Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase is the next enzyme after alcohol dehydrogenase in the major pathway of alcohol metabolism. It mediates NADP+-dependent oxidation of aldehydes into acids during detoxification of alcohol-derived acetaldehyde; lipid peroxidation; and metabolism of corticosteroids, biogenic amines and neurotransmitters. Genetic variation in ALDH2 is responsible for individual differences in responses to drinking alcohol. Thus, the absence of this enzyme is linked to alcohol intolerance and a reduced risk for alcoholism-related liver disease.
