ALDH2 Reference Standard

Background

ALDH2 (acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2) possesses both aldehyde dehydrogenase and esterase activities and is involved in the metabolism of drugs such as ethanol and nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin tablets are an emergency anti-anginal medication primarily used for the prevention and treatment of angina pectoris in coronary heart disease. They are also used to lower blood pressure or treat congestive heart failure. When ALDH2 harbors the Glu504Lys mutation, the nitrate esterase activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase decreases by more than 10-fold, significantly impairing the ability of nitroglycerin to convert to nitric oxide (NO), making it difficult to rapidly release NO to alleviate symptoms.