A recent study has shed new light on the role of genes in protecting against heavy drinking. While these genes are well known for their protective effects against alcoholism, they may also be linked to other health conditions. Scientists conducted a large-scale DNA analysis, examining over 3 million genetic records and focusing on variations in genetic code known as SNPs. These SNPs have previously been associated with lower alcohol consumption and a reduced risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
The study found that these genes, sometimes referred to as “lightweight genes,” can cause unpleasant reactions to alcohol, like nausea, which serves as a deterrent to overconsumption. However, the research suggests that these genes may also be involved in other health areas. The researchers discovered connections to conditions such as heart disease and mental health issues, though further investigation is needed to understand the nature of these links.
The study was led by a group at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and was recently published in the Lancet eBioMedicine. According to the corresponding author and associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, individuals who have a minor allele variant of the SNP convert ethanol to acetaldehyde very rapidly, causing negative effects like nausea that overshadow any pleasurable effects of alcohol. The study classified individuals broadly into European, Latin American, and African American groups based on genetic data.