Genetic differences that make you sleepy when you drink can also protect against alcohol dependence
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 17:40
in Health & Medicine
Genetic differences in alcohol-metabolizing enzymes can significantly alter an individual's risk for developing alcohol dependence (AD). One variant of the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, ADH1B*3, is observed almost exclusively in populations with African ancestry and has also been associated with reduced rates of AD. A new study has found that greater levels of sedation in African Americans with ADH1B*3 may explain their lower rates of AD.