It's a
typical lunch in Italy .
Each person is served a variety of meat, cheese, as well as 2 different types
of wines. While everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, one person of the
Chinese descent appears to be flushed in the cheeks and the neck. This is what
happens to me and millions of other Asians when we consume alcohol. Alcohol
flush reaction, commonly referred to as Asian glow, is a condition that affects
about 50% of southeastern Asians of namely Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
descent.
Acetic Acid |
Acetalaldehyde |
Asian glow
is caused by a defective copy of the ALDH2 gene. While most people of Caucasian
descent have 2 normal copies of the ALDH2 gene, 50% of Asians only have 1
functional copy of the ALDH2 gene and 1 mutant copy. The ALDH2 gene codes for
an enzyme in the aldehyde dehydrogenase family, a key component to converting
acetaldehyde to acetic acid. Normally, acetaldehyde is formed from the
oxidation of ethanol before it is further converted to acetic acid by
acetaldehyde hydrogenase. However, people with a dominant mutant copy of the
ALDH2 are unable to convert acetaldehyde into acetic acid, resulting in a
buildup of acetaldehyde in their systems, which contains higher toxicity than
ethanol.
The
symptoms of Asian glow include redness of the face, neck as well as the chest.
Other symptom include headaches, increased pulse rates, dizziness, and nausea. Asians
afflicted with Asian glow also have increased risks of liver problems and
esophageal cancers. The flushing of the face discourages Asians from drinking
since it's typically viewed as embarrassing. Considering the dangers of
drinking to Asians with Asian glow, it is a good thing that Asians typically
drink less than their Caucasian counterparts.
Sources:
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