Ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes, primarily ADH1. Many of the acute and chronic ill effects of ethanol are attributable to acetaldehyde. This review article by Helmut Seitz and Patrick Meier describes acetaldehyde toxicity, with an emphasis on acetaldehyde as a cancer promoter.

link to Seitz and Meier, 2007

click on the “more” link for study questions. . .

Here are a few questions you should be able to answer after reading the Seitz and Meier paper:

1. How do polymorphisms in acetaldehyde dehydrogenase affect acetaldehyde mediated carcinogenesis?

2. How do polymorphisms in alcohol dehydrogenase affect acetaldehyde mediated carcinogenesis?

3. How does cigarette smoke and poor oral hygiene contribute to acetaldehyde mediated carcinogenesis?

Post answers or more questions in the “comments” section.