangzhou Number 12 Hospital, Guangzhou, China

Kar Keung Cheng, PhD , University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Peymane Adab, MD , University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Kin Bong Lam, PhD , University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Bin Liu, PhD , Guangzhou Number 12 Hospital, Guangzhou, China

Weisen Zhang, PhD , Guangzhou Number 12 Hospital, Guangzhou, China

Tai Hing Lam, MD , The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Gabriel M Leung, MD , The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Catherine M Schooling, PhD , The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

INTRODUCTION: In East Asia moderate alcohol users have better lung function, but never users may have more inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) alleles (A) potentially generating confounding, because inactive alleles may increase acetaldehyde exposure and reduce lung function.

METHODS: We examined the association of ALDH2 genotypes with percentage predicted lung function for age, sex and height, assessed from forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and forced vital capacity (FVC), among 5,641 older Chinese using multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS: ALDH2 genotypes were associated with alcohol use and height but not other attributes. Inactive alleles were inversely associated with lung function (% predicted FEV₁ -1.52%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.52%, -0.51% for one inactive allele and -2.05%, 95% CI -3.85%, -0.26% for two inactive alleles compared to two active alleles; and for % predicted FVC -1.25%, 95% CI -2.15%, -0.35% and -1.65%, 95% CI -3.25%, -0.04%). The association of moderate alcohol use with lung function was attenuated after adjusting for ALDH2, in addition to other potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS: Previous findings in East Asians may be confounded by ALDH2. High frequency of inactive ALDH2 alleles in East Asia may exacerbate the effect of environmental acetaldehyde exposure on lung function, and potentially on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.