Some genes protect against alcohol, but they cut both ways

Reading time: 2 minutes – spotted on ScienceAlert

Some people have genes that protect them from excessive drinking and its associated dangers. Unfortunately, these genes are linked to other health problems, according to a new study analyzed by ScienceAlert.

The international research team that conducted the study analyzed more than 3.2 million DNA files. She first looked for specific features of the genetic code, called “nucleotide polymorphisms” (NPs), then analyzed variants of these NPs (also called “alleles”).

Some of these alleles have already been shown to protect against risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, such as causing nausea. Sandra Sanchez-Roige, a geneticist at the University of California, San Diego and co-author of the study, explains: “People who have the minor PN allele convert ethanol to acetaldehyde very quickly. These options therefore related to the amount of alcohol a person can drink.”

People with these protective alleles tend to be healthier and less prone to chronic fatigue than others. However, the study suggests they will have worse outcomes in areas such as smoking, Graves’ disease or even hyperthyroidism. Genes that protect against alcohol are also associated with a higher risk of malaria, lung cancer and skin cancer.

Correlation is not causation

It was the use of very large amounts of data that allowed scientists to identify these correlations. However, they do not prove that genetic variations are the direct cause of these disorders. It is possible that this is a result of drinking habits rather than direct genetic variations.

According to behavioral geneticist Abraham Palmer, scientists will now be able to ask themselves the following question: “Do these genetic differences influence events such as malaria and skin cancer, independent of alcohol consumption?”

The results may allow specialists to develop other forms of therapy or treatment for all of these health problems, including alcohol abuse. “Understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects may have implications for preventive medicine.”“, says Sandra Sanchez-Roige.