Aldehyde dehydrogenase polymorphism in North American, South American, and Mexican Indian populations

Am J Hum Genet. 1986 Mar;38(3):395-9.

Abstract

While about 40% of the South American Indian populations (Atacameños, Mapuche, Shuara) were found to be deficient in aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme I (ALDH2 or E2), preliminary investigations showed very low incidence of isozyme deficiency among North American natives (Sioux, Navajo) and Mexican Indians (mestizo). Possible implications of such trait differences on cross-cultural behavioral response to alcohol drinking are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase / deficiency
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase / genetics*
  • Chile
  • Ecuador
  • Hair / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American*
  • Indians, South American*
  • Isoenzymes / deficiency
  • Isoenzymes / genetics*
  • Mexico
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase