Slow-metabolizing ADH1B and inactive heterozygous ALDH2 increase vulnerability to fatty liver in Japanese men with alcohol dependence.

Background: Genetic polymorphisms of alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B; rs1229984, His48Arg) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2; rs671, Glu504Lys) affect body weight, body fat, and lipid metabolism in individuals with alcohol dependence, and the aim of this study was to identify their determinants in relation to the development of fatty liver.

Methods: We evaluated associations between the presence of fatty liver and ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes and other factors in 1604 Japanese men who had been admitted for treatment of alcohol dependence.

Results: Fatty liver was diagnosed when ultrasonography showed both hepatorenal contrast and liver brightness.