Alcohol is detoxified in the liver by the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. The available literature suggests that activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase is less than alcohol dehydrogenase among Asians; hence it leads to accumulation of acetaldehyde during excess intake of alcohol. Accumulated acetaldehyde due to its electrophilic nature forms adducts with proteins and DNA. The acetaldehyde-DNA adduct (N-2-Ethyl deoxyguanosine (NDG)) induces mutations in DNA and leads to DNA damage. Prevention of excessive accumulation of acetaldehyde can be useful in decreasing the genotoxicity.
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