Mitochondrial aldehyde-metabolism variant
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About ALDH2 – rs671
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About ALDH2 – rs671
Overview and History
ALDH2 – rs671 is a single nucleotide polymorphism in the ALDH2 gene (often reported as the Glu504Lys / G>A change). It is a pharmacogenetic and functional variant first noted for its effect on alcohol flushing and acetaldehyde metabolism and is especially common in East Asian populations.
ALDH2 encodes a mitochondrial enzyme that oxidizes short-lived aldehydes such as acetaldehyde and lipid-derived aldehydes generated during oxidative stress. By metabolizing these reactive molecules, ALDH2 helps limit protein and DNA modification, supports mitochondrial redox balance, and influences pathways relevant to vascular function and certain drug bioactivation.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Interpreting rs671 is about enzyme activity rather than a circulating concentration. A genotype associated with reduced ALDH2 activity (the rs671 A allele) suggests slower clearance of endogenous and dietary aldehydes, higher aldehyde exposure, and patterns consistent with greater oxidative and aldehyde-related cellular stress. A genotype associated with normal or higher ALDH2 activity (the wild-type allele) indicates more efficient aldehyde detoxification and a different expected pattern across oxidative, endothelial, and pharmacogenomic markers. All interpretations should be made alongside the full Cardio Zoomer profile and clinical context.
Featured Test
Cardio Zoomer includes ALDH2 – rs671 because inherited ALDH2 function shapes aldehyde burden, oxidative stress markers, endothelial signaling, and responses to certain drugs. Knowing rs671 status helps clinicians explain patterns across redox, vascular, and pharmacogenomic domains and supports individualized interpretation of the complete cardiovascular panel.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
