Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2)

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a mitochondrial enzyme that belongs to the aldehyde dehydrogenase family. It plays a central role in the oxidation and detoxification of aldehydes, most notably acetaldehyde, which is a toxic intermediate produced during ethanol metabolism. It also detoxifies other reactive aldehydes such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), and is involved in bioactivation of nitroglycerin. The most notable genetic variant is ALDH2*2, which drastically reduces enzyme activity and is common in East Asians, leading to increased acetaldehyde levels after alcohol consumption. Impaired ALDH2 function is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, enhancement of aldehyde dehydrogenase activity.