Alcohol-Protective Genes Tied to Other Health Issues

A recent study reveals that genes providing protection against excessive alcohol consumption and its associated health problems are also associated with other conditions, including heart disease and mental health issues.

The research team analyzed over 3.2 million DNA samples, focusing on specific genetic code changes called single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs.

Identifying Protective Variants in SNPs Linked to Reduced Alcohol Consumption and AUDs

Previous studies have identified variants (or alleles) of these SNPs as protective against alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). These variants can induce nausea during drinking, mimicking an immediate hangover effect.

“People with the minor allele variant of the SNP metabolize ethanol into acetaldehyde quickly,” explains Sandra Sanchez-Roige, a psychiatric geneticist at the University of California (UC) San Diego. “This leads to various adverse effects.”

“These variants primarily influence the amount of alcohol someone might consume, reducing the risk of alcohol use disorder due to their association with alcohol intake.“

Protective Genes Linked to Reduced Chronic Fatigue but Increased Health Risks in Other Areas

Individuals with these protective genes experienced less chronic fatigue and required less daily assistance. However, they also showed poorer health outcomes in areas such as tobacco use, emotional eating, Graves’ disease, and hyperthyroidism.

Overall, those with these genes tended to have better health. Interestingly, alcohol-protective genes were also associated with an increased risk of malaria, lung cancer, and skin cancer.

While these associations do not definitively establish cause and effect, they provide valuable insights for further investigation. The observed patterns might be influenced by alcohol consumption habits rather than the genetic variations themselves.

“Could these genetic differences impact conditions like malaria and skin cancer independently of alcohol consumption?” questions behavioral geneticist Abraham Palmer from UC San Diego.

Large-Scale Data Analysis Aids in Uncovering Genetic Patterns, Minimizing Population Bias

Utilizing extensive datasets enables researchers to identify overlooked patterns. The team categorized individuals into European, Latin American, or African American groups to mitigate issues related to population stratification, ensuring the results were not biased by differing genetic ancestries and associated health risks among groups.

Ultimately, the findings could provide experts with additional treatment options, including medications or other therapies, to address these various health issues, including alcohol abuse.

“Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind these effects could lead to advancements in treatments and preventive medicine,” says Sanchez-Roige.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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