Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene rs671 G>A polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of digestive tract cancer

OBJECTIVE: Acetaldehyde can accumulate in cells and form acetaldehyde-DNA adducts that result in digestive tract cancer development. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) enzymatic activity is involved in this process. Here, we aimed to analyze the relationship between an ALDH2 gene polymorphism and the digestive tract cancer risk in the Hakka population in China. METHODS: This was a retrospective study, with the ALDH2 rs671 genotype and medical record information collected from all subjects. The relationships between these factors, including various blood cell parameters, and digestive tract cancer susceptibility were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 307 cancer patients and 317 controls were included. The cancer patients had significantly higher percentages with a history of smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as an increased platelet to lymphocyte ratio and lower lymphocyte to monocyte ratio, compared with the controls. The ALDH2 rs671 genotype and allele distributions were significantly different between the cancer patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis showed that the ALDH2 G/A genotype (G/A vs. G/G) and A/A genotype (A/A vs. G/G) in the co-dominant mode were risk factors for digestive tract cancer susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: ALDH2 rs671 G/A or A/A genotype carriers may have an increased risk of developing digestive tract cancers among the Hakka people.