New research has uncovered a new facet of genes that provide protection against heavy drinking. While these genes are well-known for their role in preventing alcoholism, they may also be linked to other health conditions. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine conducted an extensive DNA analysis, examining over 3 million genetic records and focusing on variations in the genetic code known as SNPs. These SNPs have previously been associated with lower alcohol consumption and reduced risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
These “easy genes” can cause unpleasant reactions to alcohol, such as nausea, which serves as a deterrent to excessive consumption. The study suggests that these genes may be involved in other health areas as well. Researchers have found links to conditions such as heart disease and mental health problems, although further research is needed to understand the nature of these links. The study, published in Lancet eBioMedicine, analyzed a dataset of over 3 million individuals.
According to the corresponding author and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of San Diego School of Medicine, individuals who have the minor allelic variant of the SNP convert ethanol to acetaldehyde very quickly, causing negative effects such as nausea that overshadow all the pleasant effects of alcohol. The study broadly classified individuals into European, Hispanic, and African American groups based on genetic data.